Chase Elliott to replace retiring Jeff Gordon

Chase Elliott will replace Jeff Gordon when the four-time NASCAR Cup champion retires at the end of this season, Hendrick Motorsports said Thursday.

Elliott, 19, has been thought to be Gordon’s heir apparent for some time and that belief was cemented when as a rookie he won three times en route to the 2014 Xfinity Series champion driving for Hendrick-affiliated JR Motorsports.

In preparation for a full 2016 Cup campaign, Elliott will run five races in a Hendrick-prepared No. 25 car this season. Elliott’s first event comes March 29 at Martinsville Speedway with additional starts at Richmond International Raceway (April 25), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26) and Darlington Raceway (Sept. 6).

NAPA Auto Parts will sponsor Elliott in those five races, with Kenny Francis serving as crew chief. Alan Gustafson, Gordon’s crew chief, will remain with Elliott in 2016. Hendrick did not announce Elliott’s 2016 sponsor.

“Chase brings the kind of intangibles that make him the total package as a driver,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “Not only is he a special talent inside the race car, but there’s a natural combination of competitiveness, work ethic and smarts that you rarely see. Chase’s personality and demeanor make him popular with fans, teammates and sponsors. He’s a great fit for our organization on many levels.”

Gordon, 43, announced last week he was retiring. The 2015 season will be Gordon’s 23rd year in NASCAR’s premier division.

Elliott’s ascension to Cup comes in the same week as his father, Bill Elliott, is to be inducted Friday into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“So many people have been behind me, and the first thing I want to do is thank them,” Chase Elliott said. “My parents especially have believed in me every step of the way, and I know this wouldn’t be possible without all the sacrifices they’ve made to focus on my racing career. This is such a big week for our family.”