Hendrick Motorsports has announced the termination of its partnership with Hooters, a longtime sponsor of the team’s No. 9 car driven by Chase Elliott.
Despite a successful collaboration that began in 2017, Hooters’ financial struggles have forced the team to seek a new sponsor. The decision comes as Hooters faces serious challenges, including the recent closure of over 40 locations nationwide.
Hendrick Motorsports expressed its gratitude for Hooters’ contributions to the team’s success, both on and off the track. However, the team was left with no choice but to end the relationship due to Hooters’ inability to meet its financial commitments.
The partnership had yielded outstanding success, including Elliott’s 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Hooters’ involvement in NASCAR dates back to the early 1990s, when it sponsored the car of late series champion Alan Kulwicki.
The company’s iconic logo has become synonymous with the sport, and its departure from the No. 9 car marks a shift in the NASCAR landscape. As the team searches for a new sponsor, the termination of the partnership serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate.
Despite the end of the partnership, Hendrick Motorsports remains committed to finding a new sponsor that shares the team’s values and goals. The team’s success on the track and dedication to its partners have made it an attractive option for potential sponsors.
As the search begins, Hendrick Motorsports remains focused on continuing its winning tradition and building a new partnership that will drive success for years to come.