The Quaker State 400 in Atlanta delivered on what it promised, drama. Ross Chastain is no stranger to aggressive driving. He has solidified his image as a “go-getter” and is not afraid to squeeze in tight spaces.

Heading into the weekend, drivers knew it was going to be tricky. The track is narrow with a steep 24° banking at turns, drivers were prepared to be packed. The extreme weather conditions did not help the drivers either.

Chastain’s fearlessness combined with the challenging conditions at the Atlanta Motor Speedway was what caused his DNF in the race.

Ross Chastain Paid the Price for a Multi-Car Wreckage 

In the 63rd lap of Stage 2, the Chevrolet of Erik Jones clipped the back of Corey LaJoie’s Ford. This caused the Spire Motorsports driver to spin on the narrow track, causing cars to pile up behind him. 

Ty Gibbs was right behind Lajoie and could not do anything to avoid contact with the Ford. In this entire bubble of confusion, there was Ross Chastain trying to squeeze his way through.

As Ty was trying to sustain minimal damage to his car, he drifted left and into Chastain’s right front. This broke his right suspension, ending the race for Chastain right there. 

It disappointed Chastain, who after the incident said, “It’s a bummer for us because obviously we had great speed and handling here last year”. But as it turned out, this was not what broke his heart the most. 

Ross’s father has been one of his biggest supporters throughout his career. He celebrated his 60th birthday the night before the race. Chastain wanted to give him a birthday gift by finishing the race well, but that did not pan out for him.

“Bummer for my dad turning 60 yesterday, you know he is at so many races and it doesn’t bother him too much but just for me to give him a birthday present would’ve been cool,” explained a regretful Chastain. 

“There Could’ve Been Major Consequences for Your Actions if It Was 2021”: Brad Keselowski Warns Ross Chastain

Upwards and Onwards for Ross Chastain

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Even though saddened that he couldn’t give his Father a fitting present, Ross did not lose focus and detailed the incident.

He gave an explanation for the situation he was in. He said, “It’s just one of those things. We weren’t far enough where we wanted to be. The wreck happened. I went to the brake pedal, which got really tight and went up the track and it tore the right front suspension off of it”

WATCH THIS STORY: Ross Chastain refuses to apologize for the shift in media perception since his major cup series success last season

Wit a won and 575 points, Ross Chastain’s Playoff berth is pretty much secured. He is 53 points behind the regular season leader William Byron and will definitely look to shorten the gap at the Crayon 301 in New Hampshire.