During the 2025 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Michael McDowell accepted responsibility for the Ross Chastain Indianapolis NASCAR crash that led to the race‘s first caution on Sunday, July 27. The incident unfolded in Turn 3 and has drawn significant attention from drivers, fans, and NASCAR organizations.
Ross Chastain, whose racing career began at age twelve on Florida’s short tracks, has steadily climbed the ranks of NASCAR, despite early challenges such as limited sponsorship and resources. Over the years, Chastain has achieved more than 50 victories in late model stock car competitions, marking him as a seasoned and determined competitor in the Cup Series field.
Collision on Turn 3 Sets Off Early Brickyard 400 Incident
As the field approached Turn 3 at Indianapolis, McDowell’s Chevrolet No. 71, representing Spire Motorsports, made contact with Chastain’s car. The contact occurred after McDowell was blocked by Chastain, who was defending the inside lane. The result of this maneuver was Chastain’s car striking the outside wall, bringing out the caution flag on lap 18 of the 160-lap race.
Frontstretch’s Dalton Hopkins conveyed the immediate fallout, revealing McDowell’s radio message following the crash:
“First caution of the day. Chastain gets hit from Michael McDowell. “I wasn’t expecting him to get on the brakes that fast. Sorry.” 18/160.”
The crash not only impacted Chastain’s race, but also shifted strategies for numerous teams during the early phase of the Brickyard 400. Both drivers are respected figures in the NASCAR Cup Series, with Michael McDowell having made his debut in 2008 with Michael Waltrip Racing. After years of part-time rides, McDowell secured a full-time seat at Leavine Family Racing in 2017, and now pilots the No. 71 car for Spire Motorsports as a seasoned veteran.
Spotter’s Support Plays a Key Role for McDowell
Michael McDowell’s enduring career, highlighted by over 500 Cup Series starts, is partly attributed to the close partnership with his spotter, Michael Fisher. Speaking on a motorsport podcast, McDowell acknowledged Fisher’s importance, particularly in high-pressure racing moments such as those witnessed at Indianapolis.
“Yeah, he’s a stud, Fisher, my spotter. He’s just, uh, does a great job and he has helped me out a tremendous amount being able to, you know, focus on what’s really important. And he helps a ton with that preparation and, um, does a great job on the roof.”
This relationship became even more crucial during McDowell’s recent transition to Spire Motorsports, enabling seamless decision-making and enhanced communication throughout the season. Fisher’s guidance and strategic insights from atop the spotter’s stand allow McDowell to focus fully on race execution and safety.
The aftermath of the Ross Chastain Indianapolis NASCAR crash may influence team strategies and driver dynamics as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series progresses. With the spotlight now on future races, drivers including McDowell and Chastain will aim to capitalize on the lessons from Indianapolis, and organizations like Spire Motorsports and Leavine Family Racing will look to adapt amid ongoing competition at America’s most iconic tracks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. NASCAR stepped in and informed Denny Hamlin that he had sufficiently expressed his point. Later in that race, Chastain collided with Chase Elliott, causing Elliott to spin. During the restart, Elliott nudged Chastain towards the wall, while Hamlin made a close pass to show he was still upset.
Q. What is the Ross Chastain rule?
A. On Tuesday, NASCAR revealed several rule updates for the 2023 season. One significant change bans the exciting wall-riding move used by Ross Chastain in the “Hail Melon” at Martinsville last fall.
