Chastain Does it Again at Gateway

June 5, 2023
2:04 pm

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Worldwide Express Chevrolet, prepares to qualify for the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum at Los Angeles Coliseum on February 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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Joshua Lipowski

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Ross Chastain once again found himself causing an accident by spinning Michael McDowell on Sunday.

What’s Happening?

Ross Chastain has been one of the focal points this season for all of the wrong reasons. Chastain once again found himself in the spotlight, this time for wrecking Michael McDowell at the beginning of stage two.

The rumble strips caused a bit of a stumble 👀@RossChastain gets into @Mc_Driver to start Stage 2 pic.twitter.com/vgz7ywQP7W
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 4, 2023

The wreck happened on the restart to begin stage two after Michael McDowell restarted near the front on two tires. Chastain had taken four tires, and was noticeably faster than McDowell. McDowell would rebound to get a top-10 finish.
This comes amidst Chastain being at the center of controversy for some aggressive moves and wrecks during the early races of the season. Team owner Justin Marks said that he planned to talk with Chastain about the aggressiveness following Darlington. Since then, Chastain has had two 22nd place finishes.
Fans on social media were not happy with Chastain after this. They are tired of seeing this same act week after week.

In the Stands

Hard to argue that.

Back in action he is indeed.

He did get through Charlotte and North Wilkesboro clean.

Brett called this a racing incident.

Eric Shane criticized Clint Bowyer for how he called this incident.

Dinoco Blue is not buying the rumble strip excuse.

On Your Screen

Difficult it is Eric.

Ross definitely shot up the track after getting on the curbing, but McDowell didn't give him a ton of space.

Trying to give Ross the benefit of the doubt but it sure isn't easy.#NASCAR
— Eric Estepp (@EricEstepp17) June 4, 2023

Indeed there is something about Ross Chastain and Gateway.

Something about Ross Chastain and Gateway 😂#NASCAR75
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) June 4, 2023

From the Pressbox

Jeff Gluck kept an eye on McDowell and got rewarded.

"Keep an eye on McDowell…" Bowyer said right before that incident.

Good call.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 4, 2023

Davey Segal gave insight into what Michael McDowell said immediately following the incident.

⚠️ Quick caution on the restart for @Mc_Driver. He took only 2 tires.

Says he's not sure what happened and is told "I believe that's what they call getting Chastained."

🗣️ "You left him plenty of room, he just got into you." #NASCAR
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) June 4, 2023

It was definitely not an ideal moment or an ideal day for Chastain. However, McDowell was able to recover for a nice finish. Chastain is obviously on a bit of a cold streak, and moments like this are not going to help him much.