Trackhouse Racing entered the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with a renewed sense of ambition and a dynamic driver lineup. Notably, Shane van Gisbergen, in his full-time Cup debut, has made a significant impact, securing multiple victories on road courses and establishing himself as a formidable contender. But the team’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, with SVG out and Ross Chastain sitting below the playoff cutline. From here, every decision for Ross Chastain’s contention becomes crucial.

Starting from a strong position, Chastain’s performance at Kansas Speedway was a mix of highs and lows. But as the playoffs advance, Chastain’s ability to adapt and make split-second decisions will be pivotal. With the upcoming races at challenging venues like the Charlotte Roval, the blend of road course and oval elements tests every driver. The interplay between his driver skill and Trackhouse’s team strategy will determine the trajectory of his season, and that is exactly what he will be looking forward to ahead of the Round of 8.

Inside Ross Chastain’s strategy as Trackhouse Racing eyes victory

Amidst the pressure of the playoffs, Fox reporter Bob Pockrass inquired about Chastain’s current mindset going into the last race of the Round of 12. Chastain’s response, “Expectations are to keep going. We feel like a race-winning operation, and that we can continue down this path. We put the other cars like we have been. We’ve been in the top 10 recently, so that should be enough. The stage points don’t go with it. We haven’t gotten enough of those this round, so we’ll see. Looking forward to the challenge. And with SVG, I feel like if I’m within three seconds of him at the end of the race, I’ll probably be in second and get a lot of points,” conveyed a sense of determination and focus.

Despite the challenges, Chastain’s confidence in his team’s capabilities remains steadfast. With a recent top-10 streak, including a notable victory at the Coca-Cola 600, Chastain’s performance has been commendable. However, the absence of stage points in the current playoff round has added pressure, making each decision critical for advancement.

“Phil Surgeon will have to make a decision. I told him last week in Kansas, I am glad I’m sitting in the car, he’s sitting on the pit box. He gets to make those decisions,” said Chastain, when asked about making important decisions on stage points.

Surgen, known for his analytical approach and effective communication, has been instrumental in guiding Chastain‘s performance. In the 2025 season, Chastain’s performance has been marked by consistency, with multiple top-10 finishes. However, the competitive field remains tight, and every point is crucial for progression.

Discussing the strategic elements of racing, Chastain noted, “It comes into where the other guy is running. In the past, we’ve stayed out and gotten points. It just minimizes the loss to other people who are running behind him. And other times you’re doing it to gain points. And then the third option is, we feel like we’re fast enough to win. And yes, I’ll be giving my opinion. I’m only one opinion of many that will decide when we pit.”

The interplay of individual performance, team strategy, and community involvement defines the essence of NASCAR racing. Chastain’s insights into his experiences reflect the multifaceted nature of the sport, where every race is a blend of skill, strategy, and heart. As the 2025 Cup Series playoffs continue, the decisions made both on and off the track will shape the narratives of the season.

Ross Chastain’s highs and lows on the ovals

Trackhouse Racing‘s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign has been a narrative of ambition, adaptation, and unexpected outcomes. Ross Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style, secured a notable victory at the Coca-Cola 600, marking a high point in the season. Shane van Gisbergen, making his full-time Cup debut, continued to impress with his road course prowess, adding multiple wins to his record. As the season progressed, the team’s dynamics shifted, setting the stage for significant changes in the driver lineage.

Despite the successes, both Chastain and SVG encountered difficulties on oval tracks. SVG, with limited oval experience, faced a steep learning curve, but he’s got some relief as he secured his first Cup top-10 oval finish at Kansas. In contrast, Chastain has seen a mix of highs and lows. Though his Charlotte win was Trackhouse’s first crown Jewel triumph, his Kansas performance was less impressive. Starting from 9th, Chastain finished 11th, failing to lead any laps and earning 35 points with a driver rating of 9.0.

Midway through the season, Trackhouse Racing announced a significant change in its driver lineup. Daniel Suárez and the team mutually agreed to part ways after the 2025 season. In his place, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch was promoted to the Cup Series for the 2026 season. The changes have sparked reactions among fans, with excitement for Zilisch’s potential and concern over Chastain’s future as attention shifts to the newcomer.