Ross Chastain experienced a mixed weekend in Nashville, competing on both Saturday and Sunday, where he secured fifth place in the Xfinity Series race and 11th in the Cup Series race. Despite these solid performances, Chastain was noticeably disappointed that he could not compete in the Battle of Broadway 150 Pro Late Model event at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway due to financial challenges.
The Trackhouse Racing driver had taken part in the same event alongside Josh Berry the previous year and had greatly enjoyed the experience, expecting to return in 2024. However, without sufficient sponsorship support this time, those plans fell through. Chastain explained the situation candidly:
It just costs a lot of money. Last year, Tootsies sponsored us to do it, and that was just a big lift for all of us and them.
He noted that the absence of similar backing this year made participation impossible.
Expressing his ongoing interest in short-track racing, Chastain added,
I want to be a part of short-track racing. But this week, or just this year leading into it, it just didn’t really make sense. And, yeah, there’s no real reason. It just didn’t work out. I want to do it again, but it takes a lot of effort.
His comments reveal both his commitment to the sport and the obstacles that prevent him from competing this year.
During the 2023 Battle of Broadway 150, Chastain had engaged in a fierce duel with Berry, pushing hard throughout the race before Trey Craig claimed victory. Even after missing this year’s race, Chastain remains determined to return. He reaffirmed his connection to Nashville and the event, saying,
My life with Trackhouse draws me to Nashville a lot. This town makes me feel at home, and now I’ve got a race at the Fairgrounds under my belt. It won’t be my last. I promise you that.
Chastain’s strong ties to Nashville and his passion for the Pro Late Model event suggest that, despite financial hurdles, he will continue seeking opportunities to compete at the historic Fairgrounds Speedway track in the future.
Josh Berry Faces Disqualification Drama at Battle of Broadway 150
Josh Berry initially appeared to have a spectacular weekend in Nashville, as he crossed the finish line first in the Battle of Broadway 150. Berry led a dominant 93 laps and seemed poised to carry the momentum from his short track success into his upcoming Cup Series race. However, post-race technical inspection revealed a left-side weight violation on his car, which led officials to disqualify his result, stripping away his win.
This setback dashed Berry’s hopes for carrying the victory’s confidence forward, as his performance in Sunday’s Cup Series race fell short, finishing 30th. The disqualification transformed what started as a moment of triumph into a disappointing weekend for the driver.
Berry’s heartbreak highlights the razor-thin margins and strict regulations that govern racing at this level, where even a dominant performance can be undone by technical infractions. His experience underscores the demanding nature of the Battle of Broadway 150 and the challenges drivers face in balancing aggression with compliance.
