Following a the frustrating performance at Texas Motor Speedway, a wave of disappointment and anger erupted among Chase Elliott’s fan base. Many supporters took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, primarily directing their frustration at the No. 9 team’s continued struggles with the Next Gen car. The backlash quickly escalated, with critics sharply targeting crew chief Alan Gustafson, demanding major changes within Hendrick Motorsports’ leadership structure.
Numerous fans claimed that Elliott’s car looked completely uncompetitive throughout the race, calling it “junk” and questioning whether the team has fallen behind in adapting to the latest NASCAR technologies. For many, the issue wasn’t just about one bad finish—it was about a troubling trend of inconsistency and underperformance that’s been evident for several races. The consensus among these frustrated voices was that a change at the top may be overdue, with fans suggesting that Gustafson no longer possesses the right approach to get the most out of the Next Gen car.
Some posts, though respectful of Gustafson’s past accomplishments, strongly advocated for his departure, urging Hendrick Motorsports to bring in a crew chief with a more modern, innovative mindset. They acknowledged his contributions—including a championship with Elliott—but argued that the current NASCAR landscape demands fresh strategies and perspectives.
This fan backlash places additional pressure on the team as the season progresses. While Chase Elliott remains one of the sport’s most talented drivers, many believe he won’t return to consistent winning form unless major adjustments are made behind the scenes, particularly on the pit box.
