Ross Chastain met with reporters before the highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he offered insight into the pressure of the upcoming Bristol Night Race. As the driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Chastain shared his thoughts on his current position in the standings and what the unique Bristol atmosphere means to him during this crucial point in the season, directly tying into the central theme of Ross Chastain Bristol race media availability.
Bristol Motor Speedway, famous for its dramatic night race, sets the stage where Chastain and other drivers must balance risk and opportunity on an intense short track. Sitting 19 points above the cutline, Chastain discussed the significance of this buffer and its impact on his mindset, emphasizing the challenges and excitement that define both his experience and this event’s prestige. Notable competitors such as Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano will also be focal points during the event.
Immersed in the Iconic Bristol Environment
Chastain described the sensory elements that make Bristol stand apart, drawing comparisons with other legendary tracks such as Daytona and Darlington. He highlighted the thrill of driving through the turn three tunnel and viewing the steep banks and towering grandstands, noting how this never loses its magic for drivers who appreciate racing history. Even stepping into the stadium as a spectator, Chastain recounted spending the previous day in the grandstands watching truck practice and the Food City suite for the race, reinforcing his emotional connection and the energy that makes Bristol a special experience, regardless of whether he’s competing or observing.
Navigating the Cutline and Competitive Intensity
Holding a 19-point margin above the elimination zone heightens the weekend’s stakes for Chastain and Trackhouse Racing. The driver admitted that while the team has demonstrated the speed to defend their position, Bristol’s demanding environment leaves little room for error. The inherent risks of the tight track, newly repainted walls, and the challenge of 500 laps further contribute to the pressure felt by all competitors.
“I think it puts us in a spot where we are fast enough to stay above the cutline, but a failure or an error, it’s easy to hit the wall here. They’ve painted them back to their old all-black. They’re waiting on you if you make a mistake, so we’ve got 500 laps to get through.”
—Ross Chastain, Driver
With the cutline looming, Chastain’s approach must blend competitiveness with careful execution. Bristol’s unpredictable nature, when coupled with playoff implications, tests drivers’ focus and strategy over the long, grueling event.
Adapting to Bristol’s Unforgiving Racing Style
Chastain openly expressed his enjoyment of Bristol’s challenging environment, recalling both recent successes—two top-10 finishes in his last two appearances—and moments of frustration from earlier in his career. He reminisced about incidents with fellow drivers, including a multi-car collision with McDowell and Truex, and reflected on his desire to always finish the full race, regardless of his results. These experiences underscore his determination and evolving comfort with Bristol’s distinct racing style. Chastain credited his crew chief Phil Surgen for steady improvement in car performance, asserting that their next objective is moving from consistent top-10 runs toward truly competing for victory.
Behind-the-Scenes Changes and Team Direction
When asked about recent internal changes at Trackhouse, including leadership adjustments and the appointment of Todd Meredith, Chastain acknowledged a deliberate shift designed by Justin Marks to enhance competitiveness. He explained that while some changes are ongoing and their effects on performance may take time to become evident, there is confidence in the leadership’s vision and the team’s commitment to improvement. Chastain emphasized his own focus on driving, leaving technical decisions to the experts while trusting the direction set by Marks and Meredith.
Staying on Strategy: Balance Versus Aggression
Chastain addressed the balance required between taking risks and racing conservatively, referencing his position in the “mushy middle” of the standings. While acknowledging the temptation to push for advancement, he stressed the importance of finishing races to maintain or improve his standing. Anticipating that Friday’s practice and qualifying will influence his and the team’s approach to the main event, Chastain detailed how past experiences, including both setbacks and poor qualifying efforts, motivate him to execute more effective race strategies.
“Yeah. Well, we have to finish the race. We have to be rolling at the end, for sure. That’s every race if you want to do good. I don’t want to walk out of here with a sore shoulder (laughs). So, yeah, we have to finish and see. Today will set the tone for how fast we are, right? Long run in practice. How can we qualify? We have actually qualified last here in a Trackhouse car. I hope no other Trackhouse driver ever has to endure that because that was terrible. So, we’ll try to be better than that. Tomorrow, we’ll see where we start and that kind of sets the attitude for how we’re going to approach the start of the race at least.”
—Ross Chastain, Driver
Unpredictable Track Conditions Keep Drivers on Edge
Bristol’s reputation as an ever-evolving challenge resurfaced as Chastain considered the uncertainty brought by factors such as tires and changing track conditions. He argued that unpredictability has always defined Bristol’s identity, with drivers experiencing nerves—past and present—over what each race might bring. Noting improvements in safety over the years, Chastain remarked that these advances have somewhat shifted the nature of those nerves but not eliminated them.
“I don’t think there’s been a standard Bristol race since they built the place. So, yeah, I think it’s always been like this. I think drivers always come in here nervous. I think they were more nervous back in the day because the safety of the cars wasn’t there. We’ve seen that they could literally knock the fence down. I mean, they would punch holes in the gates or whatever, the guardrail. We are in such a better spot. These really are the good old days at Bristol, from a safety perspective, I believe. It’s my opinion. I think drivers have been nervous walking into Bristol since they built it.”
—Ross Chastain, Driver
NASCAR Oversight and Post-Race Rulings
The conversation shifted to recent scrutiny regarding NASCAR’s post-race policies and enforcement concerning driver conduct, particularly after a weekend involving not just Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, but also Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, and others. Rulings were made about post-event activities, and Chastain maintained a direct and pragmatic view of NASCAR’s authority:
“No, sir. NASCAR sets the rules. I just ask for the rule book, the schedule and let me go race.”
—Ross Chastain, Driver
Looking Ahead: Assessing the Road Forward for Chastain and Trackhouse
Chastain’s comments ahead of the Bristol Night Race illustrate a driver aware of both the pressures and opportunities that define high-stakes NASCAR events. His willingness to reflect on his growth, adapt to team strategies, and respect the traditions and challenges of Bristol aligns with Trackhouse Racing’s evolving aims under Justin Marks, Todd Meredith, and Phil Surgen. As Chastain aims to maintain his position above the cutline and possibly secure a breakthrough performance, the upcoming event will test his ability to convert preparation, teamwork, and resilience into tangible results. The outcome at Bristol could play a substantial role in shaping the rest of his season, with every lap offering new tests for those vying for playoff success at one of NASCAR’s most storied venues.
