Hendrick Motorsports has extended Chase Elliott’s contract to the end of the 2022 NASCAR Cup season.
The 21-year-old son of 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott has been a Hendrick protege since his teens and was chosen to replace Jeff Gordon in the team’s #24 Chevrolet when the NASCAR legend retired from full-time racing ahead of the 2016 season.
“It means the world to me to be a part of this organisation, and I couldn’t be happier,” Elliott said of his new deal.
“I wouldn’t want to drive for anybody else but Hendrick Motorsports.
“I am very proud to be where I am, and I definitely take it upon myself to work hard and make sure I do my part for the company as we move forward.”
Although Elliott is yet to win at Cup level, he has taken three poles and three second places and is sixth in the standings at present.
Team owner Rick Hendrick said the intention was to keep Elliott on board “for many years”.
“As both a driver and a person, where Chase is today at 21 years old is unbelievable,” said Hendrick.
“With all the expectations and pressure, he’s stayed focused on being himself and working as hard as he can.
“The pure driving talent has always been obvious, and he’s doing so many great things off the track.
“He’ll be a big part of our organisation and our sport for many years.
“I’m looking forward to watching him continue to grow with us.”
Elliott is the second of Hendrick’s four drivers to secure a new deal this month, with reigning champion Jimmie Johnson having recently he had extended his contract through the 2018 season.
Kasey Kahne’s contract runs to the end of next season, though Hendrick has lost two of the primary sponsors on his #5 car over the last year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr has already announced that he will retire from top-level racing at the end of 2017.