Hendrick cuts ties with Hooters

Hendrick Motorsports has ended its relationship with Hooters because the company was not fulfilling its obligations.

“Hooters has been a valued partner of Hendrick Motorsports since 2017, contributing to our shared successes both on and off the track,” a statement from the organization read. “In recent months, however, Hooters has not been able to meet its business obligations to our organization. Due to these unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, and despite extensive efforts on both sides to identify a workable solution, it became necessary for Hendrick Motorsports to end the relationship.

“It has been a privilege having Hooters as a part of our team, and we wish them the best.”

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Hooters was set to be a three-race primary sponsor for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team this season. Elliott carried the colors at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Feb. 25) and Texas Motor Speedway (April 14), the latter race he won. The third race was scheduled to be at Richmond Raceway in August.

RACER reached out to Hendrick Motorsports for comment as it continued to become evident there was a change in the relationship. Initially, it was rumored earlier this season Hooters would remain on Elliott’s car but the Atlanta-based company was struggling. Last month, Hooters confirmed it was closing multiple locations that were deemed to be “underperforming.”

USA Today reported on June 26 that there had been at least 44 locations have closed.

Over the weekend, the Hooters logo was absent from Elliott’s car at Nashville Superspeedway. The company is also no longer listed on the partner page on the Hendrick Motorsports website.

Hooters joined Elliott as a partner in 2017.