42-race winless streak, the Kyle Larson debacle—A chastised Chastain had the last laugh at Nashville. The win was long-awaited since this was the Trackhouse Racing driver’s first win ever since his last win at Talladega in 2022. Battling it out with the Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr, the right recipe, unlike the race at Dover or Darlington, coupled with a pole start for the first time in his career, The Watermelon Man savored his redemptive first win this season with his celebratory act.

Overall, the third Cup Series win for Chastain has turned out to have a positive effect on the dynamics. He has been held guilty by drivers and owners alike for his aggressive driving style. One of the more notable controversies was when Rick Hendrick issued warnings of retaliation after Chastain wrecked Kyle Larson at Darlington earlier this season. But in a recent episode of his podcast, Denny Hamlin acknowledged Chastain as he dismissed allegations against him.

Denny Hamlin said the villainous narrative is dragging Chastain down

In yet another episode of Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, Denny and co-host Jared Allen try to uncover the events that affected this weekend’s race at Nashville. Well, since the leading performer of the race was undeniably Chastain, the topic shifted to him winning after a long time and then gravitated towards the more serious topic of the HMS owner accusing him of intentionally wrecking cars.

“So, Ross wins the race. This is really the first we’ve seen Ross in a while, right? Ever since Darlington, when Mr. H gave him the old ‘better stop wrecking my cars’…” said Hamlin.

Hamlin’s words suggested he felt the behavior towards Ross has been a part of the narrative that paints him as a villain. Explaining his standpoint, he said, “First thing I thought was Mr. Hendrick doesn’t turn the button off on the old information share at the old technical center on him, but they came back strong.

“It was one of a dominant weekend really for the #1 car, winning the race, winning the pole, being fast in practice, and so, I think this whole narrative of them backing him down, I think that just it was circumstances whereas cars weren’t fast, you know, over the last month or so. I think he’s still very aggressive and will race the way that Ross races, which is good and successful for him.”

Good to see Hamlin peak out for Chastain considering how much the 30-year-old has been criticized for his originality on the track. Trackhouse Racing Team has a good relationship with Hendrick Motorsports. The two teams have collaborated often and one of their best ventures remains in Kyle Larson’s new Sprint Car racing series High Limit Racing. But following Darlington, as everyone assumed, there was a tectonic shift in the dynamics.

Read More: “I Talked to Rick Hendrick” – Justin Marks Claims to Be Innocent After Being Called Out by HMS Legend

Ross Chastain addresses the allegations by Rick Hendrick

After the severe crash, Rick Hendrick warned, “I don’t care if he’s driving a Chevrolet if he wrecks our cars. I don’t care. I’ve told Chevrolet that. If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back. If you don’t do it, they’ll run all over you.” 

Now, those are tough words for Chastain. As per reputed journalist Jeff Gluck, speaking about the issue in a post-race conference at Nashville, Chastain said, “When Mr. Hendrick criticizes publicly, it’s tough. He’s *the* guy and everybody knows what he says goes.” 

But apparently, Hendrick has resolved the matter without any grudges. Chastain further adds that Mr. H complimented him with advice to stop crashing himself and that would get him many wins. Not just Chastain, but team owner Justin Marks has been under criticism for his decisions lately around this situation.

Speaking about the discussion with the driver, he said, “It was like, ‘Hey, let’s look at this opportunity we’ve had. Let’s just work together to try to make sure we’re making the right decisions here, taking the most advantage of our opportunity.’ ” Marks has also been patient with Chastain, which the team is now reaping the benefits of the recent Ally 400 win.

Watch This Story: Ross Chastain Refuses to Apologize for the Shift in Media Perception Since His Major Cup Series Success Last Season