Ross Chastain’s signature watermelon-smashing celebration has become a staple after his victories, catching attention both on and off the racetrack. The NASCAR driver, who races for Trackhouse Racing, uses this unique act to draw focus to watermelons, a nod to his upbringing on a Florida farm and an effort to spotlight the industry whenever he claims victory.
The roots of the Ross Chastain watermelon celebration trace back to the start of his racing career. After earning wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (Xfinity) Series, Chastain would break a watermelon and take a bite of the fruit in front of the cameras. He explained that this tradition was always meant to support his family’s legacy as watermelon farmers and to boost the fruit’s exposure during high-profile moments.
“The literal reason I do it is to try to sell more watermelons for the entire industry is to put it in a spotlight. And there’s no better time as a race car driver than when you win. Everybody’s watching. They’re all watching you get out of that car. Nobody looks away. Once you get out, I mean, it’s like driving a new car off the lot,” Ross Chastain said (36:15 onwards).
“It’s depreciating quickly and the TVs are turning off, but everybody waits and watches the burnout and the driver get out, I think,” he added.
This long-standing celebration aligns closely with Chastain’s personal history. He grew up working on his father’s watermelon farm in Florida. His grandfather, originally from South Georgia, relocated to Florida in the early 1900s to start growing the lucrative crop. Chastain’s family farming background stretches back to when his ancestors moved to America from France in the 1700s, carrying their agricultural heritage through generations.
Building a Racing Career While Supporting the Farming Community
Chastain’s rise in NASCAR accelerated after joining Trackhouse Racing in 2022. That year, he recorded his first Cup Series triumph at the Circuit of the Americas, followed by another win, and secured a runner-up finish in the overall championship standings. In 2023, the “Melon Man” continued to impress, earning victories at the Nashville Superspeedway and the championship race in Phoenix, ultimately finishing ninth in points.
This season, he added a prestigious crown jewel to his achievements by winning the Coca-Cola 600 in May, bringing his Cup Series win tally to six. Despite his racing success, Chastain remains deeply connected to his agricultural roots. He revealed that, had his motorsports career not taken off, he would have furthered his knowledge in watermelon farming to continue the family tradition.
“If racing had failed, I would be more knowledgeable in watermelon,” Ross Chastain said (37:40).
In addition to his on-track celebrations, Chastain launched a video series titled “Ag to Asphalt” in 2023, showcasing farmers at various tracks and highlighting the journey of food from fields to stores. His efforts bridge the gap between agriculture and racing, featuring the hard work and dedication of farmers and reinforcing the bond with his heritage.
Racing Success and Looking Ahead
Finishing his fourth Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing, Chastain secured 10th place in the final standings after gathering four top-five finishes and 12 top-10s. He made it to the playoffs, which he had missed in 2024, but was eliminated after a daring last-lap move at the Charlotte Roval. Even with the fierce competition and the challenges of professional racing, his distinctive watermelon moment after each win keeps his family’s legacy alive and shines a spotlight on farmers everywhere.
Ross Chastain’s watermelon celebration is more than a post-race ritual—it’s a tribute to his family’s enduring ties to agriculture and a clever way to promote watermelon growers on NASCAR’s grand stage. By blending racing excitement with a nod to his roots, Chastain continues to bring the farming industry into the national conversation whenever he stands in victory lane.
