Controversy erupted after the Chase Elliott Watkins Glen controversy, as fans laid blame on crew chief Alan Gustafson for what many now consider a blow to Elliott’s NASCAR championship ambitions. With just two races left before the playoffs, a disastrous Sunday at Watkins Glen has left Elliot’s supporters questioning whether the team‘s current leadership can still deliver the results needed to secure a title.
Title hopes fade at Watkins Glen after missteps on track and pit box
Heading into Watkins Glen, Chase Elliott was second in the regular-season standings, only 18 points shy of his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron. Known for making bold moves on road courses, especially at Watkins Glen where he boasts two previous wins, Elliott was widely expected to gain critical playoff points. Instead, both the setup of his car and the strategic calls from crew chief Alan Gustafson became the center of attention, but not for the right reasons.
Alan Gustafson’s reputation in NASCAR is built on years of competitive experience and has helped steer Elliott to 18 Cup Series victories, including the 2020 Cup championship. Entering this pivotal race, optimism ran high that his strategic insights would be the catalyst for another stellar run. However, as the race unfolded, the No. 9 car languished well down the order, making little headway. Fans watched the gap to championship leader Byron widen, and social media quickly became a battleground for criticism directed at Gustafson and the overall team approach.
Elliott’s weekend failed to deliver at every crucial moment. After starting in twentieth, he struggled to find any meaningful pace throughout the day, rarely threatening the front-runners. Pit strategy failed to create any notable gains in position, and as the final laps unfolded, any hope for a title-clinching performance was gone. Elliott ultimately finished in 26th place, a result deeply out of character for a two-time winner at this venue. With the points gap to Byron now extended to 42, and only two races left, the road to the playoffs has become far more uncertain for Elliott and his passionate supporters.
The aftermath was immediate and emotional. Venting their frustrations online, NASCAR fans voiced strong doubts about the readiness and risk tolerance of the team’s leadership. The sting was especially sharp because Watkins Glen was considered a key opportunity. This defeat reshaped the conversation from potential victory to questions of whether the team’s competitive window is closing just when momentum matters most.
Backlash grows as fans question crew chief’s decisions and approach
The disappointment at Watkins Glen stoked skepticism about both race-day decisions and broader team strategy. Fans pointed to a car that seemed off the pace in every stage and pit calls that didn’t provide a path forward through the field. The sense of frustration was reflected in the reactions across social channels, which attacked both the preparation and execution of the No. 9 team.
Some voiced their outrage without mincing words.
“Alan Gustafson has got to go bro how much more can he get away with before Rick and Jeff wake the f–k up.”
—Fan, NASCAR enthusiast. Here, Rick refers to Rick Hendrick and Jeff to Jeff Gordon, both prominent figures at Hendrick Motorsports. The message expressed a belief that those at the top have failed to address what fans see as an ongoing problem, calling for an urgent change in personnel or leadership.
Many comments targeted both the strategy choices and the overall attitude of the team during the race.
“That’s what happens when you suck, the calls suck, the car stinks, and have zero level of aggression.”
—Fan, NASCAR observer. This blunt critique encompassed every aspect of the operation, from the lack of decisive race entries to strategy and on-track aggression.
There was also direct criticism of the driver‘s approach and the dynamic between Elliott and Gustafson.
“Worst CC in the Cup garage paired with a driver who drives like a p—- and you get the NAPA 9!!!”
—Fan, longtime NASCAR follower. NAPA 9 is a nod to Elliott’s car number and sponsor, and the quote channels a belief that a passive approach from both crew chief and driver leads to poor performances.
This negative feedback is in stark contrast to the earlier optimism that surrounded the Elliott–Gustafson pairing after their championship win in 2020. Fans who once celebrated their cool-headed consistency now see a group unable—or unwilling—to adapt when aggressive moves are necessary, especially at decisive road course events like Watkins Glen.
Regular season title dreams in jeopardy with playoffs looming
Before arriving at Watkins Glen, Chase Elliott was still mathematically in the hunt for the regular season championship, a key goal ahead of the upcoming playoffs. However, his deep finish at the Glen raised alarm about the practicality of those aspirations.
“After that embarrassing performance I’ll assume the regular season championship is probably out of reach.”
—User, NASCAR social commentator. This statement, more resigned than angry, captured the growing sense among the fanbase that a meaningful objective for the year may have slipped away after just one race.
The collective mood among Elliott’s supporters has shifted dramatically. Many now question if the current approach or personnel will be enough to regain momentum and contend for the Cup Series title. The dominant feeling among fans is a mix of anger, doubt, and frustration, feeding speculation about possible changes at Hendrick Motorsports as the organization evaluates its strategy heading into the most crucial phase of the NASCAR season.
What’s next for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team?
The Chase Elliott Watkins Glen controversy has intensified calls for a new approach at Hendrick Motorsports, with attention now focused squarely on the relationship between Elliott and his longtime crew chief, Alan Gustafson. With only two races left before the playoffs begin, every decision will be scrutinized by a restless fanbase and NASCAR insiders alike. The coming events will test whether the team can regroup and show the strategic boldness and adaptability necessary to get Elliott’s title quest back on track.
Should the current path continue to produce disappointing results, pressure from fans may force leadership—including figures like Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon—to seriously consider changes, either in personnel or race-day tactics. For now, Elliott’s hopes for a championship remain alive, but the road is steeper and the scrutiny greater than at any previous point in his Cup Series career.
As the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, the recent struggles serve as a stark warning that missed opportunities can quickly alter the trajectory of a championship campaign.
