Many NASCAR drivers have a nickname or moniker that defines them. Richard Petty is known as ‘The King.’ Dale Earnhardt Sr is known as ‘The Intimidator.’ Jimmie Johnson is called ‘Superman,’ Kyle Busch is known as ‘Rowdy,’ and there are many more. However, Ross Chastain has a unique nickname, ‘The Melon Man.’ As it turns out, Chastain’s family comes from a watermelon farming background. In fact, he often celebrates race wins by smashing a watermelon to the ground in Victory Lane. With two Xfinity and three Truck wins, that is a grand total of five smashed watermelons. His second race win came at the Daytona International Speedway after a 2018 Xfinity [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-kaulig-racing-and-ross-chastain-to-conduct-a-giveaway-for-thanksgiving/] win in Las Vegas. Obviously, he had to find a memorable way to celebrate, and the family helped him with that. “Winning at Daytona was an ultimate bucket list item I got to cross off,” Chastain said [https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/2019/11/14/alva-native-ross-chastain-line-nascar-trucks-title/4190021002/]. “I went there every Fourth of July with my family, sat through all the rain delays, camped outside turn one. My whole family was there, and my brother ran on the infield to bring me a watermelon to smash. I still get goosebumps. The hair on the back of my neck stands up just thinking about that moment.” WHAT LIES IN THE FUTURE FOR ROSS CHASTAIN IN NASCAR CUP SERIES? Since that Daytona win, he has won three Truck races in the 2019 season. So, Kansas, the World Wide Raceway, and Pocono got the watermelon treatment. Admittedly, he has yet to win a race in the Cup Series but is racing with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021. Who knows, maybe he will get a chance to smash a watermelon in the Cup Series at last. His best-ever finish in NASCAR’s top tier is 10th place at the 2019 Daytona 500. Since he has performed well at Daytona often, the 2021 race could be his best chance for a maiden Cup victory. 

Ross Chastain is known as the Melon Man, and there is actually a bit of a story
behind it. He even has a special celebration for race wins.

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 - Qualifying

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 08: Ross Chastain, driver of the #45 CarShield Chevrolet, stands by his truck during qualifying for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 - Qualifying - EssentiallySports

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 &#8211; Qualifying

Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams? coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aliz? Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization. While writing remains a passion for him, Varun has branched out into the marketing and communications department of EssentiallySports as well. When he wants to relax, Varun doesn?t have to venture away from tennis and NBA; he simply tunes in to Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan?s exploits in their respective sports, past and present.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/varun_profile-96x96.png

Varun Khanna

blockquote

script

Ross Chastain: The Story Behind the ‘Melon Man’ Nickname for the New NASCAR Cup
Series Driver

Kyle Busch’s Spotter is Left Infuriated as NASCAR Fans Question Richard
Childress Partnership

Stewart-Haas Charter Sale Confirmed? 23XI Insider Cryptically Confirms Tony
Stewart’s Downsizing in the Cup Series

Jimmie Johnson Might Have Gone Behind Chevrolets’ Back to Foster His
Relationship With Rivals Toyota

Richard Petty’s Son Shockingly Trashes Essence of His Family’s Precious Artifact
With a 6-Word Claim

NASCAR Legend Claims Kyle Larson Is Not a Franchise Driver as He Hands the Title
to His Teammate

NASCAR's decision-making under serious doubt after the late caution allowed Denny Hamlin at Richmond

Denny Hamlin & Martin Truex Jr Ambush NASCAR

Rowdy must really not be enjoying watching JGR win while RCR keeps disappointing him.

Did Kyle Busch Make a Grave Mistake Coming to RCR?

NASCAR's roots as we know have been on the wrong side of the law. It seems like years later the tradition keep on coming up from time to time

The Fabled tale of NASCAR's run-in with the Law

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

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Ross Chastain is known as the Melon Man, and there is actually a bit of a story behind it. He even has a special celebration for race wins.

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>Ross Chastain: Net Worth 2024, Stats, Salary, Wife and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Who is Ross Chastain? </strong></h2>
For those familiar with NASCAR, Ross Chastain is perhaps one of the most regular names in the circuit. Driving for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/trackhouse-racing-team/">Trackhouse Racing Team</a>, the driver has certainly made a name among the most popular. Currently, he competes full-time in the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">NASCAR Cup series</a> along with a part-time role in the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-truck-series/">Craftsman Truck Series</a>.

[caption id="attachment_2651516" align="alignnone" width="6000"]<img class="wp-image-2651516 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-14T195309Z_919765153_MT1USATODAY22520273_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500-MEDIA-DAY.jpg" alt="" width="6000" height="4000" /> Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) speaks with reporters during media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain family</strong></h2>
Unlike many in NASCAR, Ross Chastain does not come from a racing background. His family's legacy is instead rooted in watermelon farming dating back to several generations. Chastain was born to Ralph Chastain and Susan Chastain, who still run a watermelon farm in South Florida named JDI Farms. Born on December 4, 1992, in Alva, Florida, Chastain currently resides in Mooresville, North Carolina. He only has one sibling, a brother named Chad Chastain, who is also a stock car racing driver, primarily competing in the Xfinity and Truck Series.

As far as his education is concerned, Chastain attended Riverdale High School in Fort Myers. Further in his career, he joined the Florida Gulf Coast University for a semester before he joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain’s Wife and Children</strong></h2>
According to reports, Ross Chastain <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-is-ross-chastain-in-a-relationship-meet-nascar-drivers-girlfriend-erika-anne-turner/">is currently dating Erika Anne Turner</a>. Turner, currently a real estate agent by profession, graduated from the University of North Carolina with a dual degree in communication and business, as per a report by Terri Bias &amp; Associates. To add to that, Turner is also a model and beauty pageant contestant. She won the Miss North Carolina United States award in 2021 and the Miss US Landscapes in 2020.

It is unclear how the couple met. However, Erika Anne Turner's updates on social media involving Chastain are proof enough that the duo is going strong. As for when we can expect wedding bells, we'll have to wait for an official update.

The couple does not have any children.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
As per reports online, Chastain has amassed an approximate net worth of about $4 million. Although his current salary is unknown, he was supposedly earning around $2 million during his time at <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/chip-ganassi-racing/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Chip Ganassi Racing</a> in 2021. Since joining the Trackhouse Racing team in 2022, he has made immense progress in the Cup Series.

The eighth generation watermelon farmer and driver's major source of earnings comes from NASCAR. In addition, he has his own merchandise store to generate more income.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Career Timeline</strong></h2>
Until the age of twelve, Chastain was working as a watermelon farmer on his family's farm. Interestingly, it was his father's pastime hobby to race that attracted him to get into the racing arena. He initially started with competing in late model and Fastruck Series events, and during his career in short tracks, registered wins in over fifty featured races.

In fact, his impressive form in the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing earned him an unexpected move. It saw him replace Justin Marks in the NASCAR Camping Truck Series in the middle of 2011. While it was a big move, he had a decent debut after finishing tenth in the race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. Further in 2013, Chastain joined Brad Keselowski Racing in 15 Camping World Truck Series contests.

And in 2017, he finally made his debut in the Cup Series driving for Premium Motorsports, in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover. Over time, Chastain seems to have only gotten better despite his aggressive style of racing. In 2021, he joined Chip Ganassi Racing and a year later was recruited by Trackhouse Racing.

However, despite being a full-time racer in the Cup Series, Chastain's love to take part in the Truck Series hasn't lessened one bit. He still continues to participate in a part-time role for Niece Motorsports, respectively.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain’s Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
Ross Chastain is quite a promising name in NASCAR. Perhaps that explains why the driver enjoys the backing of so many well-established brands. From <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kevin-harvick/">Kevin Harvick</a>'s former long-time <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-ross-chastains-hundred-and-ten-billion-dollar-blow-to-tony-stewart-triggers-uncanny-demands-from-nascar-world/">$110 billion worth sponsor Anheuser-Busch</a>, to Jockey and Kubota, there's no dearth of sponsors for the #1 driver. Others include Moose Fraternity, Worldwide Express,

[caption id="attachment_2651519" align="alignnone" width="2954"]<img class="wp-image-2651519 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-15T033348Z_1946298914_MT1USATODAY22524697_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-QUALIFYING.jpg" alt="" width="2954" height="1969" /> Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain’s NASCAR Career Stats</strong></h2>
Since his debut in NASCAR's top division, Chastain has competed in 187 races, out of which he has clinched a victory on four different occasions. The racer also has 46 Top-10s and one pole position in the tourney. In the Xfinity Series, Chastain has competed in 204 races and clinched two wins, 51 Top-10s and one pole. Additionally, in NASCAR's third division, the Truck Series, the driver has four wins, 47 Top-10s and four poles in 107 races.

In his elaborate Cup Series run, Ross Chastain's career took off in the truest sense after the driver joined the Trackhouse Racing Team. Ever since joining the team, Chastain has made regular playoff appearances, finished second in 2022 and ninth in 2023.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain’s Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
Apart from his NASCAR achievements, Ross Chastain has also made headlines for his various other accomplishments. The driver won the Limited Late Model portion of the 2011 World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, winning three of eight events in the series. He was also crowned the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Most Popular Driver. What made the award even more notable for Chastain, 2019's breakout star in the division, was the fact that the news reached him on his 27th birthday.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Brawl with Noah Gragson</strong></h2>
In his career, Ross Chastain has given his fans plenty of memorable moments. From the 'Hail Melon' move to his 2023's final Phoenix Raceway P1 finish beating the Top 4, Chastain knows how to attract eyeballs. But besides all of that, what people also remember him by is when he decided to throw punches at Stewart-Haas Racing driver Noah Gragson.

The incident unfolded in the aftermath of the Kansas Speedway race in May 2o23. The duo were reportedly at loggerheads against each other's driving styles, which led to a physical altercation on pit road with Chastain delivering the first blow after Gragson grabbed the #1 driver's firesuit. Later, Gragson talked about the driver and said, <em>"The guy just runs into everyone. When you’ve got guys like Chase Elliott saying, ‘Go beat his a*s,’ everyone is sick and tired of him and nobody has the b*lls to go up and get him.”</em>

However, the Trackhouse Racing driver later cleared the air and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-ross-chastain-puts-punchgate-behind-him-as-he-declares-truce-with-latest-rival-noah-gragson/">declared how there was no bad blood between the two anymore</a>. <i>"So we are good and talked on Monday on the phone. And then we were together testing some micro-sprint cars on Monday night. We worked out together this week. It’s good, done and over with, and we have been able to move on and laugh about it now,” </i> he said.


<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain and Hail Melon</strong></h2>
A popular moniker that the #1 driver has garnered is 'The Watermelon Man', which came into being after Chastain showed off his unique victory celebration. Upon finishing P1, the driver is seen smashing a watermelon on the track to commemorate his win.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2716700 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0h1AKyWAAAZqmZ.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="801" />

Apart from that, Chastain has also been popularized in the mainstream NASCAR circuit by a move that drivers and fans still remember to this day. Known as the 'Hail Melon', the move saw Chastain perform a video game-esque move riding the outside wall during the last lap, beating Denny Hamlin at the Martinsville Speedway in October 2022.


<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain and Hendrick Motorsports</strong></h2>
Apart from his feud with Noah Gragson, the driver was also caught in controversy when he reportedly wrecked <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-larson">Kyle Larson</a> deliberately during the May 2023 race at Darlington Raceway. The incident occurred after <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> driver Larson had seemingly pushed the #1 driver into the wall. And, in a retaliatory move, just a few laps later, Chastain gave it back to the #5 driver with a similar move after a restart. However, it didn't end well as Chastain lost control of his car and spun, thereby taking Larson with him, ending their race.



Naturally, this didn't go well with HMS owner <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rick-hendrick/">Rick Hendrick</a> who a stern warning to the Trackhouse Racing star. <em>“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,"</em> Hendrick shared at the time.

<em>“He doesn’t have to be that aggressive. I guess at this point in the race maybe you’re super aggressive, but you just don’t run people up in the fence. He’s going to make a lot of enemies. It’s hard to win a championship when you’ve got a lot of paybacks out there,”</em> the team owner further said.

[caption id="attachment_1747317" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1747317 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-grid-1-23.png" alt="Ross Chastain, Rick Hendrick, NASCAR" width="1920" height="1440" /> Image Credits: Imago[/caption]

However, Chastain, who was being constantly criticized for his aggressive driving style made a comeback only a month later when he clinched the pole position at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nashville-superspeedway/">Nashville Superspeedway</a> and even finished the race P1. Later, in a post race interview, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-one-month-after-being-warned-by-rick-hendrick-ross-chastain-fires-back-with-they-will-try-to-tear-you-down-bombshell/">the driver hit back at critics</a> and said, <i>“This is incredible. This is for every little kid out there anywhere in the world, when you are criticized and you are going to be competitive, they will try to tear you down. You will start believing in them. You can’t do it.”</i>

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<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Social Media</strong></h2>
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<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 24px"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RossChastainRacing/">https://www.facebook.com/RossChastainRacing/</a></td>
</tr>
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<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 24px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosschastain/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/rosschastain/</a></td>
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<tr style="height: 48px">
<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 48px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 48px"><a href="https://twitter.com/RossChastain?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">https://twitter.com/RossChastain/</a></td>
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<table style="width: 59.4488%;height: 432px">
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ross Lee Chastain</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ross Chastain, Watermelon Man</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">December 4, 1992<span class="noprint ForceAgeToShow"> </span></td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Alva, Florida, U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">31</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> -</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> -</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ralph Chastain, Susan Chastain</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Chad Chastain</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">American</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Caucasian</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">$4 million</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> -</td>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> -</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> Dating Erika Anne Turner</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> -</td>
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<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px"> Stock car racing driver</td>
</tr>
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<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Trackhouse Racing</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

Ross Chastain

Read on to find out everything about NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain's Achievements, Stats, Controversies. Net Worth and much more!

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