“Denny Hamlin Didin’t Make a Difference, Kyle Larson Didn’t Make a Difference” – Rick Hendrick’s Power Questioned by His Former Crew Chief As He Hints at the Business Reason for Ross Chastain’s Poor Performance

The 2023 season has so far been an epic action-packed adventure thanks to the most polarizing driver in the current roster, the Trackhouse Racing star, Ross Chastain. Despite the presence of fan favorites like the “Rowdy” Kyle Busch, Chastain has been the star attraction owing to his nonchalant attitude, and his super-aggressive driving style. However, it looks like Chastain’s wrecking ball days are finally over after his bloody feud with the Hendrick Motorsports ace, Kyle Larson.

Chastain seems like he’s just the skeleton of his former self, struggling to find his rhythm due to the sudden change in ways.

With one of its most polarizing and talked about drivers going back on his ways, mellowed down, NASCAR enthusiasts and analysts including former HMS teammate and triumphant crew chief, Steve Letarte had to give their take on the situation.

Former HMS Crew Chief Raises a Valid Question Seeing One of the Sport’s Most Notorious Drivers Losing Heat

Steve Letarte is arguably one of the best crew chiefs the sport has seen. His association with the most winningest team of NASCAR, HMS, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr, has earned him a solid reputation. While the 44-year-old is currently a consultant for Spire Motorsports, his role as the NASCAR analyst for NBC got him into a serious discussion on the popular podcast, NASCAR on NBC.

With Nate Ryan being the host, NASCAR enthusiast, Jeff Gluck, Sirius XM NASCAR’s radio host, Pete Pistone, and the Managing director of racing at NASCAR, Mike Forde joined the host of the show along with Steve Letarte, while the topic of debate was Chastain’s lost aggression.

Considering The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck’s extensive research on the whole Chastain debacle, Letarte asked Gluck about his take on the matter. Reflecting on Chastain’s tussle with veteran Denny Hamlin and Larson, he asked, “Why now? Denny Hamlin didn’t make a difference, Kyle Larson didn’t make a difference,” he added. “Is it really Rick Hendrick? Is it a business something in the background we don’t know, like something pushed Justin Marks to a different comment, right?”

Gluck praised Letarte for his great question and gave out a simple yet detailed analogy. He said, “It’s a mixup,” citing the pressure mounted on the driver owing to Rick Hendrick‘s public comments about Chastain while his influence with Chevy being a known factor. The journalist also talked about the sponsorship issues that probably add to the struggle.

READ MORE: NASCAR World Goes Berserk as Ross Chastain’s Team Owner Set to Join Him at Chicago Street Course Behind the Wheel

Steve Letarte Confirms the Massive Deterrent That Keeps Chastain From Going All Out

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With years of experience working alongside boss man, Rick Hendrick, Steve Letarte certainly knows the game in and out. His days with Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr made him one of the sport’s greatest crew chiefs. Before the host went to Jeff Gluck for his take on Chastain, Letarte revealed how Rick Hendrick’s call made a big difference in Trackhouse Racing.

Starting off this analogy, he said, “In the last few weeks, he’s been slower, he hasn’t been aggressive on the restarts, showed up in performance,” he then cited the significant factor that took the momentum away from Justin Marks’ driver.

“I don’t think it was a run-in with Kyle Larson at Darlington that for Ross Chastain spoken to, I think it was a run-in with Kyle Larson’s owner, Rick,” voiced the former HMS teammate.

He further solidified his point by citing how the whole thing played out. Letarte said, “Something made a difference because when Rick Hendrick called him out that was the first time car owner, Justin Marks then said, yeah we’re gonna have to sit down and speak to him.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ross Chastain refuses to apologize for the shift in media perception since his major Cup Series success last season 

While the community is all geared up for the Superspeedway race at Nashville, will the Chastain return to his old self and do what he is infamous for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.