Reigning MOOG “Problem Solver of the Year” Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 DuPont 20 Years Chevrolet, received the MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award after the No. 24 car picked up 30 positions to finish fourth in Saturday night’s Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup contest at Texas Motor Speedway.
Sponsored by global automotive components supplier Federal-Mogul Corporation, the MOOG Problem Solver of the Week award is presented to the crew chief whose car posts the best second-half improvement in average lap speed during the race while finishing on the lead lap. The No. 24 Chevrolet, equipped with precision-engineered MOOG steering and suspension components, posted a race-best 0.183-second change at TMS after starting the day in 34th position.
“It’s one thing to pick up 30 spots with the help of the caution flag, but Jeff and Alan did it with only two cautions during the entire race and the last two-thirds of the race run under green,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “That tells you they had a very fast car – in fact, one of the fastest and best-handling cars on the track.”
Gustafson and Gordon successfully dealt with a series of early handling issues during the first two scheduled pit stops, but the No. 24 car was destined for the top five almost from the start. Gordon was in the top 10 by the halfway point and Gustafson and crew continued to adjust the car’s MOOG-equipped chassis to address cooling track temperatures and windy conditions.
Gustafson’s MOOG Problem Solver award is his first of 2012. He won four weekly MOOG awards last year en route to MOOG Problem Solver of the Year honors. “Week in and week out, Alan is one of the very best on pit road,” Nelson said. “Every piece of equipment on that car carries his mark of approval, and we’re pleased that he has always preferred MOOG steering and suspension components.”
According to the company, MOOG steering and suspension components are the leading choice of crew chiefs and automotive repair professionals and have helped drive an unprecedented 46 consecutive NASCAR Cup champions to victory.
For additional information regarding MOOG chassis parts, visit the brand’s technician-focused www.moogproblemsolver.com website or contact your MOOG supplier. To identify the right MOOG part for virtually any application, use the convenient, free www.FMe-cat.com electronic catalog.
