As NASCAR embarks on its first-ever Mexico City event, Ross Chastain has come out in strong support of the race weekend’s new tradition: a podium ceremony that will honor the top three finishers in both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series. This shift, described as a significant moment for the sport, aims to spotlight not only winners but all top performers, aligning NASCAR with international motorsports customs and offering a broader stage for drivers’ achievements.
Chastain Embraces the Podium Change
Ross Chastain, a fixture in the Cup Series and known for his relentless drive, enthusiastically endorsed the podium concept during a recent media session. He voiced his enthusiasm for this change, noting a personal sense of disappointment with the traditional winner-only celebrations.
“I’ve always been a little disappointed that we don’t celebrate second and third more.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
NASCAR’s practice has historically centered on the victory lane, where only the race winner receives fanfare and attention post-race. However, as the organization invites a wider international audience to its Mexico City debut, officials are shifting toward practices found in other major racing series, where the top three are routinely celebrated on the podium.
Recognizing More Than Just the Winner
For decades, runners-up have often left the track overlooked and unsatisfied despite strong showings. Reflecting on this, Chastain stated,
“It (coming second or third) means so much, and when you do it repeatedly, it can feel like it’s a letdown, but yes, we all want to win. But running top 3 in the Cup series is so challenging that I think we should have always celebrated it more.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Chastain further critiqued the sport’s longstanding hesitation to recognize near-winners, saying,
“I feel like we’d done a disservice to the 2nd-3rd place finishers for a long time by not celebrating it as a sport,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
adding,
“and we’re guilty as competitors. I’ve got out after finishing second and not been happy. But we should celebrate it more.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
His remarks highlight the emotional mix many drivers experience, stressing that sustained high performance in NASCAR’s premier series deserves more acknowledgment. Dusting off the old rival’s saying that “second is the first loser,” Chastain delivered a sharp reply, suggesting it is time for the sport to update its mindset.
International Audiences and Evolving Traditions
NASCAR’s decision to debut the podium format in Mexico City signals a willingness to grow and reflect global motorsports standards. With media personalities like Dustin Long sharing Chastain’s perspective, the fresh approach is generating buzz ahead of the event. The focus on celebrating all top finishers could broaden the competition story, giving fans a fuller view of on-track battles. While the tradition remains new in NASCAR, many drivers — including Chastain, who himself secured several runner-up finishes in 2024 — regard this as overdue and welcome recognition.
Looking Forward: What the Podium Means for NASCAR
This new podium ceremony in Mexico City marks an important step for NASCAR as it adapts to changing audience expectations and international ambitions. Recognizing all top three drivers reflects the grit and consistency required to compete at the front, not just the ultimate triumph. Whether this practice extends to other races or becomes a new tradition remains to be seen, but for drivers like Ross Chastain and for fans worldwide, it’s a sign that NASCAR is ready to celebrate the full depth of performance and competition in its ranks.
