In a significant development for the NASCAR world, sources indicate that the current Rick Hendrick NASCAR crew chief, Brandon McSwain, is set to join Trackhouse Racing in 2026, taking over for Phil Surgen on Ross Chastain’s team. This move will mark a notable shift in leadership for Chastain’s crew, with fans and insiders closely watching how the change may influence future race outcomes and team dynamics.
Brandon McSwain Expected to Succeed Phil Surgen at Trackhouse Racing
According to reports from RACER and conversations within the NASCAR community, Brandon McSwain—who is currently with Hendrick Motorsports—is the front-runner to become Ross Chastain’s crew chief beginning in 2026. McSwain is no stranger to the demands of NASCAR’s top tier. He has previously stepped in as crew chief for William Byron during the fall Daytona event, delivering a well-regarded performance in that one-off role. This experience seems to have made Trackhouse Racing confident in McSwain’s ability to lead their team in future seasons.
The anticipated announcement regarding McSwain’s transition is expected soon, creating significant buzz among followers of both Trackhouse Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. This will be a major crew chief move in the NASCAR landscape, potentially impacting team strategies and performances in the upcoming Cup Series seasons.
Phil Surgen and Ross Chastain: A Productive Partnership Nears Its End
Phil Surgen joined Ross Chastain as crew chief in 2021 when both were with Chip Ganassi Racing. Their collaboration continued seamlessly as Chastain moved to Trackhouse Racing, with Surgen accompanying him in this new chapter. Under Surgen’s watch, Chastain has participated in 143 races for Trackhouse Racing so far and achieved notable on-track success.
Surgen and Chastain have developed a strong working relationship, highlighted by their race victories and consistent performances. The duo has accumulated six race wins together, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level nearly every weekend. Although they narrowly missed making it to the Round of 8 during the Cup Series playoffs, their partnership remained effective and competitive.
Performance Highlights: Insights From Martinsville Speedway
During their time together, Surgen’s strategic decisions have helped shape many of Chastain’s strongest races, including a memorable run at Martinsville Speedway. Although starting 13th and facing the setback of going a lap down, Surgen’s calls from the pit box rejuvenated Chastain’s effort. The team executed crucial adjustments during the race, leading to an impressive fourth-place finish at the checkered flag.
“We were getting beat up pretty bad. We went a lap down; made some good adjustments when we took the wave around. It was a free pit stop, per say, later and Phil Surgen (crew chief) did a bunch of adjustments and it brought the car back to life. We caught that caution, which took us from around 10th into the top-five. I think we just watched William Byron cement himself into the championship race.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
These successes have marked Surgen as a strategic asset for Trackhouse Racing, while highlighting Chastain’s resilience behind the wheel. The results at Martinsville, among others, have cemented the effectiveness of this partnership, even as it now approaches a likely conclusion.
What the Crew Chief Change Could Mean for Trackhouse Racing
This anticipated crew chief transition is set to bring new energy to Trackhouse Racing. As McSwain steps in, he will inherit a team that has tasted victory and come close to competing for championships. With the mentorship of veteran drivers like Ross Chastain and the legacy built by Phil Surgen, the new Rick Hendrick NASCAR crew chief could have a significant impact on the team’s strategies and performance levels starting in 2026.
Within a competitive Cup Series landscape filled with skilled organizations like Hendrick Motorsports, strategic crew chief appointments can make a critical difference. For fans, drivers, and the broader NASCAR community, McSwain’s move is sure to be a key storyline, with attention now turning to Trackhouse Racing’s plans and expectations ahead of the next NASCAR season.
As the team gears up for this leadership change, continued updates and official announcements are expected, capturing the interest and excitement of those following the evolving careers of Ross Chastain, Phil Surgen, Brandon McSwain, and their respective teams in NASCAR’s premier racing events.
