With NASCAR introducing new participation rules for 2026, Ross Chastain is preparing for an ambitious season he calls the “Road to 56,” aiming to compete in every race allowed across major series. The Ross Chastain 2026 NASCAR plan leverages recent regulatory changes to maximize his presence and impact on the racing circuit, reflecting a strategic push supported by his teams and driven by experience.
NASCAR Rule Changes Ignite Chastain’s Ambitions
NASCAR’s 2026 adjustments expand opportunities for Cup Series drivers, enabling them to compete in up to ten O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events and as many as eight Craftsman Truck Series races, in addition to the regular Cup schedule. This shift means Ross Chastain could start 56 races over the season, combining all eligible series. The 32-year-old driver, recognized for his persistent race schedule in the past, openly welcomed the challenge and direction these new opportunities provide.
“The road to 56 starts now,”
Chastain said.
“Yeah, we’re already working on it. I think it’s the best thing I can do, and Trackhouse (Racing) is in full support of it.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
The pursuit of this milestone isn’t entirely new for Chastain, who built his reputation racing nearly every weekend and sometimes multiple times per meet. In 2019 alone, he logged an extraordinary 77 starts spanning the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, further cementing his dedication to consistent, high-level competition.
“I might have even done a start and park that year,”
Chastain told Fanbuzz. – Ross Chastain, Driver
Prioritizing Performance Over Quantity
Trackhouse Racing has thrown its full weight behind Chastain’s 2026 vision, emphasizing not just participation but quality results. Accordingly, Chastain’s approach is all about putting himself in the fastest cars and contending for top positions, whether on Sundays in the Cup Series or in the supporting divisions. For the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he will team up with JR Motorsports, while his Craftsman Truck Series entries will be with Niece Motorsports.
“We’re not start and parking. Trackhouse expects me to be fast on Saturday and Sunday. They’re trying to put me in the best cars on Sunday. There’s an expectation out of the other teams I drive for. So it’s got to be quality. Early in my career, I was quantity 99% of the time. Now, I’m quality.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
This renewed focus on competitive machinery and meaningful results is evident in Chastain’s 2024 performances. Earlier this year, he finished fourth in a Craftsman Truck race at Charlotte and then clinched victory in the Coca-Cola 600 the very next day, driving a backup Cup car. This feat reflects his commitment not just to presence, but to excellence at every opportunity.
Chastain, Van Gisbergen, and Suarez to Share JR Motorsports Seats
Looking to 2026, both Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen will return to JR Motorsports for part-time campaigns in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, piloting the No. 9 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, as NASCAR analyst Joseph Srigley confirmed. Their shared effort in the current season set a precedent—Chastain delivered three top-five finishes at Darlington Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, and Iowa Speedway, along with a top-ten at Circuit of the Americas. His only setback came at Dover, where an early incident relegated him to a 38th-place finish.
Shane van Gisbergen, joining Trackhouse in the recent year and hailing from New Zealand, left his mark by winning one Xfinity race, finishing runner-up in another, but unfortunately crashing at Watkins Glen. The pair’s strong results prompted JR Motorsports to renew their contracts for another year.
“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 Analyst
Alongside Chastain and van Gisbergen, Daniel Suarez will join the No. 9 Chevrolet lineup after a recent victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. Plus, up-and-coming Truck Series racer Rajah Caruth is set to make appearances for the team in the No. 88 Chevy, rounding out an eclectic and competitive roster for JR Motorsports.
What the Expanded Schedule Means for NASCAR and Fans
The Ross Chastain 2026 NASCAR plan represents not only his personal drive for achievement, but also underscores a broader evolution in NASCAR’s approach to cross-series participation. By embracing both quality performances and increased flexibility, Chastain, JR Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing, and their partners prepare to engage fans with a season packed with high expectations, fierce competition, and the promise of memorable moments at venues including Nashville Superspeedway, Darlington Raceway, Iowa Speedway, and Circuits of the Americas. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this ambitious path results in racing history for Chastain and his teams.
