Ross Chastain is aiming to secure a Ross Chastain Top-10 finish as the NASCAR Cup Series concludes its season in Avondale, Arizona. Entering Sunday’s championship race at Phoenix Raceway, Chastain trails Bubba Wallace by just 12 points in the standings, setting up a tense battle for a coveted spot among the year’s top drivers.
Chastain and Wallace Prepare for Final Standings Clash
With the playoff contenders chasing the ultimate prize, Chastain remains focused on closing the points gap for a personal milestone. He currently sits 11th in the Cup Series standings, with Wallace holding the final Top-10 position. The driver from Trackhouse Racing realizes the significance of this goal as the season ends.
“We’re right on his heels. One slip, we’re there.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Achieving a place among the Top-10 at year’s end is a matter of pride for Chastain and many other competitors on the NASCAR grid. While earning a playoff spot is a primary objective, finishing in the elite group at the close of the season represents consistent performance and status within the sport.
Pride and Tradition of Securing a Top-10 Position
“I feel like we’ve been raised in the Top-5, Top-10, Top-15, Top-20 mentality. I believe that in finishing position, I believe that in points finishing position.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Chastain has ended the season in the Top-10 on two occasions, finishing second in 2022 and ninth the following year. Notably, he did not make the playoffs last season, but his persistent efforts continue to keep him in the running for another strong result. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace, representing 23XI Racing, achieved his only Top-10 finish in 2023, demonstrating the competitive challenge for this position.
This Sunday, Chastain will roll off from the 13th position, while Wallace starts from 23rd, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the concluding race and the possibility of position changes that could define each driver’s season.
Historical Value of the Top-10 in NASCAR
Before the introduction of the playoff, or “Chase,” format in NASCAR, closing the season within the Top-10 was a major accomplishment. The elite group of drivers who reached this benchmark were honored by taking the stage at the NASCAR Awards Banquet, once famously held in New York City and broadcast live on national television.
During this televised ceremony, Top-10 finishers had the opportunity to publicly thank their teams, sponsors, and supporters, further cementing the significance of the achievement for both the drivers and their collaborators within the network of NASCAR’s competitive community.
Looking Forward to the Season’s End
As the final race unfolds in Phoenix, all eyes will be on whether Ross Chastain can achieve another Top-10 conclusion to his season—both for his standing among drivers and the continuation of a storied tradition in NASCAR. The final results will not only affect individual accolades but also reinforce the importance of every position on racing’s highest stage.
