| Car Number | #1 |
| Team | Trackhouse Racing |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | December 4, 1992 - Alva, Florida |
| Age | 33 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Ross Chastain is the watermelon farmer turned NASCAR star whose journey to the Cup Series is one of the most unlikely and compelling stories in modern racing. Raised on his family's watermelon farm in Alva, Florida, Chastain spent years scraping by in underfunded rides before finally getting his opportunity with a competitive team. His breakthrough 2022 season with Trackhouse Racing - capped by the now-legendary Martinsville wall ride - made him a household name and one of NASCAR's most talked-about personalities.
That Martinsville moment in 2022 will live forever in NASCAR lore. On the final lap of the playoff elimination race, Chastain floored the gas and rode the outside wall through turns three and four, gaining enough positions to advance to the Championship Four. It was a move inspired by the NASCAR Thunder 2004 video game, and it instantly became one of the most replayed moments in motorsport history. The audacity and creativity of the move perfectly encapsulated Chastain's approach to racing.
Before his Cup success, Chastain's path was far from guaranteed. He raced for years in underfunded equipment, sometimes competing in the Truck and Xfinity Series without sponsorship or a guaranteed ride for the following week. His perseverance through those lean years gave him an appreciation for every opportunity and a relentless driving style that borders on reckless - a trait that has earned him both fans and enemies in the garage.
At Trackhouse Racing, Chastain has found a home that matches his personality. Owner Justin Marks built the team on the principle of doing things differently, and Chastain's unconventional background and aggressive style fit perfectly. His ability to deliver results at a team that did not exist just a few years ago speaks to both his talent and the organization's rapid growth into a championship-caliber operation.
Interesting Facts
- Grew up on a watermelon farm in Alva, Florida - smashes watermelons after victories
- Executed the "Hail Melon" wall ride at Martinsville in 2022, inspired by a NASCAR video game
- Spent years racing in underfunded equipment before getting his Cup break
- Won the 2022 Truck Series race at Talladega while running part-time
- One of the most polarizing drivers in the Cup garage due to his aggressive style
- A member of the Trackhouse Racing team since its second year of existence