Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly been bombarded with the Hail Melon content this weekend. As the race weekend inches closer, the buzz is getting louder and the name on everyone’s lips is none other than the eighth-generation watermelon man himself, Ross Chastain.

With Martinsville making its grand return this weekend, Chastain has the #1 Chevy primed and ready to roll. It’s not just the engine that’s revved up; his paint job, returning sponsor, and a slick scratched-up helmet design are all set to steal the show.

Ross Chastain’s #1 Chevy revs up for a returning partnership

Earlier this year, Trackhouse Racing made sure Ross Chastain didn’t hit the free-agent market after his astronomical 2022 season as they inked a “long-term multi-year” contract. And, what a season 2022 was! The highlight? The Martinsville last-lap drama that saw Chastain ride the wall past half a dozen cars on his way into the Championship 4. NASCAR banned quicker than a pit stop.

Picture it: The #1 car blazing through the last turn of the 2022 Playoff round of 8 elimination race. Pedal to the metal, the Chevy skidded along the retaining wall to claim a championship berth. Bidding goodbye to Denny Hamlin‘s championship dreams, the move was instantly dubbed the move of the century, and Ross Chastain etched his name among the elite.

Now, in 2023, the Trackhouse Chevys couldn’t quite keep up with the grid, and Chastain sits with just one win this season. But as the grid heads to Martinsville again, a familiar name is returning to the #1, and it’s looking meaner than ever.

Trackhouse Racing has announced that the Moose Fraternity is stepping up as a primary partner for the No. 1 Camaro in 2024 and 2025. That’s a partnership that’s going on strong for five years, and the Florida native is all smiles about it. “It has been so fun to have a continued relationship with the Moose Fraternity,” said Chastain.

The 30-year-old added, “Several of the members have become like family which is unique when it comes to a partnership. Not only do I have the opportunity to meet members but it’s fun to talk to people about becoming a member of the fraternity. It’s a passionate group that cares about their community and making it a better place.”

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Ross Chastain unleashes the Hail Melon magic as a revved-up ride and scratched-up helmet return to Martinsville

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Hailing this weekend’s race at Martinsville, Chastain’s helmet is a work of art, sporting a scratched-up right side to match how his #1 car looked at the finish line last year. It’s a fitting tribute to the Hail Melon moment, “It turned out awesome and will be in my collection as a great memento to the Hail Melon forever.” 

But what’s Chastain’s take on all this Hail Melon madness? “I didn’t want [the Hail Melon] to be the last thing we were known for,” he said, adding, “I smiled when people brought it up, but as a competitor, I needed to win again to close the loop on that.”

And win he did! Chastain clinched victory at the Nashville Superspeedway race from the pole, leading a race-high 99 laps. It was a shining moment in a challenging season compared to the charming story of last year.

While many in the community lament the banning of the “Hail Melon” move, Chastain stands firmly in support of NASCAR’s decision. “I will do anything imaginable in my head to lose less, and I stand by what I did last year. But I don’t want to wreck on accident, let alone on purpose. So I’m good with not being allowed to do it.”

As we gear up for the penultimate race of the season, Chastain may not be in the championship fight, but all eyes will still be glued to that #1 Chevy with the striking red paint job. Watch out for more juicy drama as the Martinsville weekend unfolds!

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