Ross Chastain

Ross Lee Chastain (born December 4, 1992) is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing and is known for his aggressive driving style, versatility, and persistence, earning the nickname “The Watermelon Man” due to his family’s deep agricultural roots. As of 2025, Chastain has established himself as one of NASCAR’s busiest and most competitive drivers, achieving multiple Cup Series wins and consistently contending at the highest levels of the sport.

Early Life and Background

Hailing from Alva, Florida, Ross Chastain grew up working on his family’s watermelon farm, belonging to an eighth-generation agricultural lineage. He developed a passion for racing at age twelve, competing on local short tracks such as Punta Gorda Speedway and Citrus County Speedway. Despite a modest start with limited funding, Chastain built his career through sheer determination and skill. His grassroots experience, including over fifty short-track wins and a strong dirt racing background, laid the foundation for his NASCAR ascent.

Career

Chastain’s NASCAR journey began with competing in local series before making his national start in the Camping World Truck Series in 2014. He earned his first NASCAR national series win in 2018 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and quickly gained recognition for his relentless work ethic, earning the title of NASCAR’s busiest driver with over 200 starts in the top three national touring series within five seasons.

A breakthrough year came in 2022 when Chastain scored two Cup Series wins—at Circuit of the Americas and Talladega Superspeedway—and made headlines with his daring “Hail Melon” move at Martinsville Speedway, where he drove his car along the wall to advance into the Championship 4, eventually finishing second in the season standings. In 2023, he won two more Cup races, including prominent victories at Nashville and Phoenix.

In 2024, Chastain continued his strong form with a win at Kansas Speedway, six top-five finishes, and 14 top-10s. In addition to his Cup commitments, he races part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Niece Motorsports, where he has helped earn multiple team victories.

Notably, in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chastain made history by starting last and winning the race, becoming the first driver in the modern Cup era to achieve such a feat—underscoring his tenacity and racecraft at the sport’s highest level.

Off-Track Ventures

Off the track, Chastain remains deeply connected to his agricultural roots and is a prominent advocate for farming communities, often celebrating his watermelon heritage publicly. He engages actively with sponsors including Busch Light, Moose Fraternity, Kubota, and others. Chastain maintains a strong social media presence to connect with fans and supports motorsports outreach and growth initiatives.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Ross Chastain’s net worth is estimated between $8 million and $12 million. His income is derived from racing salaries, prize winnings, endorsements, and sponsorships, reflecting his rise as a respected competitor and public figure within NASCAR.

Personal Life

Ross Chastain keeps his personal life private but is known to be in a relationship with Erika Anne Turner. The couple has no children. Chastain is regarded as approachable and professional while balancing his demanding racing career.

Recent Controversies

Chastain has maintained a reputation free from major controversy throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His career has been characterized by a focus on competitiveness and professionalism, without public legal or ethical disputes.

Key Highlights from Seasons 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Recorded a victory at Kansas Speedway along with six top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series. Continued part-time Truck Series success with a win at Darlington Raceway. Sustained status as a consistent playoff contender.

• 2025 (to date): Made history at the Coca-Cola 600 by winning after starting last in the field, the first to do so in the modern era, highlighting his strategic and relentless driving style. Maintains strong performances with multiple top-10 finishes through the season, ranking among the championship contenders with Trackhouse Racing.