Rick Hendrick is under intense scrutiny as fans increasingly urge him to replace Chase Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, with veteran Rodney Childers. While Chase Elliott’s overall performance has been far from disastrous, supporters argue that the former NASCAR champion appears to have lost the spark that once defined his tenure, prompting calls for immediate action at Hendrick Motorsports.
This wave of fan sentiment comes as Elliott maintains a respectable fourth place in the current driver standings, boasting three top-five finishes and a record unmarred by DNFs. Yet, for many observers, these numbers tell only part of the story. Through eleven races, Elliott’s teammates at Hendrick Motorsports—Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—drastically outpace him in laps led, with Elliott clocking only 44 at the front compared to Larson’s 503, Byron’s 354, and Bowman’s 107. To many, this statistic illustrates a worrisome decline since Elliott’s championship-winning season in 2020.
The suggestion that Rick Hendrick consider a major shakeup gained momentum following Rodney Childers’ recent exit from Spire Motorsports after a brief 10-race stint. While some imagined Childers working with Kyle Busch at RCR, a growing faction believes that the experienced crew chief could revitalize Elliott’s #9 team, injecting much-needed energy and strategy.
Fan comments on social media have become increasingly pointed. When NASCAR spotter Freddie Kraft asked,
Where do you wanna see Rodney go next?
the responses were immediate and direct. One fan declared,
Would love to see a change at the 9 so my guy is competitive again.
Another urged,
Be the Crew Chief for Chase Elliott.
Some called for Gustafson to be moved into a different role, arguing, “Wasting Chases prime years!” This vocal movement underscores growing frustration over Elliott’s perceived lack of momentum and drive in recent seasons.
Statistically, the shift is stark. Between 2018 and 2022, Elliott visited Victory Lane 18 times in 180 starts, posting an impressive 10% win rate that ranked just behind Kevin Harvick’s. During that span, Elliott often finished ahead of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates in 61.7% of their races together. However, the trajectory changed after a snowboarding injury in 2023 sidelined Elliott for seven races, ultimately costing him a playoff spot and breaking his competitive rhythm.
Though Elliott snapped a 42-race winless streak with a victory at Texas last year, he has since failed to replicate the winning form that made him a fan favorite. The win rate has plummeted to 1.3% since early 2023, and since that Texas win, Elliott remains without another trip to Victory Lane in 37 starts. For Rick Hendrick, these growing concerns represent more than statistical anomalies; they signal a fan base hungry for bold decisions and a return to consistent excellence.
For now, Rick Hendrick must weigh the risks of making a midseason change against the mounting calls for urgency. The decision could have lasting effects on the trajectory of Elliott’s career and the reputation of Hendrick Motorsports itself. Should Hendrick heed the calls for Rodney Childers, he might deliver the spark that both Elliott and fans crave, while inaction could risk further frustration. The intense debate underscores how one crew chief change might alter not just one team, but the fabric of NASCAR’s competitive landscape in the months ahead.
