“Where Have We Lost Ross Chastain?” – Hendrick Motorsports Legend Curious About NASCAR Villain’s Sudden Avoidance for the Spotlight

In the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, Ross Chastain has built himself a bit of a reputation. He has successfully managed to annoy a fair number of drivers with his aggression. Of course, he would always apologize afterward, but he was sure to be back to his aggressive self at the next race. However, once the Playoffs began, Chastain became a completely different driver, and that has baffled Hendrick Motorsports legend Steve Letarte.

He said, “Where did Ross go? Where have we lost Ross Chastain? I know I was a little critical, Jeff was a little critical. But that’s our job to analyse what these guys do on the race track. I need Ross to just find out who he wants to be, I don’t care who it is. But where has this man gone? He had swagger at the beginning of the year, won a couple of races. Watching him out the window, he just looks a little timid behind the wheel. I don’t think he’s timid or fearful, I think he’s timid perhaps to upset somebody or run into somebody.”

WATCH: Bubba Wallace X-Rated Radio Message on Public Enemy No.1 Ross Chastain in Kansas

What else did he say about Ross Chastain?

According to Letarte, at a track like Bristol, he cannot afford to be ‘timid’. One mistake can be costly for him and he needs to rise up and just seize the opportunity. Admittedly, this is not the time to suddenly play the nice guy, and Chastain has to be ruthless if he wants that title.

At the same time though, the Trackhouse Racing driver should not be reckless in his antics. If he has to be aggressive, Chastain should not inflict too much damage on his own car. Otherwise, it only jeopardizes his chances in the Playoffs. Right now, the pressure will be on him and his fellow Playoff drivers. This is because, none of them have won a single Playoff race, so no seat is guaranteed.

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