Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, is known for his generosity and dedication to his drivers and teams. This holiday season, he has taken things to another level by dropping a surprise Christmas gift for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team, adding a festive spark to their off-season preparations.
The gift? A brand-new state-of-the-art simulator and performance center exclusively dedicated to the No. 9 team. The facility, built within Hendrick Motorsports’ Concord, North Carolina campus, is designed to provide Chase Elliott and his crew with cutting-edge tools to enhance their performance in the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
A Gift for the Future
The simulator, one of the most advanced in NASCAR, is equipped with artificial intelligence-powered analytics, real-time track replication, and personalized driver optimization tools. This will allow Elliott to simulate track conditions and scenarios more precisely than ever before, giving him a competitive edge.
Hendrick’s gift comes as the team aims to rebound in 2024 after an inconsistent 2023 season. Chase Elliott, a former NASCAR Cup Series champion, has expressed gratitude for Hendrick’s investment in his success.
“This is incredible,” said Elliott. “Rick has always been a strong supporter of his teams, but this just shows how much faith he has in us. This new tool is going to help us hit the ground running in 2024. I can’t wait to get started.”
A Commitment to Excellence
Rick Hendrick, speaking about the gift, emphasized his belief in Chase and the No. 9 team’s potential.
“Christmas is about giving back to the people who matter most,” Hendrick said. “Chase and the entire No. 9 team have a lot of talent and heart. This simulator is our way of saying, ‘We believe in you, and we’re behind you every step of the way.’ I want to see them thrive next year.”
Team Spirit
The surprise announcement was followed by a team gathering at the new facility, where Hendrick joined Elliott, crew chief Alan Gustafson, and the rest of the No. 9 team for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The team also celebrated the occasion with a festive holiday meal and shared their goals for the new season.
With this innovative gift, Hendrick Motorsports has sent a clear message: they’re committed to maintaining their status as one of NASCAR’s elite organizations. For Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team, the simulator is more than just a Christmas gift—it’s a reminder of the belief and trust placed in them as they chase glory in 2024.
What’s Next?
The new performance center will see action immediately, with the No. 9 team scheduled to begin testing in January. Fans of Elliott can look forward to seeing how this investment translates on the track as the Daytona 500 kicks off the season in February.
This holiday season, Rick Hendrick has proven once again why he’s considered one of the most beloved figures in NASCAR. For Chase Elliott and his team, it’s full speed ahead into 2024, thanks to a little extra Christmas cheer.
