Ross Chastain’s effort to advance in the NASCAR playoffs ended abruptly at Charlotte, as crucial errors undermined his otherwise strong season. The Trackhouse Racing driver showed his signature aggression and determination throughout the year but was ultimately unable to secure a spot in the Round of 8.
This disappointing outcome sparked analysis from experts such as Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, who examined the reasons behind Chastain’s playoff elimination. Their discussion, featured on the latest episode of The Teardown, balanced recognition of Chastain’s perseverance with critique of the mistakes that abruptly ended his postseason bid against competitor Joey Logano.
Experts Weigh In on Chastain’s Playoff Performance and Errors
Jeff Gluck acknowledged that although it was unlikely Chastain would make it to the Final Four without a win at Talladega, his tenacity was unmistakable.
Was he going to make it to the Final Four? Probably not, unless he wins Talladega,
Gluck said.
But he was trying to carry that car on his back once again. And those mistakes, obviously, are going to haunt him. But, you know, I think honestly overall, judging by the speed they had this year, I think Chastain had a good season.
– Jeff Gluck, Analyst
Despite being seen as an underdog entering the playoffs due to the Trackhouse car occasionally lagging behind powerhouse teams, Chastain maintained a competitive edge. Jordan Bianchi emphasized how much credit Chastain deserves for his relentless efforts and ability to uplift his team, even when the strategy and pit execution were less than ideal.
An MVP — like most valuable driver — Ross Chastain deserves votes,
Bianchi noted.
He definitely needs to be in the running. What he did this year was so impressive — how he lifted up that team and just put it on his back. They didn’t have the best strategy, they had issues on pit road — it doesn’t matter. He figured out a way.
– Jordan Bianchi, Analyst
However, Bianchi also pointed to the team’s questionable decisions at Charlotte that hindered Chastain’s chances. The pit strategy and its execution left Chastain isolated during the late stages of the race, which he said was critical to the outcome.
To me, this wasn’t a Ross Chastain failed-to-advance situation. I don’t think the team put him in a position to advance,
Bianchi said.
You’re leaving your driver on an island. Why? All you have to do is stay close to Logano; you’ve already got him beat on speed.
– Jordan Bianchi, Analyst
Moments That Defined Chastain’s Knockout at Charlotte
Jeff Gluck highlighted a key restart late in the race where Chastain and Logano lined up side-by-side but buried in the pack. Chastain made a bold move, quickly gaining six or seven positions in the opening lap after the restart, demonstrating the aggressive driving style that defines him.
There was that one restart at one point where he and Logano started alongside each other, somewhat buried in the pack, and he just picked up like six or seven spots in the opening lap,
Gluck recalled.
He was driving so hard, going where they weren’t. Both of those guys are such hard-nosed racers. But those two mistakes were really, really costly as well.
– Jeff Gluck, Analyst
Bianchi agreed with the harsh impact of the missteps, describing them as “killer” and underscoring that without the errors, Chastain would have continued in the playoffs. He also praised Chastain’s work ethic and implied that with better vehicles, Chastain’s potential could rise even further.
Without one of those mistakes, you’re moving on,
Bianchi explained. “That’s on him 100%. But this is a guy who works really hard, grinds away behind the scenes, and puts in the time. It’d be interesting to see what he could do with better cars because what he’s doing right now is really impressive.
But yeah, those mistakes were killer. You didn’t have to be perfect today. You had one mulligan, didn’t get two, and that’s on Ross.
– Jordan Bianchi, Analyst
Looking Ahead: What Chastain’s Playoff Exit Means for His Future
Despite the frustrating end, both Gluck and Bianchi agree that Chastain’s season deserves respect due to his determination and intense driving style. His effort has earned significant admiration within the NASCAR garage, and with improved equipment from Trackhouse Racing in the upcoming 2025 season, his ceiling could be much higher than what has been demonstrated so far.
This playoff elimination highlights the thin margin for error in NASCAR’s postseason, especially for drivers like Chastain, who rely on aggressive racing combined with team support to advance. The key will be whether Trackhouse Racing can provide the strategic and mechanical upgrades he needs to translate his raw talent into deeper playoff runs.
