The NASCAR news lately seems to have a name, not many people really knew about until last year. A fourth generation watermelon farmer: Ross Chastain. We as fans have seen more blows to Ross’s attempts at success this year than anyone in recent years. The thing though is it hasn’t slowed him down or stopped him once. He keeps on coming back, more determined and focused than the last attempt.
Two Step forward Three steps back
Ross Chastain as touched on earlier is a fourth generation watermelon farmer, but overall an eighth generation farmer. When he isn’t working in the fields he is quote “The Busiest Driver” in NASCAR. He took on the decision to run Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Which has done nothing, but benefit him. The unfortunate points come though after a few solid outings with Chip Ganassi Xfinity team. Ross was able to grab his first victory last year with CGR leading 180 of 200 laps at Las Vegas. Many thought and were correct that he would get a full time ride with Chip.
On November the ninth last year Chip announced that Ross would drive for him full time in the Xfinity Series. A little over a month later the CEO of DC Solar the sponsor of that Xfinity car would have his house raided by the FBI. After a little under a month unfortunately Chip announced they would not be fielding the #42 car due to lack of sponsor ship. Some thought that unfortunately would be the ending to the hopeful Cinderella story.
Back to Climbing the Ladder
On January 18th Niece Motorsports announced that Ross would be driving their #45 truck on a part time basis. Then on the 31st JD Motorsports confirmed Ross to be back in the #4 Xfinity Car again. While he would also still drive the #15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet in the cup series. After a rough end to 2018 Ross’s new season was coming together, little did he know of what was to come though.
After a solid start to the 2019 truck season with a string of six straight top ten finishes. Ross grabbed that first victory of the year at Kansas. Unfortunately though Ross running all three series full-time decided to pursue the Xfinity Series points championship. So, he was not qualified for the truck playoffs. That didn’t stop Ross from notching two more solid top ten finishes extending his streak to eight.
After realizing that they had the equipment and driver to do it, Niece Motorsports and Ross announced on June 6th they would be switching points over and pursuing the truck championship. NASCAR allowed it, but Ross had to win another race and get into the top twenty in points to qualify for the playoffs. Meaning his win earlier at Kansas did not count toward his playoff chances.
Does the Nice Guy always finish last?
Three weeks after his first win of the season at Kansas the truck series rolled into Iowa. The truck and Ross were rolling too, after passing inspection before the race Ross would go onto lead 141 laps en route to his second victory and playoff qualifier so some thought. NASCAR instituted a new rule this year for post race inspections at the track of all winning trucks and cars. If any infractions were found wins could be taken and gave to second place driver. Well unfortunately that is exactly what happen. Ross and Niece Motorsports had the win taken away because the truck was to low suspension wise. Winner would be Brett Moffitt.
The call by NASCAR was widely criticized by everyone on both sides of the spectrum. After loosing the appeal though. Ross’s technical top ten streak was broken and he and Niece would be headed to Gateway more motivated than ever it seemed. Boy did they show everyone that there win was no fluke a week after having there win taken and the odds once again stacked against them. Ross was able to drive his truck back into victory lane for technically speaking the third time. Grabbing all kinds of attention from his competitors, and everyone else for that matter.
Conclusion
After his win last night the only hurdle left for Ross Chastain and his team is to crack the top twenty in points. Which should be obtainable he is currently 26th only forty four points outside of the top twenty. This driver and team appear to be focused and ready. After all Ross has went thru, nothing would be more satisfying than to see him hoisting a championship in Homestead after that final race. Who knows in ten years you may see him on the most under appreciated driver of this era list.
2 Comments
This dude should do big things with good equipment in the MENCS
I completely agree with you. I’d like to see him in better equipment though in the Xfinity series for a year. I know he’s kind of paid his dues but still would love to see him dominate a series in solid equipment.