Alan Gustafson
Encyclopedia
Alan Gustafson is an American
NASCAR
crew chief from Ormond Beach, Florida
. He began his racing career at the age of eight, by helping his friend race go-karts. He graduated from Seabreeze High School
and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
until 1996. Afterward, he worked with several teams, which competed in the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series, before being employed at Hendrick Motorsports
. He is currently employed at Hendrick Motorsports as the crew chief for the #24 Sprint Cup Series car, driven by Jeff Gordon
.
, Gustafson began his racing career helping his childhood friend, Casey Yunick, with their go-karts
while eight years old. As Yunick and him grew older they began racing late models and legends cars on local race tracks. Afterward, he helped another one of his friends by working on their Sports Car Club of America
series cars. Once he graduated at Seabreeze High School
, he continued his education by attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
for a mechanical engineering degree and was a member of Kappa Sigma. Even though he was attending college, he continued to help his friends with racing. In 1996, he came to a decision of continuing college, or moving to North Carolina
to continue his racing career. He decided to move to North Carolina to work on Gary Moore's Goody's Dash Series team (GEM Motorsports), with his long time friend, Jimmy Foster. He was chosen as the crew chief, while Foster raced. He was also performing engineering duties for the team. Once the 1996 season ended, they recorded one win, along with finishing sixth in the point standings.
’s Late Model Stock Car and NASCAR
Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) team, which was owned by Addington Racing
. Gustafson won several races in the Late Model Stock Car Series, while they only participate in a few Truck Series events. One year later he became team engineer for Diamond Ridge Motorsports
in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series). While at the team, he recored several pole position
s and wins. In 1999, he left the team to help his friend Foster in the Busch Series, which they only qualified for one race, which they finished 34th in. Afterward, Gustafson was employed at Hendrick Motorsports
to become the 5 car's shock specialist. While there, the team earned three top-five finishes and six top-tens. One year later, with Terry Labonte
the driver, the team recorded one top-five and three top-tens, as Gustafson remained the shock specialist.
In 2002, he became the lead engineer for the 5 car. He remained the same for the next three years, which he collected one victory at Darlington Raceway
, five top-fives and 19 top-tens. Before the 2005 season, he was announced as the crew chief for the 5 car, driven by Kyle Busch
. In the same year, the team won the pole position for the second race of the season, as well as one victory and a 20th points finish. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, he recored at least one win in each of the seasons, two Chase for the Sprint Cup appearances, with a best points finish of 5th in 2007. In 2009
, Mark Martin
became the driver for the team. In the season, they recored five wins, and a second place finish in points. Martin remained the driver in 2010
. For the 2011 season
, Rick Hendrick
changed Gustafson to the crew chief of Jeff Gordon
and the 24 car. Over the course of the 2011 season, Alan helped Jeff back to victory lane 3 times at Phoenix, Pocono, and Atlanta. Jeff tied Cale Yarborough
's 83 win mark at Phoenix, Putting him 5th on NASCAR's All-Time List. Bobby Allison
's and Darrell Waltrip
's record of 84 wins for 3rd all time list and Jeff solely became number 3 with his 85th win at Atlanta. Alan also helped Jeff to the 2011 Chase and finished 8th in the final point standings.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
crew chief from Ormond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The population was 36,301 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 37,929. Ormond Beach is the northern neighbor of Daytona Beach and is home to Tomoka State Park.-History:Ormond Beach was...
. He began his racing career at the age of eight, by helping his friend race go-karts. He graduated from Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School is a high school located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The school has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.- Notable alumni :...
and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university in the US specializing in aviation and aerospace engineering. It teaches the science, practice, and business of aviation and aerospace. Called "The Harvard of the Sky" by Time Magazine in 1979, Embry-Riddle has a history dating back to...
until 1996. Afterward, he worked with several teams, which competed in the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series, before being employed at Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports , originally named All Star Racing, is a current American auto racing team created in 1984 by Rick Hendrick. The team currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Chevrolet Impalas...
. He is currently employed at Hendrick Motorsports as the crew chief for the #24 Sprint Cup Series car, driven by Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon
Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon is a professional NASCAR driver. He is the driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Impala. He is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. He is third on the all-time wins list, with 85 career wins, and has the...
.
Early life
Born on August 5, 1975, in Ormond Beach, FloridaOrmond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The population was 36,301 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 37,929. Ormond Beach is the northern neighbor of Daytona Beach and is home to Tomoka State Park.-History:Ormond Beach was...
, Gustafson began his racing career helping his childhood friend, Casey Yunick, with their go-karts
Kart racing
Kart racing or karting is a variant of open-wheel motorsport with small, open, four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. They are usually raced on scaled-down circuits...
while eight years old. As Yunick and him grew older they began racing late models and legends cars on local race tracks. Afterward, he helped another one of his friends by working on their Sports Car Club of America
Sports Car Club of America
The Sports Car Club of America is a club and sanctioning body supporting road racing, rallying, and autocross in the United States. Formed in 1944, it runs many programs for both amateur and professional racers.-History:...
series cars. Once he graduated at Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School is a high school located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The school has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.- Notable alumni :...
, he continued his education by attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university in the US specializing in aviation and aerospace engineering. It teaches the science, practice, and business of aviation and aerospace. Called "The Harvard of the Sky" by Time Magazine in 1979, Embry-Riddle has a history dating back to...
for a mechanical engineering degree and was a member of Kappa Sigma. Even though he was attending college, he continued to help his friends with racing. In 1996, he came to a decision of continuing college, or moving to North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
to continue his racing career. He decided to move to North Carolina to work on Gary Moore's Goody's Dash Series team (GEM Motorsports), with his long time friend, Jimmy Foster. He was chosen as the crew chief, while Foster raced. He was also performing engineering duties for the team. Once the 1996 season ended, they recorded one win, along with finishing sixth in the point standings.
Professional racing career
In 1997, he left the team after becoming the crew chief of Andy HoustonAndy Houston
Andy Houston is a veteran of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, scoring three wins. Houston is the son of legendary Busch Driver Tommy Houston and the youngest of three brothers, one of them being part-time NASCAR driver Marty Houston and the other being the oldest of the three, Scott Houston...
’s Late Model Stock Car and NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) team, which was owned by Addington Racing
Addington Racing
Addington Racing is a former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. It was owned by Mike Addington and fielded Chevrolet Silverados from 1997 to 2002....
. Gustafson won several races in the Late Model Stock Car Series, while they only participate in a few Truck Series events. One year later he became team engineer for Diamond Ridge Motorsports
Diamond Ridge Motorsports
Pastrana-Waltrip Racing is a NASCAR Nationwide Series team that competed in the Winston Cup and Busch Series from 1990 to 1999, and revived as a Nationwide Series team in 2010. The original Diamond Ridge team was owned and operated by Gary Bechtel...
in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series). While at the team, he recored several pole position
Pole position
The term "pole position", as used in motorsports, comes from the horse racing term where the number one starter starts on the inside next to the inside pole. The term made its way, along with several other customs, to auto racing. In circuit motorsports, a driver has pole position when he or she...
s and wins. In 1999, he left the team to help his friend Foster in the Busch Series, which they only qualified for one race, which they finished 34th in. Afterward, Gustafson was employed at Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports , originally named All Star Racing, is a current American auto racing team created in 1984 by Rick Hendrick. The team currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Chevrolet Impalas...
to become the 5 car's shock specialist. While there, the team earned three top-five finishes and six top-tens. One year later, with Terry Labonte
Terry Labonte
Terrance Lee Labonte is a semi-retired NASCAR driver who occasionally drives in the Sprint Cup Series when called upon and is a two-time Winston Cup and IROC champion. He currently drives the #32 U.S. Chrome Ford for FAS Lane Racing. Labonte was introduced to the sport through his father, who had...
the driver, the team recorded one top-five and three top-tens, as Gustafson remained the shock specialist.
In 2002, he became the lead engineer for the 5 car. He remained the same for the next three years, which he collected one victory at Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway is a race track built for NASCAR racing located near Darlington, South Carolina. It is nicknamed the "Lady in Black" and "The Track Too Tough to Tame" by many NASCAR fans and drivers and advertised as "A NASCAR Tradition"...
, five top-fives and 19 top-tens. Before the 2005 season, he was announced as the crew chief for the 5 car, driven by Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch
Kyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No...
. In the same year, the team won the pole position for the second race of the season, as well as one victory and a 20th points finish. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, he recored at least one win in each of the seasons, two Chase for the Sprint Cup appearances, with a best points finish of 5th in 2007. In 2009
2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was the 61st season of professional stock car racing in the United States, which began at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the 2009 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, a race for the top six teams of the four brands in the 2008...
, Mark Martin
Mark Martin
Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer...
became the driver for the team. In the season, they recored five wins, and a second place finish in points. Martin remained the driver in 2010
2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was the 62nd season of professional stock car racing in the United States. Beginning at Daytona International Speedway, the season included 36 races and two exhibition races. The season concluded with the 2010 Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway...
. For the 2011 season
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was the 63rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States. The season included 36 races and two exhibition races, beginning with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and ending with the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The...
, Rick Hendrick
Rick Hendrick
Joseph Riddick Hendrick III , better known as Rick Hendrick, is the current owner of the American NASCAR team, Hendrick Motorsports and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Marrow Program. He attended Park View High School in South Hill, Virginia, and began his career in auto...
changed Gustafson to the crew chief of Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon
Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon is a professional NASCAR driver. He is the driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Impala. He is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. He is third on the all-time wins list, with 85 career wins, and has the...
and the 24 car. Over the course of the 2011 season, Alan helped Jeff back to victory lane 3 times at Phoenix, Pocono, and Atlanta. Jeff tied Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough
William Caleb "Cale" Yarborough , is a farmer, businessman and former NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver and owner. He is one of only two drivers in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships...
's 83 win mark at Phoenix, Putting him 5th on NASCAR's All-Time List. Bobby Allison
Bobby Allison
Robert Arthur Allison is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. His two sons, Clifford Allison and Davey Allison followed him into racing, and both died within a year of each other....
's and Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Lee Waltrip is a 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champion , 3-time runner-up , winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and 5-time winner of the prestigeous Coca-Cola 600 ,...
's record of 84 wins for 3rd all time list and Jeff solely became number 3 with his 85th win at Atlanta. Alan also helped Jeff to the 2011 Chase and finished 8th in the final point standings.