Ross Chastain’s recent performances with Trackhouse Racing have raised significant concerns within the NASCAR community, amplifying debate about the source of his struggles. During a new episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion did not hold back, asserting that Chastain is not racing at the level fans hoped for in 2025, and pointing to Trackhouse Racing as the main factor rather than the driver himself. The ongoing issues, unveiled after a string of challenging races, have placed Chastain and his team under an intense spotlight at a critical juncture in the Cup Series.
Kevin Harvick, who has closely followed developments in the series, publicly questioned Trackhouse Racing’s overall preparation and speed, especially during qualifying sessions, arguing that the burden on Ross Chastain is becoming more visible.
“You look at the Chastain pit crew, they’re ranked 16th. So, they’ve been doing a decent job on pit road, but they have not been doing a decent job in qualifying,”
Harvick explained, highlighting a clear disconnect between pit execution and race-start positioning. According to Harvick, the frustration that has surfaced in Chastain’s recent interviews reveals deeper issues.
“This was the first time I’ve ever heard Ross Chastain get out of that race car and voice his displeasure with the way that the cars felt.”
For many, this marks a shift in Chastain’s usually optimistic demeanor.
Despite evident adversity, Harvick pointed out that Ross Chastain is pushing beyond expectations, calling attention to the driver’s aggressive restarts and strategic decisions during races.
“They spent their whole day, with the No. 1 car, on pit road — strategy, great restarts. He’s right up at the top in that restart category of gaining positions, being able to put himself further forward by being aggressive and doing the things that Ross Chastain does. Doing Ross things.”
Still, as Harvick observed, the weight of responsibility is mounting.
“Right now, I think after that race, you’re starting to see that that car is getting a little heavy on his shoulders, towing it along all day through the qualifying day and practice.”
Statistically, Ross Chastain remains Trackhouse Racing’s clear star, ranking P11 in points and earning six top tens and two top fives, as well as leading 50 laps so far. He recently secured a runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway, yet the necessity to outperform persistent car issues leaves little room for error and generates frequent tension within the team. For a driver whose fierce willpower has captured the attention of fans and commentators alike, these circumstances only intensify scrutiny over what’s holding back further success.
The concern around Ross Chastain’s trajectory is not limited to Kevin Harvick. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic also questioned Trackhouse Racing’s ability to provide competitive vehicles, emphasizing the driver’s resilience in the face of adversity.
“You look at Ross Chastain, we need to start giving Ross Chastain some love,”
Bianchi said, noting that Chastain continues to secure strong finishes even while starting deep in the field.
“He’s not qualifying well because Trackhouse isn’t bringing great cars to the racetrack every week. They don’t have a lot of speed in the race car.”
Bianchi’s comments, referencing Chastain’s persistence and adaptability, reinforce the mounting belief that the team’s performance, rather than the driver’s capability, is the primary obstacle.
Observers also identified Daniel Suárez, Chastain’s teammate, as benefiting less from similar grit, further emphasizing the unique challenges Chastain is overcoming week after week. Bianchi remarked,
“really, especially Chastain, this guy just grinds out finishes every single week. It’s like, man, if Trackhouse can just find some speed, you know Chastain is going to be able to go do his job. So impressive.”
As the season progresses, Ross Chastain’s effort to propel Trackhouse Racing amid these struggles places additional pressure on both the driver and the organization. Should the team fail to resolve their speed and qualifying woes, Trackhouse risks missing out on the chance to transform from competitors into champions, potentially fading into obscurity despite having a driver of Chastain’s determination. Ultimately, Chastain’s situation encapsulates the dramatic, unsettled nature of NASCAR’s most competitive moments, and the next races will be crucial for defining both his and Trackhouse Racing’s future.
