Ross Chastain, a driver for Trackhouse Racing, has brought his Ross Chastain Protect Your Melon campaign to Watkins Glen, New York this week, aiming to highlight seat belt safety in partnership with the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its 24th event of the season, Chastain is using his platform and influence to remind both fans and everyday drivers about the vital importance of wearing seat belts on the road.
Seat Belt Safety Takes Center Stage at Watkins Glen
The Protect Your Melon campaign will be held at the lawn outside the Schuyler County Courthouse on Thursday, August 7. Chastain will engage with fans during two time blocks: from 9:00 a.m. to noon and again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Throughout these events, he will be available to sign autographs, take photographs, and spread the key message of road safety, encouraging all attendees to buckle up every time they drive.
Chastain has shared with 18 News that safety is integral to his profession, noting that he secures himself with nine seat belts before every race in the Next Gen car—taking at least two minutes to make sure he is properly strapped in. Along with multiple layers of protection, including a fireproof helmet, a HANS device, and carbon fiber seats, his experience as a professional racer has shaped his approach to safety in everyday driving as well.
He emphasized the importance of this habit when he discussed his transition from the race track back to public roads, stressing that wearing a seat belt is the simplest and most effective way to stay safe.
When I get out of the car, I get in my pickup truck to drive to the airport or the hotel for the night, and I’m in a normal car with everybody else and I want to get there safely, the best thing I can do is wear my seatbelt. We’re just trying to remind New Yorkers of that.
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
By leveraging his platform and partnering with key organizations, Chastain hopes the Protect Your Melon campaign helps reinforce that seat belt use should be a universal practice, not just among professional racers but for all drivers and passengers on the road.
Chastain’s Recent Success and Watkins Glen Performance
Ross Chastain made headlines this season with his triumph at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, which secured his spot in the upcoming NASCAR playoffs. Now ranked 14th in the overall points standings, he holds three top-five finishes and nine top-10s so far, though he has just six playoff points. With three regular season races remaining, each point earned is valuable for enhancing his postseason prospects.
Known by fans as the ‘Melon Man,’ Chastain has competed six times at Watkins Glen. His most notable showing came last year when he took the pole position, led 51 laps, and finished fourth after winning the second stage of the race. Securing a similar or improved result at this weekend’s road course would be a major boost as he eyes further playoff security.
Impact of the “Protect Your Melon” Campaign
Ross Chastain’s advocacy extends beyond racing results, as the Protect Your Melon campaign brings a passionate, energetic approach to an essential safety cause. Partnering with the NYSGTSC and connecting with New Yorkers one-on-one, he uses his influence to reinforce seat belt use, hoping his actions encourage lasting habits on and off the racetrack. The campaign stands as a timely reminder of basic safety measures that save lives, and Chastain’s active involvement may inspire both NASCAR fans and drivers across New York to put safety first every time they travel.
