When Chase Elliott first signed a development deal with Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, team owner Rick Hendrick immediately saw extraordinary potential in the young driver. Hendrick compared his feelings about Elliott to those he had for legendary drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, saying, “I felt as strongly about him as the way I felt about Jeff (Gordon) and Jimmie (Johnson).” This was more than just recognizing a famous last name; Hendrick saw lightning in a bottle in Elliott.
Over a decade later, Elliott stood victorious at EchoPark Speedway in Georgia—his hometown track—celebrating his first win in 44 races. This victory was not merely another race win or a playoff qualifier; it was deeply meaningful. Although Rick Hendrick was not physically present at the track, Elliott made sure to acknowledge him with a quiet but powerful five-word message that resonated beyond the garage walls.
The Race and Elliott’s Performance
Starting 18th, Elliott was not the favorite going into the Quaker State 400. The race was chaotic, with a massive 23-car wreck in stage two and multiple red flags disrupting the flow. Elliott drove with determination and patience, avoiding the carnage and steadily moving through the field. He finished stage one in 10th place and methodically picked off competitors in stage two.
The final lap saw a dramatic showdown between Elliott and Brad Keselowski. Elliott, driving the No. 9 Chevy adorned with a special paint scheme designed by 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills to benefit children’s healthcare in Atlanta, waited for the perfect moment. In a daring move, he dove low into Turn 2, running just inches from Keselowski, and pulled ahead by Turn 4 to claim the win.
After the race, Elliott expressed gratitude to his team, sponsors, and Rhealynn Mills, then looked directly into the camera to deliver his heartfelt message:
“Say hey to Mr. Hendrick at home—thanks for sticking with me, pal. And yeah, just again, thanks to all you guys, ’cause this right here is—you can’t dream of this.”
Rick Hendrick’s Faith in Elliott
Despite Elliott’s struggles in the 2025 season, with only one win in 2024 and a winless stretch before that, Rick Hendrick never wavered in his support. Hendrick’s initial investment in Elliott was based on recognizing his potential beyond his father Bill Elliott’s legacy. Hendrick likened his belief in Chase to owning a champion Doberman with a great pedigree, confident in his future success.
Elliott’s career progression validated Hendrick’s faith: he earned Rookie of the Year in 2016, took over Jeff Gordon’s iconic No. 24 car, and won the Cup Series championship in 2020. He also became NASCAR’s seven-time most popular driver, admired for both his skill and character.
The Final Lap Ambush and Keselowski’s Reaction
Brad Keselowski dominated much of the race, leading 46 laps and controlling the pace late into the event. However, in the closing laps, Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman worked together to trap Keselowski. Elliott’s low dive and Bowman’s push on the final lap created a double-team that Keselowski could not fend off.
Keselowski acknowledged the teamwork after the race, saying:
“(Elliott) got a great push from (Bowman). If those guys would race, I could hold them off, but when they double-teamed me like that… we lost that at the end.”
Despite the loss, Keselowski took it gracefully, focusing on moving forward to the next race.
This victory was more than just a win for Chase Elliott; it was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring bond between a driver and his team owner. The five-word message to Rick Hendrick encapsulated a decade of trust and belief that culminated in an emotional and hard-fought triumph at Elliott’s home track.
