BREAKING: Chase Elliott Stuns NASCAR World by Rejecting Record $875 Million Offer from JR Motorsports, Reaffirms Loyalty to Hendrick Motorsports
June 7, 2025 – Charlotte, NC —
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott has reportedly turned down a staggering $875 million contract offer from JR Motorsports, opting instead to remain loyal to Hendrick Motorsports — the team he has called home since his Cup Series debut.
The jaw-dropping figure, which would have made Elliott the highest-paid driver in motorsports history and among the top-paid athletes in the world, was said to be a groundbreaking attempt by JR Motorsports to lure the 2020 Cup Series champion into spearheading their full-time Cup expansion.
Instead, Elliott has chosen legacy over luxury, issuing a short but powerful statement late Friday night: “My loyalty lies with Hendrick. It’s more than a team — it’s my family.”
The $875 Million Bombshell
Multiple industry sources confirm that JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., made a formal push to sign Elliott to a long-term deal that included driver salary, sponsorship revenue shares, media ventures, and partial ownership of the team.
JR Motorsports, which has long dominated in the Xfinity Series, has been exploring a move into the Cup Series full-time. Having Elliott — a generational talent and fan favorite — as the face of that expansion would have been a seismic play in reshaping the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
“This was not just a driver contract,” said one NASCAR executive familiar with the negotiations. “It was a vision of a racing empire — with Chase Elliott at the center. The fact that he walked away from nearly a billion dollars says everything about his values.”
Loyalty to Hendrick
Chase Elliott, 29, has raced with Hendrick Motorsports for nearly a decade, stepping into the No. 24 car in 2016 and then transitioning to the iconic No. 9. Over the years, he has become the face of the Hendrick brand and one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, winning the Cup Series championship in 2020 and securing a string of consistent playoff appearances.
The Georgia native’s bond with team owner Rick Hendrick goes beyond business. Rick was a close friend of Elliott’s late cousin and racing mentor Casey Elliott, and the relationship between the Elliott and Hendrick families has spanned generations.
“I came into this sport with Hendrick, and I want to finish my career here,” Elliott said in a follow-up interview Saturday morning. “They believed in me when I was a kid with no wins and a lot to learn. That means more than any contract ever could.”
What This Means for JR Motorsports
The rejection represents a major blow for JR Motorsports, which has been aggressively positioning itself to enter the Cup Series by 2026. Insiders say the deal with Elliott was months in the making, with Earnhardt Jr. personally involved in recruiting efforts.
Still, Earnhardt released a classy statement in response: “We swung for the fences, and we respect Chase’s decision. He’s one of the best to ever do it, and I’ll always consider him a part of the JR Motorsports family.”
Despite this setback, JR Motorsports is still expected to move forward with its Cup Series plans, possibly targeting other big-name drivers or bringing up top talent from its Xfinity program.
NASCAR Reacts
The motorsports world was abuzz following the announcement, with fans, drivers, and analysts alike weighing in. On social media, tributes poured in praising Elliott’s commitment to loyalty and team identity — a rare trait in an era increasingly dominated by mega-contracts and brand crossovers.
“Chase just proved that not everything is for sale,” tweeted former driver and analyst Clint Bowyer. “Incredible offer, but staying true to your roots? That’s legacy stuff.”
ESPN’s Marty Smith called it “the biggest ‘no’ in NASCAR history,” while Fox Sports host Shannon Spake said, “That’s the kind of move that makes you a legend off the track, too.”
What’s Next for Elliott
With Elliott reaffirming his commitment to Hendrick, expect the team to capitalize on the buzz with a new long-term contract extension in the coming weeks. Rumors suggest the new deal will include increased equity in team operations, broader involvement in Hendrick Motorsports’ developmental programs, and a major media initiative around Elliott’s growing brand.
Elliott, who is currently in the thick of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, remains one of the sport’s most consistent drivers and a perennial championship contender. His decision to stay doesn’t just impact the trajectory of Hendrick and JR Motorsports — it could shape the future of NASCAR itself.
Conclusion
In an era where athletes frequently chase the highest bidder,
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