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Chase Elliott had a rough 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. In addition to missing a half dozen races due to a snowboarding knee injury and a one-race suspension for intentionally wrecking Denny Hamlin at the Coca-Cola 600, he missed the playoffs and went winless in a season for the first time since 2017.
Many of his fans unsurprisingly called for changes to the team. The first one was unexpectedly announced December 2 on X when longtime Hendrick Motorsports spotter Eddie D’Hondt bid farewell to the No. 9 team.
“Been a helluva run. 12 yrs, 26 wins, 2020 Champs. Thank you to: Mr. Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Chase Elliott, Alan Gustafson,” D’Hondt wrote. “468 races together, 26 wins & a [championship]. Lastly, my dude Kevin Hamlin. A career to many, a wonderful lifetime memory, for us all. Excited for what’s next.”
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When Chase Elliott made his full-time Cup Series debut in 2016, he inherited the No. 24 car from Jeff Gordon, plus the four-time champion’s team, including crew chief Alan Gustafson and spotter D’Hondt.
In eight combined seasons with the No. 24 and No. 9 teams (transitioned in 2018), the crew recorded some impressive numbers, including 18 wins, 93 top-5 results, 152 top-10 finishes, and the 2020 championship
The longtime spotter was in his ear each lap around the track, helping Elliott successfully navigate through the competition while offering encouragement when his driver was feeling down or frustrated and a voice of reason when things got heated with his fellow competitors.
Could There Be an Even Bigger Change Coming for Elliott in 2024?
What’s interesting about D’Hondt’s remarks was what he didn’t say. He didn’t mention retirement but instead talked about his excitement for what comes next. That would indicate that he will likely continue working in NASCAR, just not with HMS.
While some Elliott fans will view the spotter’s departure as a step in the right direction for the team in 2024, others have been more vocal and called for an even bigger move
