What’s Happening?
Trackhouse Racing announced Thursday they signed Ross Chastain to a multi-year extension. Just 1 day after re-signing teammate Daniel Suarez, the driver now known for “The Hail Melon” wall ride has a secure future with The House.
What You Need to Know:
- Ross Chastain, entering his third year of Cup Series racing signs a multi-year extension with Trackhouse Racing.
- Trackhouse, lead by Justin Marks and rapper Pitbull, is also entering their third year of Cup contention. Chastain joined the team in 2022 when Marks acquired Chip Ganassi Racing.
- With both Trackhouse drivers contractually secure, the team can collectively focus on racing performance and improving on their 2022 success.
Main Characters
Trackhouse used a press release as well as social media to announce the news. In the release, team president Ty Norris says the contract is “long-term”, that Chastain will be with them until “his beard turns gray.”
Justin Marks says that Chastain is an integral part of The ‘House’s efforts. “What we’re trying to do in this sport is establish ourselves as a year-in, year-out competitor and organizations that can win championships and be a great destination for our partners and the people who work here. It starts with the two guys who hold the steering wheel and making them feel like they have a home here.” Marks also said of Chastain, “I was a fan of his for so long… I’ve always been a huge fan of his talent and his potential.
In just his first year with the team, Chastain proved Marks right, finishing second in the Cup Series championship amassing 15 top 10s along the way.
In the Stands
Fans jumped on the news right away celebrating the driver’s future.
On Reddit, fans voiced support. One even gave a little reason why so many traditional NASCAR fans like Chastain.
After Door Bumper Clear dubbed Chastain’s 2022 campaign the “Don’t Give A F Tour”, Chastain’s popularity began to wane. That trend turned on a dime when Ross pulled the video game move, the “Hail Melon” around the wall at Martinsville to make the Round of 4 in the Cup championship. Reaction to Thursday’s news indicates he has won over many fans for a long time. Perhaps, as Norris said, “until his beard turns gray.”
From the Pressbox
Jim Utter got the quote from Chastain.
FrontStretch’s Jared Haas pulled out a stat that indicate why Trackhouse retained the would-be free agent.
NASCAR’s official page caught a special moment for Marks and Chastain as the 2 made the announcement and answered questions about the upcoming Duels set to take plays just 2 hours later.
TDD is monitoring this story and will have more reactions from around the garage and grandstands.