‘I Didn’t Want To Let Jeff And Rick Down’—Dale Earnhardt Jr. Breaks Silence On Secret Behind Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Car

For decades, NASCAR has thrived on legendary rivalries, iconic numbers, and the emotional connections that bind fans to their favorite drivers. But every once in a while, a revelation surfaces that reshapes the way people view the history of the sport. This time, that revelation came from none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr., who stunned fans when he finally broke his silence on a long-kept secret tied to Chase Elliott’s No. 9 car.

What he revealed was not just about a number painted on the side of a race car—it was about loyalty, legacy, and the hidden responsibility he carried for both Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick.

With one candid admission, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has forever changed the way fans will look at the rise of Chase Elliott and the history of Hendrick Motorsports.

The Untold Weight Behind the No. 9

When Chase Elliott took the wheel of the No. 9 car, many saw it as a symbolic tribute to his father, the legendary Bill Elliott, who had driven the same number into NASCAR’s history books. But behind that symbolic gesture was a complex story of negotiations, mentorship, and quiet influence—much of it driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

In a powerful moment on his podcast, Dale Jr. admitted, “I didn’t want to let Jeff and Rick down. There were things happening behind the scenes with that car, and I felt responsible to make sure the right guy was in it.”

That statement immediately captured the attention of fans across the racing world. Suddenly, the No. 9 car wasn’t just about family legacy—it was about the trust that Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick had placed in Dale Earnhardt Jr. to ensure that the future of their organization was safe.

The Gordon-Hendrick-Earnhardt Connection

The connection between Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always run deeper than the fans realized. When Gordon began to wind down his career in the No. 24 car, Rick Hendrick faced the enormous challenge of preparing for a future without one of NASCAR’s most iconic drivers.

At the same time, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was transitioning into a role that extended beyond driving. Through his work with JR Motorsports, he was mentoring young drivers, scouting talent, and influencing decisions that shaped the Cup Series.

It was during this period that the idea of bringing Chase Elliott into Hendrick’s Cup lineup began to take shape. According to Dale Jr., he became a trusted voice in the room, someone Gordon and Hendrick turned to for perspective. “Jeff and Rick trusted me. They wanted my opinion on Chase, whether he was ready. I knew what that car meant to them, and I knew I had to get it right.”

That level of trust shows just how central Dale Earnhardt Jr. was to the transition.

Why Chase Elliott Did Not Drive the No. 24

When fans first learned that Chase Elliott would not inherit Gordon’s No. 24, many were surprised. Why wouldn’t Hendrick simply hand the number down to the next great driver? The explanation at the time was framed around honoring the Elliott family legacy with the No. 9, but Dale Jr.’s revelation shows there was far more at play.

Elliott tested in the No. 24 car, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. argued against it. He feared that the comparisons to Jeff Gordon would crush Elliott before his career had even begun. “I told them, if Chase goes in the 24, every single mistake will be magnified. He’ll be measured against Jeff every week, and that’s not fair. The 9 gives him space to be himself.”

That advice proved prophetic. By giving Chase Elliott the No. 9 car, Hendrick allowed him to build his own identity—connected to his father’s history but not buried under the impossible weight of replacing Gordon.

Dale Jr.’s Emotional Motivation

For Dale Earnhardt Jr., this decision was deeply personal. More than anyone, he understood the crushing pressure of carrying a legendary number. He had lived it himself with the No. 8 car and later the No. 88, constantly measured against the shadow of his father, the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr.

He admitted that his own experiences shaped his passion for protecting Elliott: “I knew what it was like to grow up under a shadow. I knew what it was like to carry a number that meant more than you. I didn’t want Chase to go through that. I didn’t want to let Jeff and Rick down, but I didn’t want to let Chase down either.”

That level of empathy explains why Dale Jr. fought so hard for the decision. It wasn’t just about protecting Hendrick’s legacy—it was about protecting Elliott from the same burdens he had faced.

Fans React to Dale Jr.’s Confession

The NASCAR fan base erupted when the story broke. For some, it was a shocking glimpse into how much influence Dale Earnhardt Jr. quietly wielded behind the scenes. For others, it was a reason to admire him even more.

“Dale Jr. saved Chase from being buried under the Gordon comparisons,” one fan wrote. “That’s a mentor right there.”

Another added, “This makes me respect him even more. He wasn’t just thinking about Hendrick’s future—he was thinking about Chase as a person.”

The revelation also reignited debates about iconic NASCAR numbers. For decades, numbers like 3, 24, and 43 defined eras of racing. Now, fans see the No. 9 in that same light, not just because of Elliott’s success but because of the intentional choices that placed him there.

The Legacy of Hendrick Motorsports

For Hendrick Motorsports, the decision has proven to be a masterstroke. Chase Elliott has gone on to become a Cup Series champion, one of the sport’s most popular drivers, and the new face of NASCAR for a younger generation.

But the revelation that Dale Earnhardt Jr. played such a crucial role adds a new dimension to the story. It shows how intertwined the legacies of Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are in shaping the next generation of Hendrick drivers.

It also reinforces the idea that Hendrick’s success has always been built not just on talent but on wise mentorship and carefully chosen guidance.

Dale Jr.’s Legacy as NASCAR’s Protector

Ultimately, the story of Chase Elliott’s No. 9 car is also the story of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s legacy. While his own career included Cup victories, Daytona 500 wins, and the pressure of being the son of a legend, his influence as a mentor may prove to be just as important.

By revealing his behind-the-scenes role, Dale Jr. has reminded the world that his greatest contributions to NASCAR extend far beyond the driver’s seat. His ability to guide, protect, and influence the future of the sport ensures that his impact will last for generations.

As he put it himself, “Sometimes, being part of this sport isn’t about what you do on the track—it’s about making sure the next guy has what he needs to succeed.”

That statement sums up everything NASCAR fans love about Dale Earnhardt Jr. He is more than just a driver, more than just a son of a legend. He is a steward of the sport, carrying forward the lessons of the past to secure the future.

And with his revelation, the story of Chase Elliott’s No. 9 car will never be viewed the same way again.