Ross Chastain, a key driver for TrackHouse Racing, has openly addressed the persistent qualifying speed issues plaguing his team, casting a shadow over their prospects in the ongoing NASCAR Cup Series season. This tension reached new heights following the race in Texas, as Chastain vocalized his frustration about the lack of speed, not just in his own Chevrolet, but across the entire TrackHouse Racing lineup, raising urgent questions about the organization’s competitiveness and future trajectory.
Despite holding onto 11th place in the points standings, Chastain’s consistent struggle in Saturday qualifying sessions has hampered not only his own ambitions but those of his teammates as well. With an impressive six top-10 finishes in 11 starts this season, Chastain’s race-day performance often compensates for disappointing starting positions, yet it cannot mask the underlying problem. Daniel Suárez, another TrackHouse Racing driver, sits 25th in the standings, while Shane van Gisbergen holds 35th overall—positions far below expectations and highlighting the depth of the team’s qualifying woes.
The heart of the issue lies in their inability to secure strong starting spots. TrackHouse Racing’s struggles on Saturdays have left all three cars consistently qualifying outside the top 20, while competitors gain vital track position and momentum. During an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Chastain did not shy away from these realities.
he explained.
Chastain’s candid remarks underscore a growing sense of urgency within the organization. He went on to highlight that,
For Chastain and TrackHouse Racing, the consequences of poor qualifying are more than statistical. Each race presents a steep uphill battle, with the drivers forced to navigate heavy traffic just to finish within reach of the leaders. As Chastain acknowledged,
Currently, the team is unable to meet that standard. Both Suárez and van Gisbergen are similarly hamstrung by TrackHouse Racing’s inability to produce qualifying speed, placing additional pressure on race-day execution and strategy—and leaving little margin for error. The sentiment was echoed by Chastain as he expressed the team’s collective drive to improve:
Reflecting on TrackHouse Racing’s rapid ascent and current struggles, Chastain acknowledged a shift in expectations and standards:
As the season progresses, TrackHouse Racing faces mounting pressure to reverse its Saturday misfortunes. Persistent qualifying challenges threaten to undermine the team’s competitive intentions, potentially impacting playoff aspirations and morale throughout the organization. With determination and a growing sense of urgency, Chastain and his teammates, alongside their technical partners at Chevrolet and ECR Engines, will need to find a solution—and fast—if TrackHouse Racing hopes to reclaim its standing as a front-runner in NASCAR’s intense and unforgiving arena.
