Connor Zilisch praises Mentor Ross Chastain, but questions still remain about what happened after the race at Circuit of The Americas. While many waited for Ross Chastain to speak about a heated moment on track, he chose silence instead. Yet, Connor Zilisch had a different view, calling him one of the most honest drivers in the garage. His words stood in contrast to the criticism, leaving many wondering why Ross Chastain stayed quiet while his teammate spoke up.
Key Highlights
- Connor Zilisch praised Ross Chastain’s transparency, despite his silence after the COTA race incident.
- Chastain’s lack of post-race commentary led to criticism from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and fans.
- Chastain’s aggressive driving history contrasts with his recent quieter demeanor following team warnings.
- Dale Jr. suggested Chastain’s acknowledgment of the incident could have reduced backlash.
- Zilisch highlighted a camaraderie between drivers, presenting a different perspective on Chastain’s character.
NASCAR’s COTA Weekend: Trackhouse Racing’s Unexpected Struggles
While the excitement was high for NASCAR’s initial road course race of the season at Circuit of The Americas, Trackhouse Racing found themselves dealing with an unexpected twist of events.
Renowned for their skill on winding tracks, Justin Marks’ team was poised to dominate. However, reality had other plans. Connor Zilisch, racing in the NASCAR Xfinity series, took a path more destructive than successful, waltzing into the checkered flag with a car that bore the scars of a tumultuous battle.
Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen, expected to take the top spot, concluded the race in a respectable but not quite victorious P6. It was an outcome that left fans scratching their heads, pondering what could have gone wrong.
The weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions for Trackhouse, with hopes dashed and expectations unmet. Despite their reputation for road course mastery, the team found themselves grappling with the unpredictable nature of racing.
Ross Chastain’s Early Race Incident and Post-Race Silence
The drama at the Cup race started with a bang, or more accurately, a plunge-bomb, courtesy of Ross Chastain.
Right on the initial lap, Chastain dive-bombed Chase Elliott, sending him tumbling down 33 spots. Elliott, who had a fast car that day, was understandably not thrilled.
In a twist of patience or strategy, when Elliott sought payback later, Chastain simply moved aside, allowing Elliott to pass without a fight. But the action didn’t stop on the track.
Chastain’s choice to remain silent post-race left many scratching their heads, including NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who wasn’t shy about his disapproval.
- Chastain’s Lack of Commentary: After the incident, fans and experts enthusiastically awaited an explanation.
- Earnhardt’s Criticism: Dale Earnhardt Jr. labeled Chastain’s silence as a “Chicken s–t” move.
- Elliott’s Comeback: Despite the setback, Elliott’s persistence was remarkable.
- Chastain’s Strategy: His decision to avoid confrontation remained a talking point.
Connor Zilisch’s Surprising Take on Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain may have kept his lips zipped after the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, leaving fans and critics buzzing with questions, but Connor Zilisch has a surprising take on him.
Despite Chastain’s radio silence post-race, Zilisch, a rising star in his inaugural full-time Xfinity season, praises Chastain’s transparency. On Harvick’s ‘Happy Hour’ podcast, Zilisch described Chastain as “one of the most open books” he’s encountered. This is quite the head-scratcher, especially after Chastain dodged post-race questions like they were potholes on a speedway.
“Ross is really good as well. He’s one of the most open books that I know. You can ask him anything and he’ll give you an honest answer. It’s really helpful to have a teammate like that who’s not trying to keep secrets from you.” – Connor Zilisch
Zilisch knows a thing or two about stress, having won his Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen last year. His nod to Chastain’s openness is a reflection of their fellowship.
Apparently, Chastain isn’t the type to hoard secrets, making him a valuable ally on and off the track. So, while Chastain’s post-race silence was deafening, Zilisch’s words paint a different picture of his character.
Dale Jr.’s Suggestion and NASCAR’s Expectation from Ross Chastain
Amidst the chaos of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, many in the NASCAR community were left scratching their heads, wondering why Ross Chastain didn’t step up to the mic.
Dale Jr., a revered figure in the sport, had a simple suggestion. He believed Chastain should’ve acknowledged the incident, even if it was just to say, “Hey, I messed up.”
“I think you got to comment, there’s no harm in it. I mean, I guess you could say ‘That man messed up; I went down in the corner and my shallow entry; was off line and dirt track down there on the inside, and he made a mistake; lap 1, I should know better,’ he (Chastain) could’ve said all that, he could’ve said anything, and that would’ve been better than a no comment.” – Dale Jr.
NASCAR has certain expectations regarding driver conduct, both on and off the track. Here’s what they might have hoped for:
- Accountability: Chastain taking responsibility could have softened the backlash.
- Transparency: Fans crave insights into these high-speed decisions.
- Sportsmanship: Acknowledging the incident would highlight respect for fellow drivers.
- Public Relations: Addressing the media would help manage his public image.
Ross Chastain’s Changing Image: From Aggressor to Playing It Safe
Ever since Ross Chastain pulled off that wild wall ride at Martinsville in 2022, he’s been the talk of the NASCAR town, hailed as a fearless rule-bender and compared to none other than ‘The Intimidator’ himself.
But now, it seems like the watermelon man has traded his aggressive driving shoes for a pair of sensible loafers. Remember when Noah Gragson’s jaw learned a lesson at Kansas? That was the Chastain everyone feared. He didn’t care if he ruffled feathers, sparring with big names like Hamlin and Larson.
“I’m just over it. Nobody else has the (guts) to at least confront him, at least just grab him and do something, he’s just going to keep doing it. Nobody confronts the guy, he just keeps doing it and I’m sick and tired of it.” – Noah Gragson
Yet, following a stern warning from Rick Hendrick after a 2023 wreck with Larson, Chastain’s fire seems doused. No longer the terror of the track, he’s settled for playing it safe, even having calm chats post-race, like with Carson Hocevar.
“I don’t care if he’s driving a Chevrolet if he wrecks our cars. I don’t care. I’ve told Chevrolet that. If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back. If you don’t do it, they’ll run all over you.” – Rick Hendrick
What happened to the driver who once danced on the edge? Maybe he’s just taking a pit stop on the wild side.
News in Brief: Connor Zilisch Praises Mentor Ross Chastain
In the whirlwind of NASCAR drama, Ross Chastain finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place, with Connor Zilisch oddly singing praises for his honesty but facing backlash for his post-race silence at COTA.
Dale Jr.’s advice, urging Chastain to step up, highlights NASCAR’s high expectations. As Ross tiptoes from his bad boy image to a more cautious driver, fans are left wondering if he’ll ever find the right balance—or a new nickname.
ALSO READ: Ross Chastain Sparks Controversy After Wrecking Chase Elliott at COTA—Did He Go Too Far?
