Ross Chastain is navigating a tough start in the NASCAR Cup Series, sitting 20th in the standings as the 2026 season unfolds. As he heads into the highly anticipated Desert Double weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Chastain’s IndyCar connections come into focus, especially with the joint race event placing him alongside open-wheel contenders once again.
Troubles and Highlights Mark Chastain’s Early Season
Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing, has experienced mixed fortunes this year. While flashes of competitive pace have brought a top-five finish and a stage win, setbacks with car parts and pit road penalties have limited his ability to maximize points for the No. 1 team. The fluctuating results highlight both the team’s potential and the obstacles they still face as the season develops.
Balancing Multiple Racing Series for More Track Experience
To sharpen his edge, Chastain’s schedule involves more than just the Cup Series on Sundays. He will drive for Niece Motorsports in eight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events and for Jordan Anderson Racing in four NASCAR Xfinity Series races. This aggressive schedule provides crucial track time and keeps Chastain actively competing as he targets improvements in his primary Cup campaign.
Returning to Phoenix for the Desert Double
This week brings a unique challenge as NASCAR and the IndyCar Series share Phoenix Raceway for the highly anticipated Desert Double, running March 6–8, 2026. This marks IndyCar’s first oval appearance at Phoenix since 2018, with stock cars and open-wheel machines sharing the spotlight and the track.
Chastain is eager for the occasion, but he also acknowledges the challenges posed by two series racing on the same surface.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the people, but I’m not excited for the probably confusing feeling we’ll have with their rubber versus our rubber. I was fully ingrained in IndyCar from 2018 to 2021 as a development driver for Chip Ganassi Racing.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
During his tenure as a development driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, Chastain built relationships across the IndyCar paddock. At tests and events, particularly at tracks like Sebring, he interacted with established drivers, including Scott Dixon and Alex Palou, forging connections that persist even as his current focus is with NASCAR.
Previewing a Crucial Stretch of NASCAR Races
Looking ahead, Chastain sees the next series of NASCAR races—including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Darlington, and Martinsville—as pivotal.
“I feel like Phoenix, Vegas, Darlington, and Martinsville, that’s a month snapshot there of the season because there is a mix of everything. The points won’t reflect it, but those four weeks, if you bookmark them, I think you get a good snapshot of who’s the best right now,”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
This upcoming stretch on the west coast promises a test across a variety of circuits, giving teams and drivers, such as Chastain, an opportunity to showcase speed, adaptability, and teamwork.
Developing Team Chemistry with New Crew Chief
Chastain has also begun working with a new crew chief, Brandon McSwain, who replaced Phil Surgen for the 2026 season. Early efforts have focused on refining radio communications and establishing an effective working rhythm. Away from the high-pressure environment of the racetrack, Chastain reports a smooth partnership with McSwain, and now the focus shifts toward further strengthening race-day coordination as the season continues.
So far, Chastain credits McSwain’s professionalism and ability to transition into the leadership role atop the pit box. The team continues to address details and adapt, keeping their sights on consistent results and mastering the nuances of the Chase format.
What the Desert Double Means for Chastain and the Series
As the Desert Double brings together NASCAR and IndyCar at Phoenix Raceway, Chastain stands at the intersection of both worlds. His experiences as an IndyCar development driver for Chip Ganassi Racing provide him with a unique perspective, blending stock car insight with open-wheel knowledge. The event not only tests his adaptability but also showcases the cross-series relationships that shape today’s motorsports landscape. With the west coast swing offering a key early benchmark, Chastain’s journey—guided by both his past IndyCar connections and present NASCAR ambitions—will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
