
via Getty
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 22: Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Kubota Chevrolet, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 22, 2022 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

via Getty
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 22: Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Kubota Chevrolet, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 22, 2022 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Ross Chastain, the talk of the town from the start of the season until Darlington, had everyone buzzing. Whether it was for his driving skills or the controversies surrounding his aggressive style, he was at the center of attention. Despite being involved in a few wrecks caused by his aggressive driving, he managed to hold the lead in the championship hunt. However, his fortunes have taken a turn, and he currently finds himself in fourth place in the overall standings.
Chastain faced a barrage of criticism, including remarks from notable figures like Rick Hendrick, Denny Hamlin, and even his own team owner, Justin Marks. Perhaps the weight of these criticisms has affected his performance in recent races. This topic was thoroughly discussed by popular podcast host & Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, along with Kaulig Racing Insider Brett Griffin, and TJ Major on their podcast.
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Freddie Kraft Believes Ross Chastain Is Not as Evil as People Think He Is
Freddie Kraft, along with his co-hosts Griffin and Majors, believe Ross Chastain was the hot topic for everyone until Rick Hendrick shot a warning towards him and his own boss talked to him. This seems to have had a significant impact on Chastain’s aggression on the track. It appears that they have managed to reignite his focus and redirect his approach. Kraft expressed these thoughts saying, “His average finish before Darlington is 11th, (…) His average finish since Darlington is 21st”
As the conversation took a turn towards Chastain, Kaulig Racing Insider came up with an interesting thing about Chastain. He said, “Yesterday going into seven he had a couple of opportunities to be aggressive, to be Ross, he didn’t take him”
In contrast, Freddie believes Ross is not doing this wrecking thing intentionally.
He made his point by saying, “I don’t think Ross does almost anything maliciously. I think he makes a lot of mistakes at times and does stuff. I don’t think he’s like going in there ‘I’m gonna wreck this 15 car over’.”
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Brett Griffin Talks About What Maybe Holding Ross Chastain Back
The Spotters believed that Ross Chastain’s car has become slower compared to before. TJ Major specifically mentions that Chastain’s car was performing exceptionally well since Dover, but now he appears to be struggling with speed.
Freddie Kraft suggests that Rick Hendrick’s critical comments may have contributed to this decline in performance. Additionally, NASCAR spotters have reasoned that Chastain’s previous mistakes could also be a factor in his current struggles.
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Griffin claimed what Chastain might be thinking while he drive. He said, “He is consciously having as a race car driver keep in mind that Mr Hendrick bashed me, Denny Hamlin had a feud with me, and my owner has sat me down and slap me on the wrist.”
However, Freddie said these conversations were not warranted, and he continued, “I don’t think that conversation was warranted, and if warranted I don’t think it needed to be made public”
After an extensive discussion on the topic, the hosts attempted to summarize their points. Griffin succinctly stated, “Ross ain’t Fast, I don’t think it’s all car”
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What do you think about Ross Chastain’s fallback? What is the real reason that holding him back? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: 7 worst wrecks involving Ross Chastain that proved detrimental to his rivals
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