SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Chase Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, drew sharp criticism from fans on X after employing a conservative strategy during the 2025 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 27, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, resulting in a 13th-place finish for the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Chase Elliott, still leading the points standings as the series heads to Iowa.
Alan Gustafson opted for four tires and fuel on each pit stop, a cautious approach that prioritized consistency over aggression. This strategy kept Elliott mired in the midfield for much of the afternoon, frustrating fans who voiced their discontent online. Posts on X lambasted Gustafson’s calls, with some demanding a new crew chief, specifically Adam Wall, who has worked with Elliott in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season. “@Hendrick9Team fire Gustafson now! Wins are hard to come by and Gustafson cost Chase the win today,” wrote @MagaSooner24, echoing a sentiment shared by others.
Fans pointed to Wall’s successful collaboration with Chase Elliott in the No. 17 Hendrick Xfinity car at Darlington and Pocono in 2025, where Elliott led laps and finished fourth at Pocono despite a post-race penalty for frame rail modifications. Wall’s aggressive approach contrasted with Gustafson’s conservative tactics, fueling calls for change.
The criticism intensified after Gustafson’s controversial two-tire call at Dover the previous week, which cost Elliott a potential victory. Leading 238 laps, Elliott pitted for two tires during a late caution, dropping to sixth after losing track position to Denny Hamlin, who stayed out and won. Fans on X, including @Packers_fan22, slammed Gustafson’s Dover decision, questioning why he didn’t opt for four tires when Elliott could have maintained position.
Despite the backlash, Elliott’s consistency remains a strength, with top-20 finishes in all 22 races this season, including a win at EchoPark Speedway. However, the 13th-place result at Indy, a crown jewel event, left fans restless for a bolder approach. As Elliott chases his first Brickyard 400 victory, the pressure on Alan Gustafson continues to mount.
