Ross Chastain offered high praise for fellow driver William Byron after an intense race at Martinsville Speedway, spotlighting the determination apparent in the latest Ross Chastain NASCAR news. The Trackhouse Racing competitor highlighted Byron’s remarkable performance in the No. 24 Chevrolet, especially given the fierce contest with Ryan Blaney during the closing laps.
William Byron Dominates at Martinsville, Clinches the Win
William Byron displayed exceptional control throughout Sunday’s Xfinity 500, piloting his Hendrick Motorsports entry to the front for a personal-best 304 laps and setting the fastest lap of the event. As the race neared its conclusion, Byron contended with a persistent challenge from Ryan Blaney, one of the field’s most formidable racers.
Byron resurfaced in front following a decisive maneuver on lap 456, overtaking Blaney. Despite a late-race restart that could have shifted the outcome, Byron successfully defended his position, completing the race without relinquishing his lead again as the checkered flag waved. This win marked a significant achievement both for Byron and his team as they advance toward the championship.
Chastain’s Own Finish and His Admiration for Byron
While Ross Chastain secured a respectable fourth-place finish after leading eight laps in the No. 1 Chevrolet, his focus quickly turned to Byron’s success. Chastain, now friends with Byron after years of watching the iconic No. 24 car in action, felt proud to witness Byron’s defining moment on the Martinsville short track.
“I think we just watched William Byron cement himself into the championship race. As a kid, I remember watching the No. 24 car win and dominate here. To be buddies with William now, I saw at the end of the race a guy go and solidify himself in that car for a very long time, not that there was any question about that,”
he said in a post-race interview with NBC Sports. – Ross Chastain, Driver
“Really cool for Chevrolet to go do that and beat the No. 12 car (Ryan Blaney) here. At a flat track, it’s hard to do these days, but the No. 24 car just flat-out drove by him on the long-run and held him off on the short-run at the end. As a friend, that was really, really cool to watch,”
he added. – Ross Chastain, Driver
Chastain’s energy and admiration reflected his commitment to the sport, even after being eliminated from the Round of 12 at the Charlotte Roval. His team, Trackhouse Racing, remains focused on potential victory at upcoming events, with team principal Justin Marks noting their determination heading into Phoenix.
Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen Announced as JR Motorsports Drivers for 2026
Looking further ahead, JR Motorsports revealed that Ross Chastain will share the No. 9 Chevrolet with Shane van Gisbergen as part-time drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for the 2026 season. This move, part of an ongoing partnership with Trackhouse Racing, will see both accomplished drivers tackle a blend of road courses and oval events, offering fans a dynamic and competitive lineup.
NASCAR reporter Joseph Srigley confirmed the announcement, stating,
“NEWS: @RossChastain and @ShaneVG97 will compete part-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, driving the No. 9 for @JRMotorsports.”
– Joseph Srigley, NASCAR Reporter
This year, Chastain ran five races in the No. 9 car. He achieved his strongest finish with a third-place result at Iowa Speedway, and aside from one retirement causing a lower placement at Dover, he consistently finished within the top ten. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen showcased his capabilities by securing a win and a runner-up result in just three races with the team.
What These Developments Mean for NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
Ross Chastain’s outspoken recognition of William Byron’s performance underscores the intense rivalries and camaraderie present in NASCAR, reflecting the emotional and energetic tone throughout the garage. Byron’s ability to excel in high-pressure moments further solidifies the legacy of the No. 24 team, while Chastain’s resilience and future plans with JR Motorsports keep fans eager for the next chapter in Ross Chastain NASCAR news.
With drivers like Chastain and Byron at the forefront, and emerging partnerships like that between Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, organizations such as Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports are poised to shape the narrative of upcoming seasons. The achievements of established names and the arrival of new talents promise NASCAR enthusiasts more thrilling stories across iconic venues, from Martinsville Speedway to Phoenix, in the years ahead.
