Despite Severe Backlash, Ross Chastain Claims Rick Hendrick Made Him “Better”

Ross Chastain has an uncanny ability to make headlines. He has been a talking point in the NASCAR community for a significant part of the season, whether through his excellent ability behind the wheel or his overly aggressive approach that hurts his rivals.

One of his notable involvements this season was his short spat with Hendrick Motorsports in the middle of the season. Things got heated up between the two parties to the extent that HMS team owner Rick Hendrick had to intervene to settle the matter. And now, Chastain looks like a completely rejuvenated driver, which, if we go by his words, is all thanks to Mr. Hendrick.

Ross Chastain claims his interaction with Hendrick Motorsports was a turning point for him

As the first playoff race of the season at Darlington inches closer, one might be reminded of the clash between Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain earlier this season. After colliding with each other and starting late at the raceway, Chastain went into the wall after a spin due to his actions.

However, a lot has changed for him since the crash. As Chastain spoke about the difference in his approach at Darlington at two different stages of the season on SiriusXM Radio, he said, “Absolutely. I don’t wanna lose.”

Chastain sealed a spot in the playoffs with a win at Nashville that brought back the iconic melon-smashing celebration. But if we were to take a closer look at his development from Darlington to Nashville, the improvement in his style is pretty visible. Curbing his aggression has been fruitful in the long run, and according to the Melon Man, the advice from Rick Hendrick had a big hand in that.

“So whatever I have to do to lose less, I’m gonna try to do that. I’m gonna always be involved in learning. I train with Kyle. I drive basically under the HMS campus to go under the GM Tech Center several days a week. The conversations had after that definitely affected me to make me better. I’ve used that as motivation. I’ve used that as a way to lose less. That is as simple as I can put it. Whatever it takes to lose less, I’m gonna do.” stated Chastain.

Watch This Story: Chase Elliott apologizes to Rick Hendrick and team for losing, after being confused by HMS’ decision 

Gaining more control over his aggression has been very helpful for Chastain. As the playoffs come closer, his understanding of the necessity of not making such a rash decision will prove pivotal to his chances of making it far in the season.

Rick Hendrick warned Chastain about his aggression

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Following the incident at Darlington earlier this year, the heated exchange of words was a major talking point for the fans. While some fans have been repulsive towards Chastain acknowledging Mr. Hendrick’s words, the 30-year-old himself has come to understand the basis of them.

The HMS team owner stood up for his #5 Camaro driver after an undeserving crash, saying, “He doesn’t have to be that aggressive. I guess at this point in the race maybe you’re super aggressive, but you just don’t run people up in the fence. He’s going to make a lot of enemies. It’s hard to win a championship when you’ve got a lot of paybacks out there.”

“He’s got so much talent. If he would just calm down. He’s got a lot of talent, but he’s making a lot of enemies.”

Chastain might have taken his words as a rant out of frustration for his antics back then. However, after a dialogue involving team owner Justin Marks and Mr. Hendrick, the two factions came to a middle ground and resolved the issue peacefully.

Read More: “Who Will He Scr*w Out” – Fans Slam Kyle Larson’s Controversial Driving Style Amid Wild 14-Year Revelation for HMS

Hendrick especially looked furious after the wreck as he hinted at retaliation from his team. With the dust settled, it is good to see that Ross Chastain has taken up a style of driving that can pay off in a better manner for him and, most importantly, without ruining the race of his fellow drivers.