Larry McReynolds Shuts Down Criticism of Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief—But What’s Next for Hendrick Motorsports?

It’s no secret that Chase Elliott has faced his share of struggles in recent seasons, leaving Hendrick Motorsports fans questioning what’s going wrong. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, once the undeniable face of the future, has yet to reclaim his dominant form.

On a recent episode of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta addressed a flood of fan concerns surrounding Elliott. The theme of the show—“Confident, Confused, and Concerned”—offered listeners a chance to weigh in on various drivers, but Elliott’s name kept surfacing in one particular context: his crew chief, Alan Gustafson.

“Crew Chief, Crew Chief, Crew Chief”—Are” Fans Blaming the Wrong Person?

A significant portion of Elliott’s fanbase believes that Alan Gustafson is the weak link in the No. 9 team. Trotta, reading a fan’s comment from X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the frustration:

“When you’re talking Chase Elliott – crew chief, crew chief, crew chief, crew chief.”

But Larry McReynolds wasn’t having it.

“I just think you’re barking up the wrong tree,” he fired back.

McReynolds, a veteran crew chief and respected NASCAR analyst, made it clear that he doesn’t believe Gustafson is the problem. Instead, he pointed to a larger issue—one that Elliott himself has admitted.

Elliott Defends His Crew Chief: “This Is a Me Thing”

Elliott has repeatedly taken responsibility for his performance, refusing to let Gustafson take the fall. According to him, the problem lies in his own adaptation to the car’s evolving dynamics, not a lack of leadership on top of the pit box.

“No matter how many times Chase Elliott preaches to Elliott Nation, don’t put this on my guy. This is not Alan Gustafson’s fault,” Trotta emphasized.

However, despite Elliott’s insistence, the reality remains: NASCAR fans want results, and when a driver struggles, someone has to take the blame.

Is It Time for Hendrick Motorsports to Make a Change?

While McReynolds defended Gustafson, he also acknowledged a harsh truth: crew chief swaps are the easiest changes to make in NASCAR.

“It’s the easiest position to change,” McReynolds admitted.

This led to a deeper discussion about NASCAR’s history of making crew chief shake-ups when results start slipping. Trotta brought up an interesting parallel:

“You probably lived that with Dale Senior,” she suggested.

McReynolds didn’t hesitate to agree, confirming that even legends like Dale Earnhardt Sr. faced similar crossroads in their careers. If Rick Hendrick decides that it’s time for a change, Gustafson’s job could be on the line—whether it’s fair or not.

The Elliott-Gustafson Partnership: NASCAR’s Longest Active Pairing

One reason this debate has intensified is that Elliott and Gustafson have been together for an entire decade—the longest-running active driver-crew chief pairing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

While their partnership peaked in 2020 with a championship victory, results since then have been inconsistent. With each passing season, fans grow more frustrated as they watch other Hendrick drivers like Kyle Larson and William Byron find success.

Trotta summed it up bluntly:

“It’s bearing less and less fruit.”

That’s where the conversation takes a turn. If Elliott continues to struggle, how long before Hendrick Motorsports decides to hit the reset button?

Martinsville: A Make-or-Break Moment for Elliott and Gustafson?

This Sunday, Elliott and Gustafson return to action at Martinsville Speedway, a track known for its tight racing, aggressive driving, and intense battles for position.

Could a strong performance silence the doubters? Or will another disappointing result fuel even more speculation about a potential crew chief change?

McReynolds Remains Firm: “I Just Don’t See It”

Despite acknowledging the business realities of NASCAR, McReynolds remains steadfast in his belief that Gustafson is the right man for the job.

“I just believe with all my heart — and I consider Alan a friend. Is he a really close friend? No. But I just don’t see it with Alan Gustafson. I just don’t.”

That’s a bold stance, but one that will be tested in the coming weeks. If Elliott rebounds and finds himself in Championship contention, McReynolds will be proven right. But if struggles continue, even his strongest supporters may have to face an uncomfortable truth—sometimes, change is necessary, even if it’s painful.

Can Elliott and Gustafson Overcome the Pressure?

There’s no denying the immense pressure on Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson. With each underwhelming race, the speculation grows louder. Every move they make is scrutinized by analysts, fans, and NASCAR insiders alike.

While Elliott has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t blame Gustafson, the reality of professional motorsports is unforgiving. NASCAR is a results-driven sport, and when a team fails to perform, leadership often looks for the easiest fix. Unfortunately, that usually means replacing the crew chief before considering other deeper changes.

A Championship Legacy at Stake

Elliott’s 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship was supposed to mark the beginning of a long and dominant era for the young driver. Fans expected him to build on that success and establish himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Instead, the past few years have been filled with frustration, inconsistency, and unfulfilled potential.

The longer Elliott goes without returning to victory lane, the more pressure mounts on his team to make adjustments. And in NASCAR, staying stagnant is not an option—teams that fail to evolve get left behind.

Kyle Larson and William Byron: The Hendrick Motorsports Standard

One of the biggest problems for Elliott is that he isn’t just competing against the entire Cup Series field—he’s also competing against his own teammates at Hendrick Motorsports.

• Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, has remained a constant contender, winning races and proving he can adapt to any challenge.

• William Byron has emerged as one of the hottest young stars in the sport, racking up multiple wins and establishing himself as a future face of Hendrick Motorsports.

Meanwhile, Elliott is stuck in neutral. Fans don’t just want him to perform well—they expect him to outshine his teammates. And when he falls behind the competition, questions arise about whether his team is holding him back.

Martinsville: A Track That Could Define Their Future

Martinsville Speedway has been a historically strong track for Hendrick Motorsports. The short track’s tight corners and aggressive racing style demand precision from both driver and crew chief.

For Elliott, this race presents an opportunity to silence the critics and prove that he and Gustafson still have what it takes to compete at an elite level.

However, if they struggle once again, expect speculation to reach a fever pitch. A poor result at Martinsville could be the final push for Rick Hendrick to make a drastic change.

Will Rick Hendrick Pull the Trigger?

The decision ultimately rests in the hands of Rick Hendrick, a team owner who has never shied away from making big moves when necessary. Over the years, Hendrick has built a powerhouse organization by ensuring that his drivers have the best possible teams behind them.

If he starts to believe that Elliott and Gustafson have hit a wall, it’s not hard to imagine him making a tough call—one that could shape the future of Hendrick Motorsports for years to come.

Final Thoughts: A Career-Defining Moment for Elliott

Chase Elliott has a lot to prove in the coming weeks. He can’t afford to let this season slip away without making a statement. His championship pedigree is undeniable, but NASCAR is a sport that demands results, and patience is wearing thin.

Will Elliott and Gustafson rise to the occasion and prove their doubters wrong? Or are we witnessing the beginning of the end for one of NASCAR’s longest-running partnerships?

One thing is for sure: Martinsville will provide some answers. And in a sport where every second counts, the No. 9 team has no more time to waste.