Trackhouse Racing is set to make a significant change for the upcoming season, as Ross Chastain will have a new crew chief in 2026. The move aims to shake up the No. 1 team, with Brandon McSwain stepping in to replace Phil Surgen, who had been Chastain’s crew chief for the past four years.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for the organization and puts the spotlight on the Ross Chastain new crew chief strategy, as the team strives to find increased consistency and compete for championships—a clear sign that expectations within Trackhouse Racing continue to rise.
Brandon McSwain Steps into Crew Chief Role from Hendrick Motorsports
Brandon McSwain comes to Trackhouse Racing from the No. 24 team of William Byron, where he has worked as an engineer and sometimes served as interim crew chief. According to Kelly Crandall of RACER, McSwain’s transition marks his first opportunity in a full-time crew chief position. For Trackhouse and Chastain, this move emphasizes a commitment to building a duo eager to grow and excel together on and off the track.
Phil Surgen’s partnership with Chastain produced six wins, a notable achievement over their four seasons together. Despite these successes, the team often struggled to find the speed and set-ups required to compete week after week. There were more weekends marked by missed opportunities than times when everything came together perfectly. This inconsistency led to the decision that changes were necessary as the team looks to move beyond sporadic wins and chase a championship.
Efforts to Find Consistency After a Challenging Season
As the current season comes to a close, the No. 1 team has one race remaining—a race that Chastain has previously won. Reflecting on the year, Chastain’s undeniable talent and strong work ethic have been recognized throughout the Cup Series, yet the driver and his team have struggled to maintain momentum. Despite victories on various track types, including road courses, superspeedways, Phoenix’s short track, intermediate circuits, and even a prestigious Coca-Cola 600 win, Chastain has not advanced as far in the playoffs as many anticipated.
Chastain’s difficulties in moving past the Round of 12 in the playoffs and an overall lack of consistent speed have highlighted the need for a more stable partnership atop the pit box. Trackhouse hopes that by pairing a young, energetic engineer like McSwain with Chastain, both can learn, adapt, and ultimately position themselves as serious championship contenders in the upcoming seasons.
The Significance of the Transition for Chastain and Trackhouse
This crew chief change not only represents a new chapter for Ross Chastain but also signals Trackhouse Racing’s commitment to long-term success. As the duo embarks on their first season together, both the organization and its fans will watch closely to see if this new dynamic can deliver the consistency and championship-caliber performances that have so far proven elusive. The Ross Chastain new crew chief decision has the potential to reshape competitive dynamics within the Cup Series, setting the tone for Trackhouse Racing’s ambitions moving forward.
