Ross Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, shared details about the team’s plans heading into the 2026 Daytona 500 during media day. He described the upcoming package as a deliberate performance upgrade with Chevrolet, particularly designed to improve results on super speedways. While the actual impact will become clearer after testing at Daytona, Chastain emphasized that the overall focus will be on balancing downforce across the car to enhance handling throughout the season.
Longstanding Relationship with New Crew Chief Brandon McSwain
Chastain revealed a close and enduring connection with his new crew chief, Brandon McSwain, highlighting their long friendship as an asset throughout the racing season. The two Floridians first met over a decade ago while working in the racing industry and have maintained a close bond ever since, sharing personal milestones and living near each other for years. This familiarity, according to Chastain, is a key factor that fosters seamless communication during critical race moments.
“I’ve known Brandon McSwain for more than a decade. We met in 2014 at Shigeaki Hattori’s team. It was his first job out of college. He’s worked for Bruce Cook as an engineer, and we hit it off. We’ve stayed friends. We’ve lived about a mile from each other for the last five years probably, and I was at his wedding when he married his better half, Jackie and they’ve raised two awesome kids now. So definitely something that we didn’t have to go to dinner to learn each other’s names. I know his family. His wife’s uncle is actually a watermelon seed salesman. So it’s pretty crazy that we’ve been connected more than in more than one way. Now we’re finally getting to work together again after meeting in a race shop a long time ago.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
“That’s why he was my guy. I tossed his name in the hat at Trackhouse. They were interviewing several great candidates. All would have been great crew chiefs. Some are currently, and some will be one day. My vote was Brandon. I had the relationship with him and feel like I understand his voice. I’m a people person, and I feel like I understand what he’s saying long before I have to kind of think about it.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Evaluating Speed and Strategy for a Front-Row Daytona 500 Start
When asked about his chances of securing a front-row starting spot at the Daytona 500, Chastain was cautiously realistic. He acknowledged that while Chevrolet cars have shown front-row speed in past events, Trackhouse Racing has yet to fully reach that level. Additionally, the dynamics of drafting during practice laps complicated raw speed assessments. Despite this, Chastain remains optimistic about the possibilities as race day approaches.
Chastain also addressed the mental approach to winning the race, stating no urgency or pressure overshadows his motivation. He embraces being in the competition and believes his resilience and adaptability on the track will keep him in contention regardless of challenges.
“I don’t have that feeling. I don’t know if it’ll ever show up in my mind. I’m happy to be here, happy to be competing. I know that I could be backward in the grass at 200 miles an hour and if I can get tires on it, I’ll still have a shot. So I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Building Team Chemistry and Embracing the Challenge of the New Season
Chastain spoke highly of fellow young driver Connor Zilisch, praising his maturity and composure both on and off the track. He described Zilisch as mature beyond his years while still retaining youthful traits, reflecting positively on his upbringing and character. This camaraderie is part of the motivating environment within the team.
“I don’t know how his family raised him, but they did a really good job. It’s probably something that we need to study because he turned out to be a great kid… mature beyond his years. It’s not fair how mature he is. There’s definitely still signs that he’s his age but the speed on track together with the composure off track is cool to see. And we’ve already had some good times together this year.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Regarding changes to the NASCAR schedule, including the reduction of road courses from the Chase, Chastain expressed a flexible and pragmatic view. Rather than focusing on schedule specifics, he wants clarity on the calendar so he can prepare to race anywhere NASCAR assigns.
“I don’t care. Whatever the schedule is. If we had 17 road courses in the season or one, I don’t really know that I have an opinion. I just want to know the schedule. Selfishly I’m excited about Charlotte and having another crack at it. I remember the days when you had the All-Star 600 and the fall race there. I’m ready to race wherever NASCAR says.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Race Preparation and Simulation Insights for New Venues
Asked about his experience using simulators for new tracks like San Diego, Chastain deferred, indicating he left that responsibility to his teammate Shane van Gisbergen. He noted that the San Diego track is still in early stages of evaluation and simulation, with many elements such as curbs and barriers still under consideration. The team views these efforts as valuable for shaping race weekend experiences but awaits further developments.
“No, I definitely let Shane do the grunt work on that. That track is in its infancy of understanding what it’ll actually be on race weekend. So Shane’s helping I think everybody understand what it needs to be and where to place curbs and walls and things. I’ll wait till further down the road.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Adjusting to Changes in Race Weekend Format and Playoffs
With the elimination of playoff rounds and introduction of a single postseason format spanning 10 races, Chastain emphasized the importance of consistent performance over the entire stretch. He dismissed any temptation to take backward moves in races, committing to maintain strong finishes across the season. The new format demands steady results rather than reliance on isolated pushes during playoff rounds.
“I didn’t plan on it last year, but I don’t plan on backing across any finish lines. From there it’s just a whole body of work over 10 races versus three rounds of three. We know the rules right now just like we knew them last year, and we all go try to win it.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Transitioning Crew Chiefs and Maintaining Team Continuity
Reflecting on his change in crew chief from Phil Surgen to Brandon McSwain, Chastain expressed both understanding and confidence. Although he had envisioned finishing his Cup career with Surgen, the shift was amicable due to Surgen’s family priorities and new leadership role within Trackhouse. Surgen now supports the broader team, including assisting other crew chiefs, while McSwain takes the reins on Chastain’s car with Chastain’s full endorsement.
“I thought I was going to end my Cup career with Phil Surgen. And it just came time for him and his family to be home more, and I understand that. This is a grind. He came to us with plenty of time and explained what he wanted to do. He created his own job, really, at the top of Trackhouse up with Darian Grubb in the leadership group over the competition side. He can help Brandon, he can help Randall (Burnett) now and Stephen (Doran) on our three cars. So he was my vote. It wasn’t like I slammed my fist on the table and said I got to have him. I just said I think this is the guy, and I made my case.”
– Ross Chastain, Driver
Implications for Team Performance and Season Outlook
Ross Chastain’s disclosed intentions to leverage an upgraded Chevy package, combined with a trusted crew chief partnership, set an ambitious tone for Trackhouse Racing’s 2026 campaign. His pragmatic yet determined mindset will help the team navigate changes in track configurations, race formats, and personnel adjustments. As the Daytona 500 looms, these preparations could meaningfully shape not only Chastain’s results but also the overall competitiveness of Trackhouse Racing this season.
