When you’ve been around NASCAR as long as Alan Gustafson, you’ve seen it all—the highs of championship glory, the lows of tough seasons, and everything in between. The Hendrick Motorsports veteran has spent over two decades calling the shots from atop the pit box, but even the best in the business go through rough patches. For Gustafson and his driver, Chase Elliott, the past few years have been a mix of setbacks and frustrations—injuries, winless droughts, and challenges that test the true grit of a team.

But if the 2025 season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium was any indication, the No. 9 team is done looking back. Elliott put on a clinic in the Cook Out Clash, leading 171 of 200 laps and fending off a late charge from Ryan Blaney to grab the checkered flag. The win itself was impressive and the usually cool and collected veteran crew chief didn’t hold back in his praise.

“Superb” second half: Gustafson on Elliott’s masterclass

Chase Elliott’s win at Bowman Gray, despite not resulting in any points, was a clear statement of intent from the Hendrick Motorsport driver. After a couple of tough seasons, the 2020 Cup Series champion reminded everyone why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Starting from pole, Elliott took control early, leading the first 96 laps before briefly losing the top spot to Denny Hamlin. But as the race went on, Elliott played it smart, saving his best for when it mattered most.

“Chase in the second half of the race was just superb,” Gustafson said after the race. “I think that was because he learned from the first hundred laps. He did an amazing job that second half, putting us in a great position, taking care of his stuff, and yeah, it’s amazing.”

Chase Elliott showed the kind of patience and precision that separates the greats from the rest. After retaking the lead from Hamlin on Lap 126, he never looked back—expertly slicing through lapped traffic and keeping Blaney at bay in the closing laps. Blaney, who clawed his way up from 23rd on the grid, had speed but couldn’t quite get to Elliott’s bumper when it counted.

“I’m not going to bulldog into him and get chased out of here with pitchforks,” Blaney quipped after the race.

For Gustafson, the win was a reminder of the partnership he and Elliott have built over the past decade. Their driver-crew chief pairing, now in its tenth season, is the longest-active duo in the Cup Series. Through the highs and lows, Gustafson has never doubted Chase Elliott’s talent.

“Chase is one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever worked with,” Gustafson said. “He’s got this incredible ability to learn and adapt, and when he’s on his game, there’s no one better.”

A “Madhouse” atmosphere: Bowman Gray delivers

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If the racing at Bowman Gray was intense, the atmosphere was on another level. Known as the “Madhouse” for its tight confines and raucous fans, the legendary quarter-mile track delivered the kind of chaos and energy it’s famous for. A sold-out crowd of 17,000 packed the grandstands, making their presence felt from start to finish.

“The fans were incredible,” Gustafson said. “They were loud, passionate, and really made it feel like a big event. It’s not every day you get to race in front of a crowd like that.”

And those fans weren’t shy about letting drivers know how they felt. Joey Logano, who finished fourth, got a taste of the Bowman Gray experience firsthand. “The fans being right there, it’s what Bowman Gray is, right?” Logano said. “They’re heckling you, saying whatever they want. I don’t know if you guys got the boos I got.”

Elliott, though, thrived on the energy. “This environment is special,” he said. “This is a place that has a deep history in NASCAR. I think they deserve this event, truthfully. I hope we didn’t disappoint. It was fun for me at least, and we’ll hopefully come back here one day.”

The significance of NASCAR returning to Bowman Gray wasn’t lost on anyone. The track, last used for a Cup Series race in 1971, represents the sport’s grassroots heritage. Bringing the Clash to the iconic bullring was a nod to that history—and a reminder of why short-track racing remains the beating heart of NASCAR.

“They took a facility here that’s been around for a long time and made it feel like a brand-new one,” said Hamlin, who came home third. “The fans were enthusiastic, and we feed into that. It felt like a big event.”

With the Clash in the books, Elliott and Gustafson have their sights set on the long road ahead. The Bowman Gray win was a massive confidence boost, but they know there’s still plenty of work to do. After a couple of lean seasons, Elliott is hungry to get back to title-contending form. And if this win was any indication, the No. 9 team is more than ready to be back in the fight.