Tensions flared in the NASCAR community following a disappointing performance at Texas Motor Speedway, where Chase Elliott’s struggles on the track sparked an intense wave of backlash from frustrated fans. The discontent reached a boiling point on social media as fans vented their anger, criticizing not only the car’s performance but also calling for a significant change in leadership within the No. 9 team. Many fans were especially vocal about their dissatisfaction with longtime crew chief Alan Gustafson, urging Hendrick Motorsports to part ways with him and bring in someone more adept at handling the intricacies of the next-gen car.
“Chase’s car is complete junk,” one user wrote, summing up the mood among many die-hard supporters who had expected more from the former Cup Series champion. Numerous others echoed this sentiment, claiming that the current setup has consistently failed to give Elliott a competitive edge and that the team’s inability to adapt to evolving technologies has been detrimental. Calls for fresh engineering ideas and modern strategy have grown louder, with fans insisting that Gustafson’s methods may be outdated for the challenges of today’s NASCAR landscape.
Although Alan Gustafson has played a major role in Elliott’s success over the years, including a Cup Series title, fans now believe that a change might be necessary to reignite the team’s performance. As the criticism intensifies, Hendrick Motorsports faces a pivotal decision: whether to remain loyal to a seasoned leader or embrace a bold new direction to help Elliott regain his winning form.
