Why did Chase Elliott part ways with veteran HMS spotter Eddie D’Hondt?

Chase Elliott won the 2020 Cup title with Eddie D’Hondt as his spotter.

Why did Chase Elliott part ways with veteran HMS spotter Eddie D’Hondt?

Chase Elliott (Via IMAGO)

2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott will go to the 2024 season with the new voice behind the team radio giving him instructions from the spotter stand. His current spotter, Eddie D’Hondt, who has been with Hendrick Motorsports for 12 years has announced that he won’t return to the No:9 Chevy Camaro ZL1 team.

The veteran is one of the most successful spotters in the sport having been part of teams of two drivers that are on the list of the sport’s 75 greatest of all time. He spotted four times Cup Series champion and current HMS Vice-Chairman Jeff Gordon for multiple seasons before teaming up with Elliott after the legendary driver’s retirement.

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D’Hondt via his official X handle confirmed the news and pointed out that he cherishes all the moments he had at the Chevy Giants. He highlighted the 26 Cup race wins and the 2020 Cup title he has helped to win. D’Hondt also revealed that he is excited about what is ahead of him, hinting at a possible role with another team.

Been a helluva run.. 12yrs, 26 wins, 2020 Champs. Thank you to Mr. Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Chase Elliott, and Alan Gustafson. 468 races together, 26 wins & a (Cup). Lastly, my dude Kevin Hamlin. A career to many, a wonderful lifetime memory, for us all. Excited for what’s next

The 2023 season was a nightmare for Chase Elliott

Eddie D’Hondt is leaving Elliott on the back of the worst season Bill Elliott’s son had in the premier division in terms of output. He failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in his Cup career and ended the year winless.

Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney
Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)

The primary reason for the disappointing end to the season was the tibia injury he suffered at the start of the season following a snowboarding accident. He missed six straight races and lost valuable momentum. Elliott was sidelined for one more race after a clash with Denny Hamlin, which made NASCAR suspend him.

Going into the 2024 season with a new spotter, the primary objective of Elliott will be redemption. He has to end his winless run and make his way to the playoffs with solid runs. Elliott will be on a mission to prove himself yet again in 2024.

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