The motorsport world has been left in absolute disbelief after ashocking announcement from Hendrick Motorsportsthat directly affects the future of one of NASCAR’s most beloved drivers,Chase Elliott. For months, rumors had circulated that Elliott was in talks to explore an opportunity outside of NASCAR — something that few believed would ever truly happen. But now, the speculation is over. Hendrick Motorsports has made it official:Chase Elliott’s fate in WRC 2026 has been decided.And the news has stunned both NASCAR and rally fans across the globe.
The Unexpected Turn No One Saw Coming
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and one of the most popular drivers in the sport, has always been synonymous with stock car racing. His quiet intensity, smooth driving style, and connection to fans have made him NASCAR’s golden boy — the face of modern American motorsport. But behind the scenes, insiders claim that Elliott has been looking for a new challenge, something far beyond the oval circuits he’s mastered.
That challenge, as it turns out, wasthe World Rally Championship (WRC). For months, whispers spread through paddocks that Elliott had been in private talks with WRC teams, including Toyota Gazoo Racing and M-Sport Ford. The idea of a NASCAR driver transitioning to rallying — a discipline that demands precision, control, and adaptability — seemed wild at first. Yet, according to Hendrick Motorsports’ recent statement, those rumors were true.
In an official announcement that aired just hours ago, Hendrick Motorsports confirmed thatChase Elliott will not renew his full-time NASCAR contract beyond the 2025 season. Instead, he will begin alimited WRC program in 2026, working in collaboration with a manufacturer team under a unique cross-series agreement.
The news has completely upended the racing community, marking one of the boldest career shifts in modern motorsport history.
The Official Hendrick Motorsports Statement
The announcement came from team ownerRick Hendrick, who has managed Elliott’s career since his Cup debut. Standing before reporters, Hendrick spoke with both pride and emotion.
“Chase has always been more than just a NASCAR driver,” Hendrick said. “He’s a racer — pure and simple. When he came to me about exploring something new, I wanted to support that. This isn’t the end of Chase’s time with us — it’s the start of something even bigger. He’ll still represent Hendrick Motorsports as we help him transition into a world that challenges him in new ways.”
He went on to reveal that Hendrick Motorsports will remaina technical and financial partnerin Elliott’s WRC endeavor, ensuring he continues to wear the Hendrick brand while competing internationally. The team has even been in talks with WRC organizers aboutcreating a NASCAR-WRC promotional event, bridging the two worlds in a way never seen before.
Elliott, in his portion of the announcement, appeared composed but emotional. “This sport has given me everything,” he said. “But as a racer, I’ve always wanted to push myself beyond limits. Rallying has always fascinated me — the unpredictability, the connection between driver and road. I’m ready to learn, ready to fail, and ready to grow.”
The Racing World Reacts
Within minutes of the announcement, social media platforms exploded. The hashtag#ElliottToWRCbegan trending worldwide, and reactions ranged from shock to admiration. Fans who had followed Chase since his rookie year expressed mixed emotions — sadness that he was stepping back from NASCAR, but excitement that he would take American racing talent to an international stage.
One fan posted, “It feels like the end of an era — but also the start of something truly historic. Chase Elliott representing America in WRC? That’s unreal.”
Another wrote, “I never thought I’d see the day when NASCAR’s most popular driver goes rallying. Hendrick just changed everything.”
Even drivers from both NASCAR and WRC weighed in.Elfyn Evans, one of Toyota’s top rally drivers, commented, “If Chase joins us in WRC, he’ll be in for the challenge of his life. But he’s got the talent — no question.” Meanwhile,Kyle Larsontweeted, “So proud of Chase. The guy’s got guts. He’s chasing something new, and that’s what racing is all about.”
Why WRC? The Real Story Behind Chase’s Decision
Insiders close to Chase Elliott suggest that his decision was not sudden. Over the past two years, he’s reportedly been spending time in Europe, testing rally-spec vehicles in Finland and Spain under the radar. According to one source, Elliott became “hooked” after a private test session with Toyota Gazoo Racing engineers in late 2024, where he got behind the wheel of a GR Yaris Rally1 hybrid.
“He came back from that test looking like a different person,” the source said. “He told people it reminded him why he fell in love with racing in the first place.”
Elliott’s father,Bill Elliott, a NASCAR legend himself, reportedly encouraged the decision, reminding his son that great drivers always evolve. “Dad told me not to be afraid to start over,” Chase admitted. “He said the best drivers aren’t the ones who stay comfortable — they’re the ones who chase challenge.”
What This Means for Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR
Elliott’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void in NASCAR. As one of the sport’s biggest fan favorites, his presence has been central to the Cup Series’ popularity. Sponsors like NAPA Auto Parts and Hooters are already evaluating their involvement as the team prepares for a transition.
Rick Hendrick confirmed thata replacement driver for the No. 9 car will be announced in early 2026, but he emphasized that Elliott will still appear in select NASCAR exhibition events, including the All-Star Race and select promotional races for charity.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps also released a statement acknowledging the move: “Chase Elliott has been an ambassador for our sport, and we’re proud to see him take NASCAR’s spirit to the global stage. His venture into WRC shows the versatility of American drivers and the evolution of motorsport.”
WRC’s Reaction: A Global Sensation
In Europe, the announcement was met with curiosity and enthusiasm. WRC organizers officially welcomed Elliott on social media, calling him “a world-class competitor joining a world-class challenge.” Toyota Gazoo Racing, while not confirming the exact nature of his role, posted a cryptic tweet: “Some legends are born on tarmac. Others are made in the dirt. See you in 2026.”
Experts predict that Elliott’s involvement could bring amassive surge of American interest in rallying, a sport that, while popular globally, has always struggled to gain mainstream traction in the U.S. His participation might even inspire a new generation of crossover racers — drivers unafraid to test their limits beyond one discipline.
The Legacy Chase Elliott Leaves Behind
Whether fans are ready or not, Chase Elliott’s NASCAR chapter is closing — but what he’s embarking on next could redefine his legacy. For years, he’s carried the weight of expectation as the son of a legend, the face of Hendrick Motorsports, and the hope of a new NASCAR generation. Now, he’s carving a new path entirely on his own terms.
In the final moments of the press conference, Elliott addressed his fans directly. “I know this is a shock,” he said, “but this isn’t goodbye. I’ll always be part of NASCAR, and I’ll always race with the same heart. But it’s time for something new — time to chase the unknown.”
The room fell silent for a few seconds before erupting into applause. Even Rick Hendrick, visibly emotional, stood to shake his driver’s hand.
A New Era Begins
With one decision, Chase Elliott has bridged two worlds — the thunder of NASCAR and the wild beauty of WRC. The move represents not just a personal leap, but a symbolic one for motorsport as a whole.
If successful, Elliott could become one of the few drivers in history to conquer both the ovals of America and the unpredictable gravel of rallying — following in the footsteps of legends who dared to push boundaries.
For now, one thing is certain:Chase Elliott’s story is far from over. It’s only just beginning — and in 2026, the roar of his engine won’t echo through Daytona, but through the forests of Finland, the mountains of Monte Carlo, and the rugged roads of the world’s toughest rally stages.
And wherever he goes next, millions of fans will be watching — proud, emotional, and eager to see how far Chase Elliott can truly go when he steps beyond the limits of NASCAR.
