Chase Elliott is set to make his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start in more than two years when he climbs into the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado at North Wilkesboro next month. The ride, fielded by Spire Motorsports, will be backed by a sponsorship deal with HendrickCars.com, the online portal of the Hendrick Motorsports family of companies.
Elliott, who last contested a Truck race at the season‑opening Daytona event in 2023, brings a résumé that includes three victories in 18 career starts and a current fifth‑place standing in the Cup Series championship.
The No. 7 Truck’s Turbulent Season
His entry revives a seat that was originally reserved for Kyle Busch, the two‑time Truck champion who passed away last month, and who had been slated to drive the No. 7 entry for the entire 2026 campaign.
The No. 7 truck has seen a revolving door of drivers this year, with names such as Rajah Caruth, Connor Mosack, Corey Day, Sammy Smith and Zane McDowell sharing the cockpit before Elliott’s arrival.
Elliott’s most recent outing in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts NASCAR Cup Series saw him finish second at Chicagoland Speedway, a result that underscores his strong form heading into the Truck event.
While he has never raced a truck at North Wilkesboro before, Elliott’s Cup Series history at the half‑mile track includes three All‑Star Race finishes of fifth, eighth and fifth, giving him a modest but promising track record.
Spire Motorsports, a relatively young organization in the NASCAR ecosystem, has leaned on its technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports to field competitive equipment, and the partnership with HendrickCars.com reflects a broader branding strategy that ties the team’s performance to its parent’s digital presence.
NASCAR officials have highlighted the race as a tribute to Busch’s legacy while also using the opportunity to showcase the sport’s depth of talent, with Elliott’s participation expected to draw additional attention to the Truck Series at a historic venue.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether Elliott can translate his Cup‑Series momentum into a Truck victory, a feat that would add another chapter to his already diverse racing résumé.