Ross Chastain Bio
Early Life and Background
Ross Lee Chastain was born on December 4, 1992, in Alva, Florida, U.S. Growing up in a family with a passion for racing, Chastain was inspired by his father’s hobby racing and the competitive spirit of his peers. He began racing at the age of twelve, competing at local tracks such as Punta Gorda Speedway and Citrus County Speedway. Chastain’s early racing experiences were marked by tight budgets, a theme that would follow him throughout his career. He attended Riverdale High School and briefly studied at Florida Gulf Coast University before fully committing to his racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Chastain’s journey in motorsports began in the late model and Fastruck Series, where he accumulated over fifty wins in feature events. His breakthrough came in 2011 when he won the Limited Late Model portion of the World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. In 2011, he moved to Charlotte to pursue a career in NASCAR, taking over the No. 66 Turn One Racing entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. His first race in the Truck Series was at Lucas Oil Raceway, where he finished tenth, marking the start of his professional racing career.
Ross Chastain Career
Early Career (2011–2016)
Chastain’s early years in NASCAR were spent in the Truck Series, where he faced numerous challenges. After his debut in 2011, he transitioned to various teams, including SS-Green Light Racing, where he competed for Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. His persistence paid off as he secured a career-best finish of seventh at Martinsville Speedway. In 2014, he made his debut in the Nationwide Series (now NASCAR Xfinity Series) and continued to develop his skills in the Truck Series, racing for multiple teams.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Chastain made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017 with Premium Motorsports, finishing twentieth in his first race. He continued to race in the Xfinity Series, achieving his first top-five finish in 2017. In 2021, he signed with Chip Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 42 Chevrolet, where he finished seventh in the Xfinity standings with a remarkable 27 top-ten finishes. His consistent performance laid the groundwork for his future success in the Cup Series.
Trackhouse Racing Era (2022–Present)
In 2022, Chastain joined Trackhouse Racing, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. He had a breakout season, securing his first Cup Series win at the Circuit of the Americas and following it up with another victory at Talladega. Chastain’s aggressive driving style and strategic racing earned him a spot in the Championship 4, where he finished second in the points standings. In 2023, he continued to perform well, finishing ninth at the Daytona 500 and winning at Nashville.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Chastain is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to navigate through the field and capitalize on opportunities has made him a formidable competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series. His background in short track racing has honed his skills, allowing him to excel in high-pressure situations.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Chastain’s career highlights include winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 2025, marking a significant milestone in his career. He is also recognized for his victory at the Circuit of the Americas in 2022, which was his first Cup Series win after over 200 starts. Additionally, he was named the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Most Popular Driver in 2019.
Ross Chastain Career Wins
Ross Chastain has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, with a total of six wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, two wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and five wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Chastain has secured six wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including his most recent victory at the Coca-Cola 600. His first win came at the Circuit of the Americas in 2022, where he battled fiercely for the lead. Chastain’s performances have consistently placed him among the top contenders, culminating in a career-best second place in the points standings in 2022.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Chastain has two wins, with his first victory occurring at the DC Solar 300 in 2018. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he has five wins, with his first coming in 2019 at the Digital Ally 250.
Ross Chastain Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ross Chastain is the older brother of fellow NASCAR driver Chad Chastain. Growing up in a family involved in racing, Ross was inspired by his father’s hobby racing, which laid the foundation for his competitive spirit in motorsports.
Personal Life
Chastain was a watermelon farmer on his family’s farm until he turned thirteen. He is a graduate of Riverdale High School and attended Florida Gulf Coast University for a semester before fully dedicating himself to racing. Chastain’s roots in agriculture are often referenced in his racing persona, earning him various nicknames among fans and pundits.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with a challenging 40th-place finish at the Daytona 500 for Chastain. However, he rebounded with a strong performance, culminating in a historic victory at the Coca-Cola 600, where he became the first driver in modern Cup Series history to win a race after starting from the last position. This win has set a positive tone for the remainder of the season, showcasing Chastain’s resilience and competitive edge as he aims for further success in the NASCAR Cup Series.