USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
At the Dover International Speedway, Ross Chastain certainly did not make many friends on the track. In fact, he and Martin Truex Jr got involved in a bit of a spat with each other. The #1 and #19 drivers were tussling for third place when they got slightly carried away with their battle.
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In light of the squabble, NASCAR spotter Brett Griffin talked about Chastain’s aggressive stance. He said, “If Ross races you like a b******e, he doesn’t care. I’ve spotted for Ross Chastain, I know what he is capable of doing. He is a super-talented, fast race car driver and these cars are obviously fitting his driving style like nobody else.”
“There are guys that we’re seeing, who are talented drivers, struggle in these cars. If you think Ross Chastain got out of that Spire car and all of a sudden get in this car and run 25 spots better. We talked to Corey LaJoie about it on the stage the other day. This is a good car, this is fitting Ross’ driving style and I wouldn’t want to be his teammate right now.”
What happened between Ross Chastain and Martin Truex Jr?
During the final few laps, Chastain was still third, and Truex Jr was right on his tail. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver attempted one final desperate lunge to grab P3. He drove around the outside of the Trackhouse Racing car, but Chastain was having none of his. Once again, he defended his position fiercely and held on to the third place.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 24, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (45) hits Bubba Wallace (23) while racing to the checkered flag behind Martin Truex Jr (19) and Ross Chastain (1) during the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately for Truex Jr, the robust defense resulted in him spinning out and sliding down into the inside wall. Eventually, the 2017 Cup Series champion finished the race in 12th place while Chastain finished third.
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Afterwards, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver confronted the younger driver about his antics. Luckily, the conversation did not dissolve into a fight and the #1 driver eventually accepted the blame.
