Chase Elliott fans calling for crew chief Alan Gustafson to be fired after fuel shortage at Watkins Glen

During yesterday’s race at Watkins Glen, Chase Elliott came to a stop after running out of fuel, and fans want answers. In fact, some fans are even calling for NASCAR crew chief Alan Gustafson to be fired and replaced after the incident.

It would have been a longshot to win the race anyway, but Chase Elliott can’t contend for wins if he doesn’t have gas in his car. The moment was awkward and it led to complete radio silence for the team once Elliott crossed the finish line.

Fans were up in arms online about the situation.

This fan almost made the trip to The Glen to do it himself.

I'm gonna find a way to get to Watkins Glen in the next hour and fire Alan Gustafson myself, that was ridiculous

— The SuperSquad (@The_SuperSquad_) August 20, 2023

The whole issue came when Chase Elliott hit the switch to the reserve fuel tank. That tank was supposed to have enough fuel to get Elliott back on the pit cycle as the leaders. The No. 9 team pitted early after Stage 1 of the race and took just two tires to improve track position.

When Chase hit the switch, the fuel just wasn’t there like it should have been. “Bad information,” is what Gustafson said. So, they didn’t have the gas they thought they did.

Hendrick needs to fire Gustafson. He keeps hurting Chase's chances at winning races. No excuses for this. He needs to be given his walking papers after this race.

— John Paul (@eagleriverjohn) August 20, 2023

With so much on the line for Elliott and his team, a mistake like this is just too much for some. Hendrick will probably have a tough team meeting today, but Gustafson has 38 wins and a championship to his name, so good luck getting him out of there.

Fire Alan Gustafson. NOW! I'm done with this fraud of a crew chief. He's been carried by elite drivers his entire career and hasn't done jack shit to show for it. I'm over it.

— Nick (@NickBaumann9_16) August 20, 2023

So, what is the answer in this situation?

Chase Elliott has to win at Daytona

The situation that no NASCAR driver ever wants to be in, you have to win at Daytona to continue your season. Elliott wanted to avoid it. The game plan was to have a win by this point in the season. However, missing seven races is not the formula for making the playoffs.

You can blame the call from Gustafson. Perhaps the fuel man or the car chief was involved in this gas situation. We likely won’t ever know, the crew chief was insistent that he wouldn’t divulge how the problem occurred. He didn’t want to give out sensitive team information.

Everything is out of the window. Elliott has to not only win at Daytona, but do it for the first time ever in his career. He’s been P2 a couple of times, but he has to have the race of his life if he wants to make the playoffs this season.

The good news about Daytona, I’m sure fuel won’t be an issue whatsoever.