Ross Chastain, a driver known for his experience in the NASCAR Cup Series, is adapting his participation in various NASCAR events as the sport adjusts its restrictions on seasoned Cup veterans. This weekend, Chastain will not be competing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Phoenix Raceway, leading to a new lineup that marks a significant shift in the Ross Chastain NASCAR schedule.
Chastain Adjusts Racing Commitments for 2026 Season
Recently, NASCAR updated its participation rules, allowing drivers with over three years of full-time Cup Series experience, like Ross Chastain, greater flexibility to race across different series. Chastain signed an eight-race agreement with Niece Motorsports to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season, though he has yet to enter a Truck Series race this year. Instead, his early season focus has included appearances in the O’Reilly Series, partnering with Jordan Anderson Racing for select races.
Chastain demonstrated his competitiveness with notable finishes in the O’Reilly Series—securing sixth place at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) and ninth place at Circuit of the Americas. Despite these strong performances, he will be absent from this weekend’s event at Phoenix Raceway, signaling a temporary change in his schedule and providing an opportunity for another driver.
Rajah Caruth Steps In for Phoenix O’Reilly Series Race
This Saturday night at Avondale, Arizona’s Phoenix Raceway, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will feature a new face in the No. 32 Chevrolet. Rajah Caruth, a full-time contender and frequent figure in the series, will begin his 10-race campaign with Jordan Anderson Racing in Chastain’s usual seat. Caruth is also the primary driver for the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, but for the upcoming GOVX 200, that position will be filled by William Byron, one of the four Hendrick Motorsports Cup Series drivers sharing the No. 88 this season.
Caruth’s engagement with Jordan Anderson Racing places him at the wheel of the No. 32 car for the next three races. The No. 32 team, which started the year with a strong fourth-place effort at Daytona International Speedway—thanks to owner Jordan Anderson—and has yet to finish below ninth, stands fifth in owner standings. This consistent performance positions Caruth to continue the team’s upward momentum while Chastain steps aside temporarily.
Chastain’s Return and Upcoming Schedule
Although Ross Chastain will not compete in Phoenix, he remains an integral part of the 2026 O’Reilly Series landscape. He is set to rejoin the No. 32 Chevrolet lineup at Watkins Glen International during the 13th race of the season in May and will also be present at Sonoma Raceway in late June. Besides his partnership with Jordan Anderson Racing, Chastain is scheduled for select starts in JR Motorsports’ part-time No. 9 Chevrolet throughout the year, emphasizing his continued involvement at various levels of NASCAR competition.
Fans can catch live coverage of the GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway on The CW Network, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, March 7. This adjustment in the Ross Chastain NASCAR schedule not only shakes up the roster but provides valuable opportunities for emerging drivers like Rajah Caruth while keeping seasoned veterans engaged across multiple series. The evolving lineup and competitive field continue to keep NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series eventful for teams, drivers, and fans alike.
