Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 9 pit crew, led by crew chief Alan Gustafson, has been crowned the 2025 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew (MVPC) following a dominant season-long performance in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The award, presented annually to the top-performing pit crew during the playoffs, recognizes excellence in speed, precision, and race strategy execution. The No. 9 team, supporting driver Chase Elliott, topped the MVPC standings from the regular season finale through the Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.
Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 Pit Crew’s Path to the Award
Mechanix Wear tracks pit crews across every round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The No. 9 crew stayed strong from start to finish and held the number-one position for the entire season. Their results showed a pattern of quick and controlled stops. These results helped reduce lost time on pit road and gave the No. 9 team more chances to gain track position during races.
“The award means a lot,” Gianninoto said. “It’s nice to be recognized for something that we work very hard at every single week and in the offseason. I think from day one of being together, we knew that we would gel well together. Behind the scenes, we’ve learned how we can encourage each other the right way through teamwork and communication. It’s nice to know everyone has each other’s back, and after enough time together it feels like pitting with brothers.”
His comments show how teamwork and steady routines have helped their performance stay consistent all year.
Coaching and Team Endurance
Jacob Claborn, the head pit coach of Hendrick Motorsports, praised the group for handling challenges during the season. According to Claborn, the crew faced changes but continued to show improvement each week.
“This crew has been through a lot this year, including a change on the team,” said Claborn. “It has been great to work with the guys and watch them rise to the occasion every time an opportunity presents itself on Sundays. The No. 9 pit crew brings experience to everything they do. The moment is never too big for them, and they have experienced both the highs of success and the lows of setbacks. Through these moments, they have been able to build their speed over time.”
Their ability to stay calm and adapt allowed them to perform well during high-pressure moments.
Chase Elliott Recognition and Season Finish
Chase Elliott also shared his appreciation for the No. 9 pit crew. He highlighted how the crew continued pushing even though the team was not in the playoffs at the end of the season.
“I’m extremely proud of our whole group,” said Elliott. “They did an exceptional job all year, and I’ve touched on how impressed I was at Phoenix and the drive to want to continue to work hard and lay it all out there, even though we weren’t in the playoffs. They just had an incredible performance on pit road and an amazing way to cap off the season. I’m extremely grateful for their attitudes, their approach, how they pick me up when I’m down or whatever it takes, they’re willing to rise to the occasion.”
Elliott added that the award shows how strong they are, even when their pit stalls were not ideal.
“To have won that award with some of the pit stalls they had this year probably won’t get talked about, but it should because they were put in some horrendous positions throughout the season and throughout the playoffs. All those things continue to exemplify how much of a top-tier group they are, and I’m proud to have them. I’m looking forward to going back to battle with them again next year.”
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