CHARLOTTE, NC — Hendrick Motorsports has cut its longtime sponsorship deal with Hooters, saying the restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and skimpy waiter uniforms could not meet its financial commitment to the NASCAR team.
Hooters sponsored the No. 9 car driven by the NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott since 2017.
Hendrick Motorsports thanked Hooters for its contributions since joining “in our shared successes both on and off the track.” But the company said the chain was unable to pay its bills.
“Due to these unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, and despite tremendous efforts from both parties to find a workable solution, Hendrick Motorsports has been forced to end its relationship,” the team said in a statement.
Hooters has recently closed more than 40 locations across the country, according to multiple reports. A message left with Hooters Cookerly PR by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.
“Like many other restaurants feeling the pressure of the current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close certain underperforming stores,” the company said, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
Hooters broke into NASCAR in the early 1990s, its logo on the car of the last NASCAR champion. Alan Kulwicki. The team has enjoyed similar success with Elliott, who won the 2020 championship.
