Chase Elliott’s victory at Kansas last night captured attention, with Corey LaJoie, a former substitute driver for Elliott’s No. 9 team, expressing strong admiration for the performance. Drawing on his deep knowledge of NASCAR, LaJoie shared his perspective on the race and highlighted the role of crew chief Alan Gustafson in securing the win.
Though LaJoie’s own driving season has faced difficulties recently, he remains closely connected to the NASCAR community and continues to race in the Truck Series with Spire Motorsports. His current work as a broadcaster and podcast host also keeps him engaged with the sport’s developments. LaJoie particularly noted how impressive Elliott’s winning maneuver was, emphasizing the importance of Gustafson’s strategic decisions during the critical overtime restarts.
Why Gustafson’s Strategy Made the Difference at Kansas
When the final restart took place, Chase Elliott started from the fifth row, a challenging position to mount a comeback. Unlike many of the competitors who changed only two tires before the overtime restarts, Elliott’s crew chief Alan Gustafson opted for four fresh tires—a bold call that paid off. This decision gave Elliott a performance edge on the last run, allowing him to outpace opponents who had chosen a more conservative tire change.
The race had been dominated by Toyotas, which held the top five spots on the final restart. However, in a thrilling conclusion, Elliott drove his Chevrolet to victory for Hendrick Motorsports, showing how crew strategy combined with driver skill can shift the outcome even when the odds seem against them.
Corey LaJoie’s Connection to the No. 9 Team
LaJoie’s experience extends beyond being a fan; he previously substituted for Chase Elliott during Elliott’s suspension in 2023, taking over driving duties for one race. Although that appearance did not unfold as hoped, LaJoie values the experience and the insights it provided into the operation of one of NASCAR’s top teams.
Now more focused on broadcasting, LaJoie has proven to be a confident analyst on Prime Video and hosts a well-regarded podcast, utilizing his recent firsthand experience on the track to offer viewers and listeners sharp NASCAR insights. His ongoing involvement behind the wheel in the Truck Series helps maintain his racing intuition and credibility.
LaJoie Celebrates the Team’s Success and Looks Ahead
After Elliott’s win, LaJoie took to social media to celebrate both the driver and crew chief. He posted,
“When Clyde wins, we all win. Pumped for the 9 guys,”
highlighting the collective effort behind the success. He also praised Gustafson’s long-standing reputation, declaring,
“For those who may have forgotten, Alan Gustafson is still a first ballot hall of famer.”
These remarks reflect LaJoie’s respect for the individuals who shape competitive results.
With this momentum, questions linger about whether the No. 9 team can parlay this Kansas victory into a deep playoff run, potentially reaching the Championship 4 in Phoenix. Elliott’s decisive victory and Gustafson’s calculated calls could serve as a foundation for sustained success in the 2025 NASCAR season.
When Clyde wins, we all win. Pumped for the 9 guys. For those who may have forgotten, Alan Gustafson is still a first ballot hall of famer.
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) September 28, 2025
