During the latest race at Richmond Raceway, Ross Chastain underscored the importance of driving safety as he addressed NASCAR fans, emphasizing his commitment to help reduce dangerous driving incidents. Chastain’s message, focused on the theme “Ross Chastain promotes driving safety,” came during a special outreach event in partnership with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Drive Smart Virginia.
Advocating for Safer Roads at Richmond Raceway
Appearing at the Richmond Raceway as part of the “Who’s Your Driver?” campaign, Chastain, age 32, took the opportunity to connect with fans both on and off the track. While engaging the crowd by signing memorabilia and speaking personally with attendees, he also addressed the pressing issue of road safety.
Chastain emphasized the serious impact of unsafe driving, sharing his own perspective developed over years in a high-speed sport. He encouraged responsible habits, implying that every trip should end safely so fans can continue to enjoy NASCAR for years to come.
“When people get behind the wheel, they should remember the real victory lap is making it home,”
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Reinforcing his point, Chastain highlighted key actions that can save lives and prevent tragedies on and off the racetrack.
“Wearing a seat belt and choosing a sober driver aren’t just safety tips, they’re decisions that save lives.”
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Drawing from his experience as a competitive driver known for taking risks in NASCAR, Chastain stated,
“I do crash a lot, and that’s part of the sport of NASCAR. If I could get people to listen, maybe one more person wears their seat belt, one more person makes the right decision when they have a beer.”
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Personal Experiences Shape Chastain’s Safety Message
Chastain’s advocacy took on a deeper meaning as he recounted a life-changing event from 2011 involving one of his friends. The car crash, which left his friend unable to walk, shaped Chastain’s views on the importance of making safer choices behind the wheel. This story resonated with the Richmond audience, highlighting that the consequences of unsafe driving are real and often permanent.
The Trackhouse Racing driver’s public appearance followed a challenging day on the track, where he finished the Cook Out 400 in 19th place. Despite the result, Chastain‘s off-track actions left a strong impression on fans and inspired positive feedback from attendees.
“I think [this event] is part of what makes NASCAR so cool,”
—Ben Steelman, NASCAR Fan
“It’s not perfect. There’s a lot of reasons to not love everything NASCAR does, but they do a pretty good job of making things like this fan-friendly and affordable for everyone.”
—Ben Steelman, NASCAR Fan
Broader Impact and What’s Ahead
Chastain’s driving safety campaign at Richmond reflects NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to connect with local communities and promote life-saving habits. By sharing both professional insights and personal experiences, he encourages the NASCAR community—fans and drivers alike—to make responsible decisions. As the Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Truck Series schedules continue into 2026, campaigns like this are set to play a vital role in creating safer roads and a stronger bond between NASCAR stars and their supporters.
