In the sizzling grounds of playoff action, Cup Series‘s heart-pounding drama is at its zenith. One fiery race has already been scripted and played out; two are left to decide the fates of 16 talented drivers gunning for a spot in the coveted round of 12. After the electrifying opener at Darlington, where Hendrick Motorsports’ sensation Kyle Larson stole the show, all eyes are now locked on the next showdown in Kansas. Larson, fresh off his Darlington triumph, appears poised to dominate once more, a belief underscored by Trackhouse Racing’s ace, Ross Chastain, who confessed to secretly studying the 2021 Cup champion’s moves.

The Watermelon Man, who remains a lightning rod for fans and critics alike, made his presence felt with an impressive P5 finish, banking valuable points. With the Kansas showdown looming, Chastain seems to have rediscovered his confidence, shedding the subdued persona that followed his “talk” with Rick Hendrick.

Ross Chastain reveals five-year study of NASCAR champ

In an exclusive interview, Chastain admitted to having done a five-year study on Hendrick Motorsports powerhouse Kyle Larson’s driving prowess. Chastain acknowledged his admiration for Larson’s exceptional skills and explained how he aimed to emulate his competitor’s success, even humbly acknowledging that he couldn’t match Larson’s level of talent.

“When I got with the group at Chevrolet and GM in 2018 and then in 2019, I really studied Kyle Larson and I’ll just say it. He was the guy for that and I’ve studied him for five years now.

“And I have no way in like Kyle or can do what he can do, but I have attempted to evolve my driving to be more comfortable up there and have made big, big strides, but I’m still nowhere near him. So, just studying the best, studying my competitors, and trying to be better, and it’s paid off at a place like Kansas, ” the Trackhouse Racing ace stated.

Despite conceding to the HMS star, Chastain showcased unwavering confidence in his playoff journey. His primary focus isn’t on securing a spot in the Round of 12 but on reaching the pinnacle: the final Championship 4 race in Phoenix. This resolute mindset highlights Chastain’s determination to vie for the NASCAR championship’s ultimate prize. During a conversation with FOX Sports, Chastain revealed, “I’ve got 140 employees that are putting two race cars — mine just has a different banner on the window than Daniel [Suarez]. But it’s two race cars, two rocket ships getting taken down to [race].”

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Namedrops Top 3 Guy As Biggest Championship Roadblock

Additionally, he underlined the crucial role of teamwork within Trackhouse Racing, stressing the consistency in their procedures and the close collaboration with teammate Daniel Suarez, expressing trust in their established processes as they embark on the playoff journey. “We haven’t changed our procedures. Daniel and I have been together every morning to start these playoffs. We’ll continue what we were doing, and I trust our processes.”

Chastain’s teammate Daniel Suarez reveals divergent agendas

Trending

“I’m Frustrated”- Despite $400 Million Net Worth Tag, Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals His Only “Cheaper” NASCAR Miss

May 01, 2024 10:32 AM EDT

Joe Gibbs Racing Warn Rick Hendrick Camp Against Underestimating Desperate Underdogs

April 30, 2024 10:48 PM EDT

Next-Gen Stats Sell Out Richard Childress’ Disgruntled Grandson as Riled Up Fans Beg to Preserve Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy

April 30, 2024 07:55 AM EDT

NASCAR Rumor: Kyle Busch Could Fulfill Shattered Indy 500 Dream as ‘Chase Elliott 2.0’ Triggers Controversial Fallout

April 30, 2024 04:32 AM EDT

NASCAR’s #1 Reporter Defends Decision to Follow Account Creating Racist Attacks Against Bubba Wallace

May 01, 2024 04:44 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

While Chastain may place faith in the concept of teamwork, Suarez has made abundantly clear the stark reality and the underlying agendas. During a recent interview, Suarez said, “I mean really the main support is Monday to Friday just trying to work together and trying to understand and trying to build the best race car that we possibly can heading into the weekend. While we’re already in the race, you know he’s trying already to win the Championship and I’m trying to win races so it’s always a difficult situation because everyone has different agendas.”

Suarez’s approach is straightforward: if Chastain is faster and closing in, he’ll yield. But if they are evenly matched, it’s game on. “If he’s coming behind me and he’s faster, I would let him go. But if we’re similar speed, we’re gonna race. That’s going to be the same way with everyone. That’s the thing at this point of the season; everyone has different agendas and everyone is fighting for different things.”

Read more: Kyle Busch Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Approving Denny Hamlin & NASCAR’s New “Vicious Cycle” of Racing

In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, camaraderie and teamwork are vital behind the scenes, but when the rubber meets the road, it’s each driver for themselves on the asphalt.