Will NASCAR Cup Series’ Longest-Running Partnership Prove Its Worth or Succumb to the Woes of 2023?

The 2023 NASCAR Cup season was one to forget for Hendrick Motorsports star Chase Elliott. Due to multiple factors, he failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in his Cup Series career. So in 2024, Elliott has to bounce back and regain his mojo in order to challenge for the title once again. For the upcoming campaign, he is partnering with his cousin Trey Poole, who will act as his spotter on a full-time basis. Meanwhile, he reunites with crew chief Alan Gustafson for yet another season.

This has been a title-winning combination since 2020, so Rick Hendrick and Co. probably saw no reason to change it even after a disappointing season for both. However, the #9 driver will have to prove his mettle, especially knowing how badly he messed up last season. While teammate Alex Bowman was also in the same boat, Chase Elliott is probably expected to be stronger yet the most successful driver.

How bad was the 2023 NASCAR season for Chase Elliott?

During the 2023 season, Chase Elliott suffered a fractured tibia owing to a snowboarding accident. This forced him to sit out for six races, which hurt his chances of reaching the playoffs, and a one-race suspension was of no help. On the bright side, the 28-year-old kept in mind the bigger picture, supporting his winningest team as he helped the #9 Chevrolet reach the Round of 8 in the owner playoffs.

peaking about his 2024 goals, Chase Elliott said, “I would just like to have better pace. Winning would be great. Winning a championship would be great. We just want to have pace on a week-to-week basis, and that is where my head has been for a long time. I just want to show up and have a shot every week. I think we are very capable of doing that, but you got to be perfect. If you are not perfect, you got to be close to it and just keep yourself in contention.”

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How long have Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson worked together?

Both Elliott and Gustafson have been working with each other for a long time. When the former made his full-time debut in 2016, Alan Gustafson was appointed as his crew chief. Since then, the two have worked like a well-oiled machine. Entering their ninth season together, Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson are the longest-tenured driver-crew chief pairing.

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It is also worth mentioning that 2024 will be a season of milestones, as Chase Elliott will make his 300th start later on. To be precise, it will most likely happen during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. All of that is unless Elliott misses a few races again like last season, but we are certain he will surely be more careful now.