For those hoping Chase Elliott might drive the No. 9 that his father made famous now that Richard Petty Motorsports no longer is using that number, don’t hold your breath.
A Hendrick Motorsports official confirmed Monday to NASCAR Talk that Elliott will drive the No. 24 car this season in the Sprint Cup Series.
Richard Petty Motorsports announced Monday that it is changing Brian Scott’s number to No. 44 after the organization’s second car had been No. 9 since 2009.
While there had been a push by some fans for Elliott to drive the No. 9 -- a number his Hall of Fame father Bill raced from 1976-91 and 2001-03 -- don’t expect it to happen soon. The No. 24 car is a part of Hendrick Motorsports’ heritage with the success Jeff Gordon had in it before leaving the seat after last season.