Ross Chastain has opened up about the motivation behind his signature celebration after each racing victory. Known for smashing and enjoying a watermelon live on TV after wins since his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (Xfinity) Series days, Chastain now shares that his act is meant to shine a light on the fruit and boost its popularity—a nod to his family’s long-standing ties to the watermelon farming industry.
During the 314th episode of the “Dinner with Racers” podcast hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckma on December 20, Chastain, the driver of the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing, detailed the intention behind his unique post-race ritual, which has become a staple for fans and a point of conversation in the NASCAR community.
The Origin and Purpose of the Watermelon Tradition
Chastain explained his celebration goes beyond just a personal tradition. The real motivation is rooted in his family’s legacy and his desire to support the watermelon industry, as well as educate the public about where their food comes from. Chastain elaborated:
“The literal reason I do it is to try to sell more watermelons for the entire industry is to put it in a spotlight. And there’s no better time as a race car driver than when you win. Everybody’s watching. They’re all watching you get out of that car. Nobody looks away. Once you get out, I mean, it’s like driving a new car off the lot,”
Ross Chastain said (36:15 onwards).
“It’s depreciating quickly and the TVs are turning off, but everybody waits and watches the burnout and the driver get out, I think,”
he added.
The tradition draws directly from Chastain’s upbringing. He grew up on his father’s watermelon farm in Florida, and his family history is steeped in agriculture. His grandfather, originally from South Georgia, relocated to Florida in the 1950s, focusing on watermelon production. The family’s agricultural roots stretch back even further, all the way to their arrival in the United States from France in the 18th century.
Connecting Racing with Farming Heritage
In 2023, Chastain launched a short video series called “Ag to Asphalt,” aimed at educating fans about the journey of food from farm to grocery store shelves. By featuring farmers at the tracks he visits, Chastain continues to bridge the gap between his NASCAR career and his farming background. The ‘Melon Man,’ as fans have dubbed him, ensures that agriculture stays at the forefront of his racing journey, highlighting not just his victories but the work of farmers across Florida and beyond.
Racing Success and Alternate Paths
Chastain found enduring success in the NASCAR Cup Series after joining Trackhouse Racing in 2022. That season, he notched his first Cup win at Circuit of the Americas, earned additional victories later in the year, and finished as runner-up in the championship standings. Continuing his strong performance, he captured two more wins in the following season—at Nashville and the Phoenix championship race—and finished ninth in points overall. This year, he secured his sixth Cup Series victory by winning the illustrious Coca-Cola 600 in May.
Despite his success on the track, Chastain acknowledged that a different future would have awaited him had his racing ambitions not panned out:
“If racing had failed, I would be more knowledgeable in watermelon,”
Ross Chastain said (37:40).
Chastain ended his fourth season with Trackhouse Racing ranked 10th in the final standings, gathering four top-five finishes and 12 top-10 results. After an absence in the 2024 playoffs, he managed to secure a spot this year but was ultimately eliminated following a daring late move at the Charlotte Roval.
Significance of Chastain’s Gesture in NASCAR and Beyond
Ross Chastain’s watermelon celebration has grown to symbolize more than personal victory—it now stands as a tribute to his family’s legacy and the dedication of agricultural workers. The ritual spotlights watermelon farming, promotes industry awareness, and forges a unique link between the racing world and consumers everywhere. As Chastain continues adding to his record in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, his commitment to championing the watermelon industry is sure to remain a memorable part of his on-track persona.
