🏁BREAKING: Chairman Jim France Reportedly Considering Global Ban on Number “9” in Professional Racing After Chase Elliott’s Retirement — Fans Divided, NASCAR World Stunned

Charlotte, North Carolina — June 20, 2025 — In what could become the most shocking and controversial decision in modern motorsports, NASCAR Chairman Jim France is reportedly “seriously considering” a worldwide retirement of the number 9 in all professional racing circuits — following the eventual retirement of fan-favorite Chase Elliott.

Sources close to the NASCAR executive board say the proposal stems from an internal initiative to honor “legacy drivers who transformed the spirit and identity of racing for generations to come.”

The number 9 — made iconic by Elliott and his father, Hall of Famer Bill Elliott — may soon be permanently removed from NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar, and even international rally circuits, should the proposal pass a series of global motorsports agreements.

🔥 Chase Elliott and the Power of “9”

Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, has become more than just a driver — he’s a symbol of modern racing’s heart, merging tradition, speed, and fan connection in a way few others have done. Driving the No. 9 car for Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott has won over millions of fans, revitalized NASCAR’s image for a younger generation, and carried on the legacy of one of racing’s most famous numbers.

“Number 9 is more than a digit. It’s heritage,” says NASCAR analyst Tony Bremer.
“It’s Bill and Chase. It’s a dynasty. And now, it might be gone forever.”

😱 The World Reacts: “This Is Over the Top!”

As news spread of the rumored number retirement, social media exploded with reactions ranging from praise to pure disbelief:

• @CheckeredTruth: “Retiring #9 in all racing is a stretch. This isn’t the Avengers. Calm down, NASCAR.”

• @ElliottFan_9Forever: “Honestly? Do it. He made 9 immortal. Let him take it with him.”

• @FormulaOneFeeds: “If F1 loses #9 because of NASCAR, we riot.”

Some fans fear this sets a dangerous precedent: “What happens when Verstappen retires? Retire 33 from the planet?”

Even Formula E officials expressed concern in a joint statement:

“While we respect NASCAR’s traditions, unified number bans must be considered carefully in the spirit of competitive fairness.”

💬 Jim France Faces Backlash — and Praise

Chairman Jim France, who has yet to officially confirm the proposal, is said to be “torn” between honoring Elliott’s legacy and preserving competitive neutrality in global racing.

“It’s about legacy, yes — but also branding,” one executive insider reportedly said.
“Chase Elliott and the 9 are one and the same. Letting someone else wear it after he’s gone might feel like sacrilege to millions.”

Privately, Hendrick Motorsports is reportedly in favor of the move and has already begun planning a “Farewell 9” marketing campaign expected to drop near Elliott’s final season.

🏎️ Global Implications: Formula 1 and IndyCar Push Back

If the proposal is approved, the number 9 could be banned from:

• NASCAR (Cup, Xfinity, Truck)

• IndyCar

• Formula 1 and F2/F3 feeder series

• World Rally Championship (WRC)

• Japanese Super GT and Australian Supercars

FIA representatives have allegedly raised eyebrows, calling the move “highly unusual” and noting it could “interfere with long-standing number assignments in Formula 1 and other disciplines.”

🤯 Marketing Genius or Absurd Hype?

Cynics argue the entire plan is just a money-making stunt, especially as rumors emerge about a Netflix docu-series titled “Nine: The Legacy of Chase Elliott” and a potential Nike “Final Lap 9” sneaker drop.

“This isn’t about legacy,” says motorsports podcaster Jamie Ruiz.
“It’s about dollars and downloads. And NASCAR’s chasing them like never before.”

Still, Elliott’s fans are riding the emotional wave. In Georgia, murals of his #9 car have appeared with the slogan: “Only One 9.”

🔮 What’s Next?

The International Racing Federation Council is expected to meet in Geneva in August to discuss the potential for a multi-league symbolic number retirement system. If approved, Chase Elliott’s retirement could mark the beginning of a new tradition in global sports — one where numbers, like jerseys in other sports, are permanently linked to individual legends.

Whether it’s bold innovation or branding gone wild, one thing’s certain:
Chase Elliott and the number 9 may never be seen the same way again.