Ross Chastain, the Trackhouse Racing driver, cast a shadow over Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson‘s race at Darlington yesterday. Chastain’s overly aggressive approach and weekly track havoc have positioned him as a challenging competitor. His knack for causing collisions has resulted in more foes than friends.

In an apparent error, Chastain hit the outer wall, subsequently landing himself directly ahead of Larson. This led to him being dragged for an extended period. The collision marked the end of Chastain’s race, but it also marred Larson’s performance. After the race, Larson chose not to comment on the incident to the media. This led to divided fan opinion on the melon man.

Ross Chastain might dethrone Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace with his driving style

Larson had earlier foreseen that Chastain, with his relentless aggressive driving, might surpass Chase Elliott in popularity. In a past interview, Larson had recognized Chastain’s “potential to be more popular than Chase Elliott.”

The revelation that Chastain had no intention of altering his driving style might have solidified this prediction. Yet, it’s not just Elliott’s title that he might be usurping. Given the numerous adversaries his aggressive collisions have created, he could also be on the verge of unseating Bubba Wallace as the most disliked driver on the circuit.

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However, it’s worth noting that Chastain’s fame and infamy haven’t deterred a loyal group of supporters. Despite the recent wreck at Darlington, a significant faction stands firmly in his corner.

A faction of fans support Chastain despite on track antics

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The fanbase was notably divided in their response to Chastain. A faction of fans rallied behind him, expressing their support. One admirer appreciated his honesty, saying, “At least he admitted it. I respect that! Buddy is a really good driver.” Meanwhile, another calling out Kyle Larson said, “Cry baby, it’s Darlington!“

A third commentator suggested that Chastain’s smile indicated he wasn’t going to counter the pre-existing narrative, with their remark, “That smile means he’s not going to fight the narrative that was already written.”

Another supporter passionately defended him, exclaiming, “PEOPLE NEED TO STOP BLAMING ROSS CHASTAIN FOR STUFF LIKE THAT HE DID NOTHING WRONG IT’S JUST TWO GREAT DRIVERS HARD RACING.”

But not everyone appreciated Chastain’s aggressive driving style

However, not everyone was as forgiving. Many people also criticized Chastain for his consistent track mishaps. A disgruntled spectator voiced their frustration, stating, “I would be pissed 2 that’s 2 weekends that Ross has wrecked Kyle.”

Furthermore, another critic, irritated by Chastain’s seemingly constant accidents and his cheerful demeanor, remarked, “For someone who wrecks himself and others every week, he sure does grin an awful lot.”

Yet another detractor expressed exasperation, stating, “This has already gotten old, but now it is just ridiculous!” One more individual pointed out the incident with Larson, commenting, “Larson took Chastain for a joy ride today.”

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Chastain’s bold racing style continues to create a divide in the racing community. As his reputation for a tenacious approach grows, so too does the infamy stemming from perceived recklessness. This fascinating contrast highlights his distinctive standing within the sport.

Should he persist with this assertive driving style, it might further cement his dual reputation. On the other hand, if he refrains from moderating his approach, the journey forward could become progressively more turbulent.