Ross Chastain, the Trackhouse Racing driver currently tied for 11th with defending Cup champion Joey Logano as the NASCAR Cup playoffs begin at Darlington, remains focused on his championship goals. However, he is also interested in the possibility of competing more extensively in NASCAR’s lower divisions next year, including the Xfinity Series—soon to be known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—and the Craftsman Truck Series.
The Florida native and avid watermelon farmer is eager to see how NASCAR will adjust the number of races Cup drivers can enter in these series, a factor that won’t interfere with his current Cup playoff pursuits.
Chastain’s Plans and Passion for Racing Across Multiple Series
At a recent media session at Daytona International Speedway, Chastain expressed his enthusiasm about potentially returning to race in both the Truck and Xfinity Series more frequently next season.
I don’t know if it’ll be able to happen, but I just love to race. My team is already working on the possibilities and putting together what races are companion and what races we have sponsorship for. We still have to fund it; either I have to fund it, which is how it’s been most of the time, or the team has to. We’re already working on hypotheticals for Truck and Xfinity.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR driver
His overall approach is straightforward: whenever there is a chance to win, he wants to seize it. He appreciates that competing on the same track in multiple series helps him reach his racing goals.
I want to win and any chance I get to win anything, I want to do it,
Chastain said.
It’s on the same track, which I get a lot out of. The Truck Series is honestly as productive, probably more on throttle time—like gas and brake is more similar in a Truck right now than a Cup car now.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR driver
Extensive Experience and Current Involvement in NASCAR’s Three Main Series
Ross Chastain brings a wealth of experience with 579 career starts across NASCAR’s top three series. This includes 249 Cup Series starts with six wins, including a victory this year at the Coca-Cola 600. Additionally, he has 213 starts in the Xfinity Series with two wins, and 117 starts in the Truck Series capturing five wins.
In the current season, Chastain has made up to five starts in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports and has also competed in five NASCAR-permitted Truck Series races for Niece Motorsports. In the Truck Series, he has delivered a runner-up finish along with two more top 10 results.
When I drive for Niece Motorsports, I love everything Niece,
Chastain commented.
So I want to run as much as I can. And if I can help the program by funding or by helping a younger driver—I don’t know if I can—but I’m there if they need it.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR driver
Potential Rule Changes Could Expand Participation in Lower Series
As NASCAR contemplates how many races Cup drivers will be allowed to compete in across the Xfinity and Truck Series in 2024, indications suggest that the permitted starts might increase to seven or eight per series. While official decisions have yet to be announced, this potential shift excites Chastain and others eager to take advantage of additional racing opportunities.
For Chastain, who values both winning and continual racing development, expanded access to the lower series could offer a productive outlet alongside his Cup Series ambitions.
