What's Happening?
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, will have a new car chief for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. Matt Barndt, who has served as Elliott's car chief since 2020, has left Hendrick Motorsports to join McAnally-Hilgemann
Racing as the crew chief for Christian Eckes in the Truck Series. Barndt's departure marks a significant change for Elliott's team, as he has been an integral part of their success, including Elliott's 2020 Cup Series championship and 17 Cup victories during his tenure. Barndt joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2010, working his way up from an engineer to car chief, a role that involved overseeing the mechanical preparation of the No. 9 Chevrolet and ensuring it met Elliott's specifications. His new role at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing represents a promotion to lead an entire race team, taking on responsibilities for engineering direction, setup decisions, and race-day strategy.
Why It's Important?
The departure of Matt Barndt is a notable development for Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports, as Barndt was a long-standing and crucial member of the No. 9 team. His role as car chief involved meticulous preparation of the race car, directly impacting its performance and Elliott's ability to compete at the highest level. The consistency and success of Elliott's team over the past several seasons, including a championship, have been partly attributed to the stability and expertise of key personnel like Barndt. Finding a suitable replacement who can maintain the high standards of car preparation and seamlessly integrate with crew chief Alan Gustafson will be critical for Elliott's performance in the upcoming 2027 season. This personnel change could influence the team's dynamics and on-track results, especially as Elliott aims to improve upon a challenging 2026 season where he finished 12th in points with a career-low 13 top-10 finishes.
What's Next?
Hendrick Motorsports has not yet announced Matt Barndt's replacement as car chief for Chase Elliott's No. 9 team. The organization will need to identify and integrate a new individual into this critical role during the offseason to ensure a smooth transition for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. The new car chief will be tasked with maintaining the high standards of car preparation and working closely with crew chief Alan Gustafson and Chase Elliott to optimize the performance of the No. 9 Chevrolet. For Matt Barndt, his next step involves leading Christian Eckes' No. 91 Chevrolet team in the Truck Series, where he will take on broader responsibilities as a crew chief. His performance in this new leadership role will be closely watched as he aims to build a competitive contender in the Truck Series.
Beyond the Headlines
The movement of key personnel like Matt Barndt within NASCAR highlights the intricate and often overlooked aspects of team dynamics and career progression in professional motorsports. While drivers and crew chiefs often receive the most public attention, roles such as car chief are fundamental to a team's success, requiring a deep understanding of mechanical engineering, vehicle setup, and driver feedback. Barndt's transition from a specialized role at a top-tier Cup Series team to a leadership position as a crew chief in the Truck Series exemplifies the career paths available to skilled individuals within the sport. This shift also underscores the competitive nature of NASCAR, where teams constantly seek to optimize their personnel for performance, and individuals look for opportunities to advance their careers, even if it means moving between different series or organizations.
