Ross Chastain Bio
Early Life and Background
Ross Lee Chastain was born on December 4, 1992, in Alva, Florida, USA. Growing up in a family involved in farming, he was introduced to racing at a young age through his father’s hobby. Chastain began racing at the age of twelve, competing at local tracks like Punta Gorda Speedway. His early experiences in racing were marked by tight budgets, a theme that continued throughout his career. He attended Riverdale High School in Fort Myers and later enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University for a semester before fully committing to his racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Chastain’s journey to NASCAR began with a successful stint in local racing, where he accumulated over fifty wins in various series, including a championship in the Limited Late Model portion of the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. In 2011, he made the move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to pursue a career in NASCAR. He debuted in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011, driving for Turn One Racing. Despite facing challenges, including incidents and a limited budget, Chastain’s determination and connections in the watermelon farming industry helped him secure more opportunities in the sport.
Ross Chastain Career
Early Career (2011–2016)
Chastain’s early career was characterized by his participation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he made his debut in 2011. He faced a mix of challenges and successes, including a career-best finish of seventh while driving for SS-Green Light Racing in 2012. He continued to develop his skills in various series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he made sporadic appearances. His persistence paid off as he began to establish himself as a competitive driver.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Chastain made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017, driving for Premium Motorsports. His first notable performance came at the AAA 400 Drive for Autism, where he finished twentieth. Over the next few years, he continued to race in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, achieving a career-high seventh-place finish in the Xfinity standings in 2020. In 2021, he joined Chip Ganassi Racing, where he drove the No. 42 Chevrolet and solidified his presence in the Cup Series.
Trackhouse Racing Era (2022–Present)
In 2022, Chastain signed with Trackhouse Racing, where he drives the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The season marked a significant breakthrough for Chastain, as he secured his first Cup Series victory at the Circuit of the Americas and followed it up with another win at Talladega. He finished the season with a career-best second place in the points standings, showcasing his growth as a driver. In 2023, he continued to perform well, scoring multiple top finishes and maintaining a competitive edge.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Chastain is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft. His ability to navigate through the field and capitalize on opportunities has earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor. He often employs a fearless approach, which has led to both impressive victories and notable rivalries on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Chastain’s career highlights include winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 2025 and the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix in 2022. He was also named the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Most Popular Driver in 2019, reflecting his growing popularity among fans.
Ross Chastain Career Wins
Ross Chastain has achieved significant success across various NASCAR series, with a total of six wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and additional victories in the Truck and Xfinity Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Chastain has recorded six wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including his historic victory at the Coca-Cola 600, where he became the first driver in the modern Cup Series era to win a race after starting from the last position. His first Cup win came at the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, Chastain secured five wins, with his first victory coming in 2019 at the Digital Ally 250. He also achieved two wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, showcasing his versatility across different racing formats.
Ross Chastain Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ross Chastain is the older brother of fellow NASCAR driver Chad Chastain. He comes from a family with a background in farming, which played a significant role in shaping his early life and career in racing.
Personal Life
Chastain was a watermelon farmer on his family’s farm until he turned thirteen. His upbringing in a rural environment has influenced his work ethic and approach to racing. He remains connected to his roots, often referencing his family’s farming background in interviews.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a notable one for Ross Chastain, highlighted by his victory at the Coca-Cola 600, where he made history by winning after starting from the last position. The season began with a challenging finish at the Daytona 500, but Chastain quickly rebounded, showcasing his competitive spirit. As he continues to build momentum with Trackhouse Racing, he remains a strong contender for the championship, with a focus on consistency and performance as the season progresses.
