Chase Elliott Brings Unique Design Approach to Iconic No. 9 Car

Chase Elliott's Drive to Design in NASCAR

Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR's brightest young stars, will be back behind the wheel of the iconic No. 9 car when the series heads to Martinsville Speedway next month. Elliott has made a name for himself both on and off the track through his competitive driving style and his unique approach to race car design.

Elliott's Road to the Cup Series

The son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, racing is in Chase Elliott's blood. He began his driving career in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2011 at just 15 years old, quickly showcasing his raw talent and scoring a win in just his sixth career start. From there, Elliott moved up the NASCAR ladder, finding success in the Xfinity Series before eventually being promoted to the elite Cup Series fulltime in 2016.

Driving the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott made an immediate impact. He scored 10 top-10 finishes as a rookie and earned the fan-voted Most Popular Driver Award. The following year, he scored his first Cup Series win at Watkins Glen and qualified for the playoffs. In 2020, Elliott captured his first Cup Series championship, proving he belonged among NASCAR's top drivers.

Taking Over the No. 9 Car

For 2023, Elliott is making a major change by moving from the No. 24 car to the iconic No. 9 machine. The No. 9 has a deep history in NASCAR, driven by legends like Bill Elliott and Alan Kulwicki. Now Chase will have a chance to continue that legacy behind the wheel of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 Chevrolet.

The car will feature a new paint scheme designed by Elliott himself. It incorporates his traditional colors into a bold, modern look. Elliott's move to the No. 9 car opens up the No. 24 for new Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, setting the stage for both drivers to make their mark on NASCAR's history.

Elliott's Hands-On Design Approach

What truly sets Chase Elliott apart is his hands-on approach to race car design. Most drivers simply drive the car given to them by the team. But Elliott takes an active role in designing his own vehicles, bringing an artistic eye to the science of race car engineering.

Since his early days in NASCAR, Elliott has worked closely with the Hendrick Motorsports fabrication shop on developing his cars each season. He provides input on aerodynamic styling, chassis setups, and other design elements. Elliott's attention to detail and feel for finding speed in the car give him an edge on race day.

For the No. 9 car, Elliott took his design involvement even further. He actively participated in crafting the new look of the car, penning the shape and contours himself before collaborating with Hendrick's design team on the final paint scheme.

Pushing Performance Through Design

Elliott's hands-on design approach is aimed at one goal: making his car faster. By being involved in decisions ranging from body shape to suspension setups, he is able to mold the car to his unique driving style.

Elliott prefers a loose race car that allows him to carry speed through the corners. So he works with the team to optimize downforce and balance in ways that suit his aggressive driving. This ability to customize the car to his strengths often pays dividends late in races, when handling and performance are pushed to the limit.

The new No. 9 car that Elliott will pilot at Martinsville and beyond will surely benefit from his artistic design eye. If initial testing is any indication, the car seems dialed in to Chase's preference. That could spell success when he takes to the track against the top drivers in NASCAR.

The Future of Driver Design

Elliott's deep involvement in race car design could very well be the future of NASCAR. With rapidly evolving vehicle technology, drivers who understand engineering and aerodynamics may have an advantage.

Younger drivers like Elliott, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace are taking greater roles in the development process. They grew up with knowledge of design programs and simulation technology not available to older racers. This bodes well for the future of the sport.

Still, Elliott will have his work cut out carrying on the legacy of the No. 9 car. Greats like his father Bill Elliott and Kulwicki set a high bar that Chase will look to exceed as he takes the wheel at Martinsville. But if his thoughtful design approach pays dividends, he could very well be on his way to more checkered flags and championships driving the iconic Hendrick Motorsports No. 9.

FAQs

Why is Chase Elliott moving to the No. 9 car?

Elliott is moving to the No. 9 to continue the legacy of that iconic number. The No. 9 has a deep history in NASCAR driven by legends like Bill Elliott and Alan Kulwicki. Chase now has the chance to carry on that legacy driving for Hendrick Motorsports.

What is unique about Chase Elliott's approach to race car design?

Unlike most drivers, Chase takes a very hands-on approach to designing his own cars. He works closely with the team to customize areas like aerodynamics, chassis setups, and suspension to match his driving style. This gives him an edge on race day.

How has Elliott been involved in designing the new No. 9 car?

Elliott has been heavily involved in crafting the new look and feel of the No. 9 car. He actively penned the shape and style himself before collaborating with Hendrick's team on the final design. He also provides input on technical elements to optimize speed.

Could Elliott's design approach be the future for NASCAR drivers?

Yes, Elliott's deep involvement in car design could signal a trend toward drivers getting more hands-on with development. As race car technology advances, drivers with engineering knowledge could have an advantage in tuning the car to their driving style.