Jeff Gordon Gives Major Update on “Franchise Guy” Chase Elliott’s HMS Contract Extension Talks

It is really hard to imagines 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott now driving any other car than the No:9 Chevy in the top division and in theory the unthinkable could happen, if Rick Hendrick didn’t extend the veteran’s contract past the 2027 season. Vice Chairman of the team, Jeff Gordon, talked about it recently.

Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the four times Cup champion pointed out that there is no doubt that HMS wants to extend the champion drivers’ contract. The plan Hendrick has for Bill Elliott’s son is pretty simple, make him race for them till the day he retires from the sport. But it won’t be easy considering how wild fiancées of the sport are.

As far as we’re concerned at Hendrick, we want him to be one of those guys that drives at Hendrick forever. We’ve had some conversations, but there’s a lot of parts and pieces.

Jeff Gordon said about the 2020 champion.

The veteran’s HMS career so far has been nothing by impressive. From 368 starts, he has win 23 races and finished inside the top-5 in 120 events. Chase Elliott’s average finish of 12.74 is matched by only a handful of rivals. Jeff Gordon is confident that they can comes to a decision on the terms of the new deal, as soon as the contract talks starts.  

From partners and discussions with Chase that will have to take place and need to get buttoned down. But we feel very confident.

Jeff Gordon added via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

He reminded the racing community that for Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott is their franchise guy, and they don’t want to let him at any cost. The reason for the feeling is simple; he is most recognizable face among the race US fans and wins for them regularly. HMS have a lot of time left in the hands to sit down and discuss the future.

And listen, when we talk about a Chase Elliott, he’s like a franchise guy.  So, yeah, the conversations usually happen a little earlier with someone like that, but we do have time. It’s not until the end of next year.

Jeff Gordon asserted.

Jeff Gordon reveals talent wasn’t the only reason HMS signed Connor Zilisch

HMS shocked the NASCAR garage when they confirmed the signing of youngster Connor Zilisch for the 2028 season and beyond, replacing Alex Bowman in the No:48 car. Recently Gordon explained why surprise talent wasn’t the only reason they signed the racer from Trackhouse Racing over other potential candidates. It was also his ability work well in a team, some HMS values a lot.

It’s not just his talent, that’s pretty obvious. It’s really making sure it’s somebody that has great communication skills, wants to be a great team player.

Jeff Gordon said.

The comments show how being insanely talented won’t be enough to make a career with NASCAR winningest team. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for star driver in upcoming years with HMS.

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