Back in June 2016, Phil Surgen got a surprise chance to step into the big leagues of racing. He was asked to fill in as crew chief for the #42 team, which was led by skilled driver Kyle Larson. This happened because the main crew chief, Chad Johnston, faced a suspension. Even though Phil Surgen was only in charge of one race, he showed his talent. With Surgen’s guidance, Larson secured a fantastic third-place finish.
Joining forces with Matt Kenseth
After his successful debut, Phil Surgen took on a bigger role. He became the crew chief for another racing legend, Matt Kenseth, who was a 2003 Cup champion. But the pair found it challenging to hit their stride. They worked hard but could only manage a top finish of 14th, and that too, just three times.
Track House Racing’s Birth and a New Partnership
In 2020, a new racing team named Track House Racing was born. They bought Ganassi’s racing setup and took control by the end of 2022. During this period, they hired an ambitious driver, Ross Chastain. Surgen was asked to stay and team up with Chastain. The two showed potential in their first season. They secured three top-five finishes, with their best race in Nashville, where they ended up second. After 36 races, they were placed 20th in the overall points.
A Remarkable Year: Phil Surgen and Chastain’s 2022 Adventure
The duo entered 2022 with hope and determination. They faced early setbacks, with a crash at Daytona and a 29th-place finish at Fontana. But then magic started to happen. They grabbed third place in Las Vegas and followed that with second-place finishes in Phoenix and Atlanta.
The turning point came at COTA. Chastain, with Phil Surgen’s guidance, clinched the first-ever Cup win for himself, Surgen, and the Track House team. The success didn’t stop there. They tasted victory again at Talladega and nearly claimed another win in Atlanta in July.
The real test began with the play-offs. They cleverly used their points to make it to the round of twelve. Even a 37th-place finish at the Roval didnt stop them. They rode a wave of success in the round of eight, finishing second in Las Vegas and Homestead. Then, with a daring last lap in another race, Chastain secured a place in the finals by finishing fourth.
The final race in Phoenix was intense. The competition was fierce, especially from Joey Logano, who seemed unbeatable. Chastain, backed by Surgen’s strategy, raced hard and finished third in the race. This effort placed them second in overall points for the season.
Looking Ahead to 2023: A Team with Big Dreams
With their shared success and clear understanding, Surgen and Chastain are ready for 2023. They aim for more victories and have their eyes set on the championship. The racing world is eagerly watching to see what this dynamic duo will achieve next.
FAQs for Phil Surgen
Q: When did Phil Surgen get his first major opportunity in racing?
A: Phil Surgen’s major break came in June 2016, when he was given the chance to act as crew chief for the #42 team, driven by Kyle Larson.
Q: Why was Surgen chosen as the crew chief for the #42 team in 2016?
A: He was asked to fill in because the primary crew chief, Chad Johnston, was suspended for that race.
Q: How did Larson and Surgen perform together?
A: In the single race where Surgen served as the crew chief for Larson, they achieved a commendable third-place finish.
Q: Which other notable driver did Surgen team up with after Larson?
A: After his successful stint with Larson, Surgen joined forces with the 2003 Cup champion, Matt Kenseth.
Q: How did Surgen and Kenseth fare in their races together?
A: Although they both had a lot of experience and skill, the pair found it difficult to maintain a consistent winning streak. Their best result was a 14th-place finish, which they achieved three times.
Q: What is Phil Surgen connection to track racing?
A: In 2020, when Track House Racing was established, they acquired Ganassi Racing’s racing operations. By the end of 2022, Phil Surgen was asked to remain with the team and partner with their newly hired driver, Ross Chastain.
Q: How successful was the partnership between Phil Surgen and Chastain in 2022?
A: The duo had an impressive run in 2022, securing several top finishes. They even achieved Chastain’s first-ever Cup win at COTA and followed it with another win at Talladega.
ALSO READ: Dave Elenz: Xfinity Series Champion Crew Chief
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is number 1 in Trackhouse Racing?
In 2022, Trackhouse Racing welcomed Ross Chastain as the driver of their No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series – America’s premier racing circuit.
How much do NASCAR drivers make?
The salary of a NASCAR driver varies depending on their level of experience and success. The top earners in the industry can make an annual salary of $111,000, which breaks down to a monthly pay of $9,250. Those in the 75th percentile earn an average of $86,000 per year, or $7,166 per month. The average salary for a NASCAR driver is $78,621 annually, or $6,551 per month. Drivers in the 25th percentile earn a yearly salary of $50,000, or $4,166 per month.
Who has driven the 22 car in Nascar?
Meet Joseph Thomas Logano, a skilled American stock car racing driver born on May 24, 1990. He currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drives the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. Additionally, he also participates part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 66 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing. With his impressive track record, Logano is a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuit.
How old was Joey Logano when he started racing Nascar?
In 2008, Logano entered the Xfinity Series at Dover International Speedway, just a week after turning 18, the minimum age to race in the series. He placed sixth, with Dave Rogers as his crew chief, trailing behind Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards who took first and second place respectively.
