Hendrick Motorsports Unveils Chase Elliott’s Golden Tribute for NAPA’s 100-Year Legacy in NASCAR

Carrying on the legacy of his Hall of Famer father, Chase Elliott has become NASCAR’s most popular driver, with 19 Cup wins and titles in both top-tier series. Elliott will hit Texas Motor Speedway this weekend with a fresh paint scheme celebrating NAPA Auto Parts’ 100-year legacy.

As the race is right around the corner, Hendrick Motorsports has shared a glimpse of Elliott’s tribute car in Texas.

Chase Elliott Unveils NAPA 100-Year Tribute Scheme with Hendrick Motorsports

Elliott’s No. 9 car will hit the track in a bold champagne gold design that’s sure to stand out to fans in the stands and watching at home.

NAPA Auto Parts has been a staple sponsor in NASCAR’s national series since the late 1970s, beginning with Janet Guthrie’s 1976 World 600 entry. Since then, the company has stood behind drivers such as Buddy Baker, Jimmy Means, Michael Waltrip, Martin Truex Jr., and most recently, Elliott.

NAPA has been there for nearly every major moment in his career, including both championship wins and all but six Cup victories. Elliott admits that without their early support at age 18, his path in racing may have gone another direction.

“NAPA has defined my entire career, I’ve said it a lot,” The Associated Press quotes the Dawsonville, Georgia native.

“I’ve tried to express my appreciation for them, but if they don’t come on board, I don’t think 2014 happens. You’re essentially looking at the Xfinity championship never happening. We were going to run a handful of races had NAPA not signed on.”

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“We were talking about a part-time season and going full-time wasn’t going to be possible without that money, without that deal coming. So, yeah, it was more than a little career defining.”

The company also backs McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and Daniel Hemric in the Truck Series, Brad Sweet in sprint cars, and Ron Capps in NHRA Funny Car.

While NAPA boasts a century-long legacy, it didn’t enter NASCAR sponsorship until 2001. Waltrip was the first driver who was endorsed by the brand, and the company stuck with him when he left Dale Earnhardt Inc. to start his own team.

The brand eventually shifted its backing to Martin Truex Jr. at Michael Waltrip Racing. But, it ended the partnership after the team was implicated in a race fixing controversy late in the 2013 season.

As the reigning winner at Texas Motor Speedway, Chase Elliott returns to the scene of his latest Cup Series victory. This time, carrying the colors of a striking NAPA Auto Parts tribute livery to mark the company’s 100-year milestone.