Chase Elliott just won his second career grandfather clock after defending his win from Denny Hamlin at Martinsville. At the end of the race, Elliott praised his crew chief Alan Gustafson.

While talking to Regan Smith post-race, the #9 driver praised Gustafson for his pit stop call on Lap 261.

Elliott said, “Goes to show he's pretty good what he does -- which I tell you all that all time -- but he does a pretty good job, and I'm happy to work with him.”

Gustafson has been criticized by fans time and again due to his strategic calls falling short. However, this is not the first time Chase Elliott has come to the crew chief's aid and defended him against criticism.

He defended Gustafson during the 2025 season after a failed strategic call at Watkins Glen cost the #9 Hendrick Motorsports driver crucial points.

On the other hand, during the race, a small strategic call played a huge role. On Lap 261, Gustafson called Elliott in for a short pit stop. The strategy worked in favor of the #9 team when Elliott pitted under caution on Lap 312, which helped him stay out front.

Chase Elliott led the race for 84 laps, keeping his rival Denny Hamlin at bay. Hamlin had dominated the first two stages of the race, but it was Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports who took home their first win of the 2026 season.

“It Paid Off”- Alan Gustafson Speaks About the Strategic Gamble That Worked Out

Chase Elliott took his 22nd career win at Martinsville on Sunday, thanks to the strategic gamble taken by his crew chief, Alan Gustafson.

While speaking to Chris Myers post-race, Alan spoke about how he felt about the decision.

“I'm happy that it paid off. We were kind of just stuck in a dense spot, and it's hard to pass. We needed to do something different. Mathematically it was close for us to split the run or the two stop,” he added. “Just felt like it was worth the shot. And when we pitted early, I think it took a lot of guys down, and when they pit early it put us in a better position.”

Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson’s partnership began back in 2016 at the Daytona 500 when Elliott entered his rookie season. This year marks the 10th year of their partnership.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav