Ross Chastain, driving the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, is preparing for major changes and challenges as he gears up for the Daytona 500. Focusing on dynamics within his team and the broader racing landscape, Chastain discusses updates to his car, the evolving NASCAR schedule, and his deepening partnership with a new crew chief, all while keeping an eye on the competition and his own expectations for the Ross Chastain Daytona 500 campaign.
Gearing Up for a New Era of Racing Technology
Chastain reveals that the upcoming race will feature a significant upgrade to their car package, worked on closely with Chevrolet. While tests have been run, the true performance will only be evident once practice laps have begun, especially at super speedway events like Daytona. Chastain notes that fine-tuning the vehicle’s balance and handling will be essential as they shift from manufacturer testing data to real-time driver feedback and adjustments. Preparing for such critical moments underscores the intensity and uncertainty surrounding the event.
“To be determined. It’s definitely an upgrade package. It’s very intentional about that with Chevy. But pushing at the super speedways, we’ll learn tomorrow night. The rest of the tracks are more about the balance of the car, if the downforce changes front to back and how it goes over the car, how the air goes over. They’ve done all their testing, but until the drivers get on track and give some feedback… I’m sure there’ll be things we’ll have to offset to try to help the balance.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
The Power of Familiarity: Bonding with Crew Chief Brandon McSwain
Chastain’s new alliance with crew chief Brandon McSwain reflects a personal and professional relationship strengthened over a decade. Their connection began at Shigeaki Hattori’s team in 2014, with Chastain noting the serendipity of both hailing from Florida, which is rare among NASCAR pairings. Their close proximity outside of racing, including living nearby and celebrating family milestones together, has contributed to a strong foundation of trust and communication entering this season. This familiarity is expected to enhance in-race decisions and strategy calls at crucial moments, such as the closing laps of the Daytona 500.
“I’ve known Brandon McSwain for more than a decade. We met in 2014 at Shigeaki Hattori’s team. It was his first job out of college. He’s worked for Bruce Cook as an engineer, and we hit it off. We’ve stayed friends. We’ve lived about a mile from each other for the last five years probably, and I was at his wedding when he married his better half, Jackie and they’ve raised two awesome kids now. So definitely something that we didn’t have to go to dinner to learn each other’s names. I know his family. His wife’s uncle is actually a watermelon seed salesman. So it’s pretty crazy that we’ve been connected more than in more than one way. Now we’re finally getting to work together again after meeting in a race shop a long time ago.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
“That’s why he was my guy. I tossed his name in the hat at Trackhouse. They were interviewing several great candidates. All would have been great crew chiefs. Some are currently, and some will be one day. My vote was Brandon. I had the relationship with him and feel like I understand his voice. I’m a people person, and I feel like I understand what he’s saying long before I have to kind of think about it.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Reflecting on Performance and Expectations
Assessing Trackhouse Racing’s capabilities, Chastain acknowledges that while Chevrolet as a whole has shown strong results at the front of the Daytona grid, his team has yet to prove itself as a front-row qualifier. Practice laps pointed to challenges, including drafting and unpredictable conditions on the track that distort expectations for single-car speed. Chastain’s approach remains objective as he evaluates both his own efforts and those of his teammates, like Daniel Suárez.
Chastain’s mindset heading into high-stakes moments during the Daytona 500 reveals a determination to focus on adapting and competing, rather than feeling pressured by career milestones or statistical droughts. He expresses an enduring sense of gratitude and resolve, regardless of emerging challenges.
“I don’t have that feeling. I don’t know if it’ll ever show up in my mind. I’m happy to be here, happy to be competing. I know that I could be backward in the grass at 200 miles an hour and if I can get tires on it, I’ll still have a shot. So I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Insights on the Next Generation: Connor Zilisch
Chastain commends his young teammate, Connor Zilisch, for maturity and skill that exceed his age. The relationship provides a learning opportunity as Chastain observes Zilisch’s growth both on and off the track. Their collaboration this year has been positive, strengthening the team’s depth and adaptability in upcoming races.
“I don’t know how his family raised him, but they did a really good job. It’s probably something that we need to study because he turned out to be a great kid… mature beyond his years. It’s not fair how mature he is. There’s definitely still signs that he’s his age but the speed on track together with the composure off track is cool to see. And we’ve already had some good times together this year.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Adapting to a Changing NASCAR Schedule
With NASCAR’s evolving race formats and track lineups, Chastain remains flexible and focused on competition rather than personal preferences regarding road courses or event locations. While road course events hold interest for some drivers, Chastain emphasizes adaptability and eagerness to perform wherever the series demands. He singles out Charlotte as an anticipated challenge but ultimately is ready to compete at any event prescribed by NASCAR officials.
“I don’t care. Whatever the schedule is. If we had 17 road courses in the season or one, I don’t really know that I have an opinion. I just want to know the schedule. Selfishly I’m excited about Charlotte and having another crack at it. I remember the days when you had the All-Star 600 and the fall race there. I’m ready to race wherever they tell us to go. I’ll go anywhere NASCAR says.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Simulation, Strategy, and the San Diego Course
Chastain speaks about preparation disparities regarding simulator work, noting that teammate Shane van Gisbergen is undertaking much of the initial research on the San Diego course. Chastain appreciates the collaborative learning within the Chevy camp and remains open to adopting best practices and insights once more data is available. This cooperative spirit could be vital in adjusting strategies for new or changing tracks during the season.
“No, I definitely let Shane do the grunt work on that. That track is in its infancy of understanding what it’ll actually be on race weekend. So Shane’s helping I think everybody understand what it needs to be and where to place curbs and walls and things. I’ll wait till further down the road.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Watching and Learning from Other Series
Though Chastain is unable to compete in certain feeder series during race weekends, he emphasizes the significance of closely monitoring other practice sessions and races. These observations can yield valuable information, particularly when preparing for races at unfamiliar tracks or with limited practice opportunities. Staying vigilant and learning from parallel competitions remains a vital aspect of Chastain’s overall approach.
“Oh yeah, we’ll be watching. We’ll see once we get there if there is a good spot to watch outside, or if we need to be inside with a TV and a bunch of cameras to watch. But yeah, those practice sessions will be important. There is no extra time with the other series.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Navigating a Postseason Without Playoff Rounds
The new postseason format—eliminating previous playoff rounds in favor of one straight championship chase—presents another shift for drivers and teams. Chastain views the change as an opportunity to focus on consistent performance across ten races instead of managing strategies over three rounds. He expresses commitment to contending for wins from the start of the postseason to the finish.
“I didn’t plan on it last year, but I don’t plan on backing across any finish lines. From there it’s just a whole body of work over 10 races versus three rounds of three. We know the rules right now just like we knew them last year, and we all go try to win it.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Transition in Team Leadership and the Role of Phil Surgen
Chastain reflects on his relationship with former crew chief Phil Surgen, acknowledging the challenges and transitions that come with leadership changes. Surgen’s decision to step back from the pit box, driven by personal reasons, has led to a new role in the Trackhouse Racing leadership group, where he will continue to contribute to the team. Chastain describes the crew chief selection process and his support for McSwain, affirming the importance of collaboration and trust during periods of change and growth for the team.
“I thought I was going to end my Cup career with Phil Surgen. And it just came time for him and his family to be home more, and I understand that. This is a grind. He came to us with plenty of time and explained what he wanted to do. He created his own job, really, at the top of Trackhouse up with Darian Grubb in the leadership group over the competition side. He can help Brandon, he can help Randall (Burnett) now and Stephen (Doran) on our three cars. So he was my vote. It wasn’t like I slammed my fist on the table and said I got to have him. I just said I think this is the guy, and I made my case.”
— Ross Chastain, Driver
Looking Ahead: The Daytona 500 and Beyond
The Daytona 500 stands as a major test for Ross Chastain and Trackhouse Racing as they adapt to new car packages, changing formats, and team dynamics. The event at Daytona International Speedway symbolizes a new chapter, not only for Chastain’s career but also for the evolving strategies across NASCAR. Chastain’s neutral yet intense outlook, combined with careful preparation and long-standing relationships, sets the stage for a competitive run at one of stock car racing’s most prestigious events. With strong ties within his crew, guidance from key figures like Brandon McSwain, and a willingness to embrace each twist in NASCAR’s trajectory, Chastain’s readiness to compete is clear as he lines up for the Ross Chastain Daytona 500 challenge.
