Ross Chastain apologizes after Sonoma crash that involved teammate Daniel Suarez during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, an incident that continues to stir strong reactions as Trackhouse Racing’s playoff dynamics come under scrutiny. The crash, which occurred on Lap 45 last Sunday, has prompted Chastain to express deep regret over his role, while both Chastain and Suarez now face changing team lineups and important playoff consequences.
Chastain’s Actions at Sonoma Spark Team Tensions
The incident unfolded as Chastain, in his fourth season with Trackhouse Racing, ran into Daniel Suarez’s No. 99 car, pushing it into Joey Logano’s Mustang at Turn 11 of the California street circuit. The clash resulted in a disappointing finish for Chastain, who placed 24th, while Suarez ended the race 14th. The victory went to Shane van Gisbergen, another Trackhouse teammate, with Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell also making the top five.
In the aftermath, Chastain offered a direct acknowledgment of fault for the incident and sought to make amends with both his crew chief and Suarez. He stated:
“I wrecked him, I mean, he should be upset, that team should be upset. So I went to the crew chief and him, and wanted them to make sure they knew that they knew. I wanted to make sure that, like, it was the last thing I wanted to do.
“I know earlier in the season, I had a couple guys that I felt like had gotten into me a couple times. I didn’t wreck, but gotten into me, and it was starting to be a pattern. And like, I’ve already forgot, like all that, all those scenarios, so I just don’t hold that in my memory like other guys, I feel like,” he further added.
Chastain’s public apology reflects his awareness of the impact the crash has had within the Trackhouse Racing organization, including the effect on team morale and his own reputation. As the only driver from Alva, Florida, to remain with the team next year, Chastain faces a new dynamic following recent news that Daniel Suarez will not return to drive the No. 99 in 2025. Speculation points to Connor Zilisch as a potential replacement, which would bring further change to Trackhouse Racing’s lineup.
Suarez Responds with Warning and Frustration
Daniel Suarez, who hails from Monterrey, made it clear that he was dissatisfied with Chastain’s aggressive racing tactics. Though Chastain relayed his apology through spotter Frankie Kimmel, Suarez did not hide his anger, delivering a caution to Chastain’s crew over the radio and sharing further thoughts after the race. When questioned at a post-race press conference organized by gpfans about whether he would discuss the matter directly with Chastain, Suarez replied:
“I hope so. And if it doesn’t happen, he’s gonna get it back.” —Daniel Suarez, Driver
Currently, Suarez ranks 29th in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings with 330 points, making him the only Trackhouse Racing driver yet to qualify for the playoffs. Unlike his teammate Chastain, who sits ninth with 513 points, Suarez must secure a race win to advance his playoff hopes, intensifying the personal and professional stakes between the two.
Looking Ahead to Key Races and Team Changes
The fallout from Sonoma does not only affect race results, but also influences the broader atmosphere at Trackhouse Racing as the season progresses. The field now prepares for the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, July 20, televised by TNT Sports and aired on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. All eyes will be on whether tensions between Chastain and Suarez continue and how impending changes within the team, including the potential arrival of Connor Zilisch, might impact strategies going forward.
As the NASCAR playoffs approach, the Sonoma incident serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift on the track. Both Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez now find themselves navigating not just racing rivals but also evolving team relationships, with the results likely to affect both individual standings and Trackhouse Racing’s presence in the postseason.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. Disagreement with Denny Hamlin led NASCAR to tell Hamlin that he had already expressed his feelings. In the same race, Chastain collided with Chase Elliott, making him spin. During the restart, Elliott forced Chastain into the wall, while Hamlin made a close overtake to show his annoyance once more.
