“A Boy Can Dream”: After Major Setback, Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Fans Unite to Manifest Fan-Favorite’s Return to NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports
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Dale Earnhardt Jr and Budweiser or Kyle Busch and M&M – these are iconic partnerships that find themselves planted deep in NASCAR history. Chase Elliott has something similar building, but he might just have received a big setback.
It’s a little unfair to compare Elliott with legends like Dale Jr and Busch. Not because he’s any bit inferior in terms of skill or abilities, but because they had a lot more in the ‘years’ column of their careers. Elliott, on the other hand, has just started out.
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Chase Elliott is a sponsor’s dream
Having entered the Cup Series in 2015 (first full season in 2016), he has performed remarkably well. He already has a Cup Series trophy in his kitty, and he has been a part of the final 4 in three consecutive seasons.
Add to that the popularity of Elliott – with 5 consecutive Most Popular Driver award wins – and you have a significant driver. All those features and characteristics have also made Elliott one of the most sought-after drivers for sponsors.
Companies have should great enthusiasm in wanting to spend big money to support Elliott’s journey and career. Big ticket sponsors such as Hooters and NAPA Auto Parts make up Elliott’s sponsorship list. However, that list hasn’t remained unchanged since 2016.
The most significant change to that list came in 2020, after Mountain Dew and PepsiCo gave up a chance to renew their long-standing partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. They were replaced by A Shoc Energy Drinks as the teams and the #9 car’s beverage partner.
Unfortunately for Elliott and HMS, that journey has come to an end now. According to recent reports, A Shoc will not continue as a sponsor from 2023 onward.
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PepsiCo, the $280 billion beverage behemoth, was no rookie in NASCAR. Their collaboration with HMS began in 1997, beginning with Jeff Gordon. They continued to stay with the team through Mountain Dew as they sponsored Dale Earnhardt Jr between 2008 and 2017.
With that in mind, fans were eager to see a return of the brand to HMS’ stables.
MOUNTAIN DEW BACK PLEASEEEE
— Adam Crago (@crago124) January 4, 2023
A boy can dream pic.twitter.com/x0so1c4Zde
— FeelsTimmyMan (@FeelsTimmyMan) January 4, 2023
I wish it would be @MountainDew! 🙌
— Kimberly Lewis 🏁🏝 (@kimmyb_0318) January 4, 2023
The return of DEW please
— Marshall48 (@marshall48fan) January 4, 2023
How much would it take to get Pepsi/Mountain Dew too get back into NASCAR???
— Drew Diven (@ballislife_1350) January 4, 2023
PepsiCo and Mountain Dew should come back. @MountainDew belongs in NASCAR. 🥹 https://t.co/ywzPUXyG6L
— Cole Cusumano (@Cole_Cusumano_) January 4, 2023
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Bring Pepsi back to Hendrick, specifically the 24. Mountain Dew can go back to the 9 too (let me dream) https://t.co/FT27bOFFDD
— Nikolai P. Culp (@NikolaiPCulp) January 3, 2023
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Watch This Story: 5 Times NASCAR’s Nice Guy, Chase Elliott Lost His Temper
While there have been no hints or reports of interest from PepsiCo, fans continue to manifest a return. Do you think HMS can pull off a major coup?
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare