Entering Watkins Glen as a strong contender for the regular-season championship, Chase Elliott’s hopes took a decisive hit on August 10, 2025. Positioned second in the standings and just 18 points behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, Elliott arrived at the renowned road course, a track where he has twice triumphed, aiming to capitalize on his demonstrated speed and gain critical playoff points. However, a disappointing 26th-place finish left fans questioning both the crew chief’s strategy and Elliott’s championship viability, as the driver fell 42 points behind Byron with only two races remaining before the playoffs.
The race’s outcome was a major blow for Elliott’s campaign and sharply intensified frustrations among his supporters, who had hoped for a defining performance at a venue that traditionally suits his strengths. Instead, a combination of poor car performance and questionable pit decisions undermined any momentum the No. 9 team had, contributing to growing unrest from the fanbase about leadership and strategy.
Experienced Crew Chief Faces Criticism Following Strategic Failures
The pit box decisions at Watkins Glen drew particular scrutiny toward Alan Gustafson, Elliott’s veteran crew chief who has overseen 18 Cup Series victories, including the 2020 championship. Renowned for his precise race-day strategies, Gustafson’s calls at this race failed to deliver the expected results, prompting renewed debate over whether his partnership with Elliott still serves the team’s best interests. Despite a history of success, the recent missteps have highlighted limitations that fans contend are affecting Elliott’s ability to compete for titles.
Starting from 20th place, Elliott’s car never found the pace needed to rise through the field, and a struggling setup coupled with ineffective pit strategy left him unable to challenge competitors. The missed opportunity to leverage Watkins Glen as a title springboard has not only impacted the points gap but has shaken confidence in the decisions guiding the team.
Fan Backlash Grows Over Setup and Tactical Errors
Social media erupted in frustration following the race, with critics pinpointing both the car’s setup and the timing of pit stops as decisive factors in Elliott’s poor outing. A prevalent sentiment among fans is that the No. 9 vehicle arrived ill-prepared, with strategy calls failing to salvage track position and competitiveness. Reaction was sharp and unfiltered, illustrating a loss of patience with the team’s recent performances.
Many supporters have begun questioning the longevity and effectiveness of Elliott’s partnership with Gustafson, suggesting that the duo may have passed their peak and that Hendrick Motorsports’ leadership must intervene. One fan bluntly stated,
Alan Gustafson has got to go bro how much more can he get away with before Rick and Jeff wake the f–k up.
—Twitter User
Here, Rick and Jeff refers to Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, key figures within Hendrick Motorsports’ decision-making hierarchy, underscoring calls for changes at the organizational level.
Calls Intensify for a New Direction Amid Growing Discontent
Some fans express harsh criticisms that target the driver’s style as well, suggesting Elliott’s typically cautious and calculated approach does not translate well into the aggressive battles often required on road courses. This perceived passivity, combined with what is seen as a risk-averse crew chief, fuels a belief that more assertive tactics are needed. One fan captured this frustration, writing,
Worst CC in the Cup garage paired with a driver who drives like a p—- and you get the NAPA 9!!!
—Twitter User
The NAPA 9 reference calls attention to Elliott’s car number and sponsor, emphasizing dissatisfaction with the driver–crew chief duo’s current competitiveness and approach to racing challenges.
Following the race, a sober voice on social media remarked on the dwindling prospects for the regular-season title, stating,
After that embarrassing performance I’ll assume the regular season championship is probably out of reach.
—Twitter User
This sentiment acknowledges a growing recognition that Elliott’s shot at the championship may now be beyond reach, signaling a shift in expectations for the remainder of the season.
Implications for Hendrick Motorsports and Elliott’s Championship Future
The events at Watkins Glen have not only dented Chase Elliott’s championship struggles but also ignited widespread calls for changes within Hendrick Motorsports. As Elliott slips further behind William Byron in the standings, questions about the driver–crew chief relationship and strategic leadership emerge as critical issues demanding immediate attention. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see whether organizational shifts or personnel changes will be made to halt the downward trend before the playoffs begin.
The erosion of confidence in Gustafson’s decisions and Elliott’s current form could prompt Hendrick Motorsports to reconsider team dynamics to restore competitiveness. With just two races left before the postseason, the pressure to rebound is immense, and outcomes in those upcoming events may define whether Elliott’s campaign can still generate a title push or if his championship hopes will be officially dashed.
This crossroads moment underscores the fragile nature of NASCAR title battles, where strategic missteps and equipment shortcomings can quickly shift the balance. Elliott’s challenge going forward will be not only to regain lost ground on the track but also to rebuild trust and momentum among his supporters and within his team as the playoffs approach.
