HMS Legend Reveals Justin Marks’ Mistake That Made Him Enemy No 1 to Ross Chastain Fans After Rick Hendrick’s Ultimatum

In the world of NASCAR, rivalries and controversies often ignite intense debate among fans and stir up intense fights. One such recent incident involves the clash between Ross Chastain and Rick Hendrick, with Justin Marks, caught in the middle.

It all happened after Kyle Larson was wrecked for the third time in four races due to Chastain’s actions. Naturally, in an attempt to look after his drivers, Mr. H came out with a warning for the #1 driver. He said, “If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back. If you don’t do it, they’ll run all over you.” 

This was surprisingly followed but some not-so-kind words by Chastain’s boss, for his own driver. The Trackhouse Racing’s boss came out and said, “He’s very fast. But he’s got some things he’s got to clean up.” And when we thought the dust settled on the matter, the controversy has taken a new turn.

HMS Legend Steve Letarte Questions Justin Marks’ Decision Following the ‘Talk to Chastain’ Comment

On the latest episode of NASCAR on NBC’s Podcast, Managing Director, Racing Communications at NASCAR Mike Forde, Jeff Gluck, Steve Letarte, and Pete Pistone, discussed this controversial topic and shed light on the incident that turned Justin Marks into enemy No. 1 for Ross Chastain fans.

During the podcast, Steve Letarte, a former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief, and current NBC Sports analyst, provided insightful commentary on the situation. Letarte highlighted the significance of Justin Marks’ public announcement and how it impacted the perception of the controversy. He questioned whether Marks’ decision to reveal his intention to speak with Chastain was the right course of action.

He raised an interesting point, stating, “I will say this, we are all comparing Ross to this demarcation of Justin Mark’s comments. You know, that’s the interesting thing, if Justin doesn’t come on Pete’s radio show and say, you know what we are going to talk to him, would we, have we even had a moment of time to say something in exchange?”

Letarte further delved into the matter, questioning whether the public announcement was a wise decision on Marks’ part. He continued, “I just wonder sometimes, like. I think Justin is brilliant and what he’s done is brilliant and there’s a million things I would go back and change in my career, and I would love to ask Justin if, hey, it’s not that you would or wouldn’t have talked to Ross, would you wish you wouldn’t have told the world that you were gonna talk to Ross? Cause that’s really the point, right?”

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One critical aspect of this controversy is the involvement of team owner Rick Hendrick. Letarte reflects on the impact of Mark’s comment, which came after Rick Hendrick’s warning, saying, “Sometimes, you know it’s like your kids, right Pete? Like, they say something silly in front of a group, you don’t have to call them out on it in front of the group, and you don’t have to tell the group you’re gonna talk to him but on the ride home, you’re like ‘Hey man, that’s not acting like an adult, I need you to act like this or that’ – I just wonder if that is what made this even more polarizing, that the owner publicly said it.”

While Marks’ intentions were likely rooted in supporting his driver and diffusing the situation, it inadvertently intensified the divisions among the fanbase.

Although based on Ross Chastain’s comment prior to the Enjoy Illinois 300 race at the World Wide Technology Raceway, it seems like this public warning worked.

In a pre-race interview with ex-NASCAR driver, Kenny Wallace, Chastain admitted, “So on track, I make mistakes. Other drivers were mad I made them uncomfortable probably… Sometimes it’s not exciting for me. I don’t want to be in the middle of all the stuff I have been in.” 

Chastain also revealed his feeling following the call with Rick Hendrick and said, “I saw it and thought… The air couldn’t move. No air went in or out… He talked for about seven or eight minutes and it was great. Some things he was really disappointed, and other things… he was proud of me… It was hard to breathe honestly.” 

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As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the dynamics between the Trackhouse Racing team and fans in the NASCAR world.