Ross Chastain may have become a motorsports sensation, especially after a spectacular season and of course his Martinsville wall riding into the championship four. However, while the watermelon man was still young and hadn’t got the racing bug in him, he had another sport which he would call his passion. Chastain stated [https://www.frontstretch.com/2014/07/15/ross-chastain-beyond-the-watermelon/], “I was playing soccer growing up, and I got to the point where I got too slow and wasn’t able to keep up. I tried for a couple of years on really hard and competitive teams and training, but I just didn’t have it. I realized that, and said, ‘Ok, I can’t play soccer. Gotta figure out something else to do to keep me out of trouble.” Brutal Way After Incredible Move in Martinsville [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-son-of-a-btch-ross-chastain-trolled-nascar-brass-in-the-most-brutal-way-after-incredible-move-in-martinsville/] As Chastain mentioned, he realized that while he might love playing soccer, he might not have any scope to do well in it. Since he wasn’t able to keep up with the others. Surely, his talents lay elsewhere, and that would be in the world of NASCAR. HOW DID ROSS CHASTAIN GET THE RACING BUG? Before the melon man was born, his father used to participate in the FasTruck Series. Not professionally though, but more of a hobby. However, after Chastain was born, his father apparently gave up on his hobbyist racing and focused on caring for his children. Ross Chastain [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1244068482.jpg]LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 16: Ross Chastain (#1 TrackHouse Racing Tootsies Orchid Lounge Chevrolet) waves prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff South Point 400, on October 16, 2022, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.(Photo by Christopher Trim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) When the melon man realized he wouldn’t go too far in soccer, his dad decided to pass down the racing bug to him. Chastain recalled that he and his dad would go down to the racetrack and watch the racing. Later on, the young Chastain asked for his dad’s old FasTruck and began to compete on a part-time basis. Watch This Story: Self-Proclaimed “Jesus” Ty Gibbs Proves Worth As Kyle Busch’s Successor Amid Outrage Over Petty Move [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/nascar-news-self-proclaimed-jesus-ty-gibbs-proves-worth-as-kyle-buschs-successor-amid-outrage-over-petty-move/] Ever since Ross Chastain has come a long long way in his racing career. Moreover, his family has also been a close part of his racing endeavors, mostly traveling with him and helping him around since he started. But imagine if he developed well in soccer, we probably would never get to witness the iconic wall riding move at Martinsville [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/martinsville-speedway/]. 

Ross Chastain elaborates on how he had to sacrifice something he truly loved in
order to fulfill his passion for racing.

Srijan Mandal is a NASCAR author at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing
his Master’s in Journalism and has been writing for his own blog as well,
covering NASCAR, F1, F2, W Series, MotoGP, DTM, IndyCar, WRC, and WEC. Following
motorsports for more than a decade, he has become a devout supporter of McLaren
Racing, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Bubba Wallace, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and
Ayrton Senna. Not wanting to restrict himself to just writing, He also practices
to take part in professional open-wheel sim racing. Other than penning down his
thoughts about some of the most prestigious racing series in the world, he also
writes fine art & design content for his online art gallery; Artmoshai and
produces music, with releases on Spotify and Apple Music as Lunaprism.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Srijan_Mandal_NASCAR.png

Srijan Mandal

YouTube video player

iframe

strong

figcaption

figure

“I Just Didn’t Have It” – Ross Chastain Was Hit With Ugly Reality Check That
Forced Him to Give Up the Love of His Life as a 21-Year Old

Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Pens a Heartfelt Message for Husband After His
Unwavering Support for His Family

“We Are Not Morning People”- Travel Woes Hit Home for Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha
Leaving Son Brexton Grinning

“Godspeed Les” – NASCAR Loses Old School Pioneer Integral to Dale Earnhardt
Jr.’s Late Model Venture

Denny Hamlin’s One Final FedEx Tribute Steals the NASCAR Awards Spotlight as He
Uncovers Drivers ‘Disgruntled’ Emotions

Joe Gibbs Drops a Bombshell Without Warning, Leaves Denny Hamlin Shocked

[caption id="attachment_433188" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-433188" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-11-01T202711Z_1515326531_MT1USATODAY15143110_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-500-1.jpg" alt="Drivers take part in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway" width="1920" height="1280" /> Nov 1, 2020; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) lead the start of the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Martinsville Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track</h2>
Martinsville Speedway is a NASCAR stock vehicle racing short track in Henry County, Ridgeway, Virginia. It is owned by the International Speedway Corporation. At 0.526 miles (847 m) long, it is the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The track was additionally one of the previously cleared oval tracks in NASCAR, being inherited in 1947 by accomplices H. Earth Earles, Henry Lawrence, and Sam Rice per Virginia House Joint Resolution No. 76 on the passing of H. Mud Earles.

It is additionally the lone race track that has been on the NASCAR circuit from its start in 1948. Alongside this, Martinsville is the solitary NASCAR oval track on the NASCAR track circuit to have asphalt surfaces on the straightaways, and concrete to cover the turns.
<h2>History</h2>
The track is frequently alluded to as a paper clip formed and is banked just 12° in the turns. The blend of long straightaways and level, slender transforms makes it hard to slow down going into turns and smooth increasing speed leaving turns an absolute necessity.

The track was cleared in 1955 and in 1956 it facilitated its initial 500-lap race. In 1976, the turns were repaved with concrete. By 2004, the then 28-year-old cement had shown critical wear. On April 18, 2004, an enormous lump of cement got removed from the track's surface and made extreme harm to the assemblage of Jeff Gordon's vehicle.

In response to this, the track was completely repaved with new concrete and black-top.

Until 1999, Martinsville was infamous for having two pit streets. The backstretch pit street was by and large kept away because if a group needed to pit there during an alert, any vehicle pitting on the front stretch had the benefit of pitting first and not holding fast to pace vehicle speed after leaving their pit street.

This was corrected when pit street was reconfigured to stretch out from the passageway of turn 3 to the exit of turn 2.

The main NASCAR event held on July 4, 1948. In 1951, just four vehicles were running toward the completion, the least of any race held at the speedway. In 1960, Richard Petty turned into the youngest victor at Martinsville, at 22 years, 283 days. Petty has the most successes (15).
<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Location</td>
<td width="301">340 Speedway Road Ridgeway, Virginia, U.S. 24148</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Operator</td>
<td width="301">International Speedway Corporation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Major Events</td>
<td width="301"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series</strong>

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500

Xfinity 500

<strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series</strong>

TBA

Draft Top 250

<strong>NASCAR Camping World Truck Series</strong>

NASCAR Hall of Fame 200

<strong>NASCAR Whelen All-American Series</strong>

ValleyStar Credit Union 300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Length</td>
<td width="301">0.526 mi (0.847 km)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Wins</td>
<td width="301">Richard Petty (15)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Starts</td>
<td width="301">Richard Petty (67)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Poles</td>
<td width="301">Darrell Waltrip (8)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Martinsville Speedway

Nov 1, 2020; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) lead the start of the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Martinsville Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track Martinsville Speedway is a NASCAR stock vehicle racing short track in Henry County, Ridgeway, Virginia. It is owned by the International Speedway Corporation. At 0.526 miles (847 m) long, it is the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series. The track was additionally one of the previously cleared oval tracks in NASCAR, being inherited in 1947 by accomplices H. Earth Earles, Henry Lawrence, and Sam Rice per Virginia House Joint Resolution No. 76 on the passing of H. Mud Earles. It is additionally the lone race track that has been on the NASCAR circuit from its start in 1948. Alongside this, Martinsville is the solitary NASCAR oval track on the NASCAR track circuit to have asphalt surfaces on the straightaways, and concrete to cover the turns. History The track is frequently alluded to as a paper clip formed and is banked just 12° in the turns. The blend of long straightaways and level, slender transforms makes it hard to slow down going into turns and smooth increasing speed leaving turns an absolute necessity. The track was cleared in 1955 and in 1956 it facilitated its initial 500-lap race. In 1976, the turns were repaved with concrete. By 2004, the then 28-year-old cement had shown critical wear. On April 18, 2004, an enormous lump of cement got removed from the track&#8217;s surface and made extreme harm to the assemblage of Jeff Gordon&#8217;s vehicle. In response to this, the track was completely repaved with new concrete and black-top. Until 1999, Martinsville was infamous for having two pit streets. The backstretch pit street was by and large kept away because if a group needed to pit there during an alert, any vehicle pitting on the front stretch had the benefit of pitting first and not holding fast to pace vehicle speed after leaving their pit street. This was corrected when pit street was reconfigured to stretch out from the passageway of turn 3 to the exit of turn 2. The main NASCAR event held on July 4, 1948. In 1951, just four vehicles were running toward the completion, the least of any race held at the speedway. In 1960, Richard Petty turned into the youngest victor at Martinsville, at 22 years, 283 days. Petty has the most successes (15). Quick Facts  Location 340 Speedway Road Ridgeway, Virginia, U.S. 24148  Operator International Speedway Corporation  Major Events NASCAR Cup Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 Xfinity 500 NASCAR Xfinity Series TBA Draft Top 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NASCAR Hall of Fame 200 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series ValleyStar Credit Union 300  Length 0.526 mi (0.847 km)  Most Wins Richard Petty (15)  Most Starts Richard Petty (67)  Poles Darrell Waltrip (8)

Martinsville Speedway Archives

Martinsville Speedway Archives - EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

NASCAR

title

Ross Chastain elaborates on how he had to sacrifice something he truly loved in order to fulfill his passion for racing.

description

link

“I Just Didn’t Have It” - Ross Chastain Was Hit With Ugly Reality Check That Forced Him to Give Up the Love of His Life as a 21-Year Old

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-i-just-didnt-have-it-ross-chastain-was-hit-with-ugly-reality-check-that-forced-him-to-give-up-the-love-of-his-life-as-a-21-year-old/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ross-Chastain-new.jpeg

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:site

twitter:label1

twitter:data1

script

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>Ross Chastain: Net Worth 2024, Stats, Salary, Wife and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Who is Ross Chastain?Â </strong></h2>
For those familiar with NASCAR, Ross Chastain is perhaps one of the most regular names in the circuit. Driving for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/trackhouse-racing-team/">Trackhouse Racing Team</a>, the driver has certainly made a name among the most popular. Currently, he competes full-time in the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">NASCAR Cup series</a> along with a part-time role in the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-truck-series/">Craftsman Truck Series</a>.

[caption id="attachment_2651516" align="alignnone" width="6000"]<img class="wp-image-2651516 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-14T195309Z_919765153_MT1USATODAY22520273_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500-MEDIA-DAY.jpg" alt="" width="6000" height="4000" /> Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) speaks with reporters during media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain family</strong></h2>
Unlike many in NASCAR, Ross Chastain does not come from a racing background. His family's legacy is instead rooted in watermelon farming dating back to several generations. Chastain was born to Ralph Chastain and Susan Chastain, who still run a watermelon farm in South Florida named JDI Farms. Born on December 4, 1992, in Alva, Florida, Chastain currently resides in Mooresville, North Carolina. He only has one sibling, a brother named Chad Chastain, who is also a stock car racing driver, primarily competing in the Xfinity and Truck Series.

As far as his education is concerned, Chastain attended Riverdale High School in Fort Myers. Further in his career, he joined the Florida Gulf Coast University for a semester before he joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastainâ€™s Wife and Children</strong></h2>
According to reports, Ross Chastain <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-is-ross-chastain-in-a-relationship-meet-nascar-drivers-girlfriend-erika-anne-turner/">is currently dating Erika Anne Turner</a>. Turner, currently a real estate agent by profession, graduated from the University of North Carolina with a dual degree in communication and business, as per a report by Terri Bias &amp; Associates. To add to that, Turner is also a model and beauty pageant contestant. She won the Miss North Carolina United States award in 2021 and the Miss US Landscapes in 2020.

It is unclear how the couple met. However, Erika Anne Turner's updates on social media involving Chastain are proof enough that the duo is going strong. As for when we can expect wedding bells, we'll have to wait for an official update.

The couple does not have any children.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
As per reports online, Chastain has amassed an approximate net worth of about $4 million. Although his current salary is unknown, he was supposedly earning around $2 million during his time atÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/chip-ganassi-racing/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Chip Ganassi Racing</a>Â in 2021. Since joining theÂ Trackhouse RacingÂ team in 2022, he has made immense progress in the Cup Series.

The eighth generation watermelon farmer and driver's major source of earnings comes from NASCAR. In addition, he has his own merchandise store to generate more income.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Career Timeline</strong></h2>
Until the age of twelve, Chastain was working as a watermelon farmer on his family's farm. Interestingly, it was his father's pastime hobby to race that attracted him to get into the racing arena. He initially started with competing in late model and Fastruck Series events, and during his career in short tracks, registered wins in over fifty featured races.

In fact, his impressive form in the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing earned him an unexpected move. It saw him replace Justin Marks in the NASCAR Camping Truck Series in the middle of 2011. While it was a big move, he had a decent debut after finishing tenth in the race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. Further in 2013, Chastain joined Brad Keselowski Racing in 15 Camping World Truck Series contests.

And in 2017, he finally made his debut in the Cup Series driving for Premium Motorsports, in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover. Over time, Chastain seems to have only gotten better despite his aggressive style of racing. In 2021, he joined Chip Ganassi Racing and a year later was recruited by Trackhouse Racing.

However, despite being a full-time racer in the Cup Series, Chastain's love to take part in the Truck Series hasn't lessened one bit. He still continues to participate in a part-time role for Niece Motorsports, respectively.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastainâ€™s Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
Ross Chastain is quite a promising name in NASCAR. Perhaps that explains why the driver enjoys the backing of so many well-established brands. From <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kevin-harvick/">Kevin Harvick</a>'s former long-time <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-ross-chastains-hundred-and-ten-billion-dollar-blow-to-tony-stewart-triggers-uncanny-demands-from-nascar-world/">$110 billion worth sponsor Anheuser-Busch</a>, to Jockey and Kubota, there's no dearth of sponsors for the #1 driver. Others include Moose Fraternity, Worldwide Express,

[caption id="attachment_2651519" align="alignnone" width="2954"]<img class="wp-image-2651519 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-15T033348Z_1946298914_MT1USATODAY22524697_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-QUALIFYING.jpg" alt="" width="2954" height="1969" /> Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastainâ€™s NASCAR Career Stats</strong></h2>
Since his debut in NASCAR's top division, Chastain has competed in 187 races, out of which he has clinched a victory on four different occasions. The racer also has 46 Top-10s and one pole position in the tourney. In the Xfinity Series, Chastain has competed in 204 races and clinched two wins, 51 Top-10s and one pole. Additionally, in NASCAR's third division, the Truck Series, the driver has four wins, 47 Top-10s and four poles in 107 races.

In his elaborate Cup Series run, Ross Chastain's career took off in the truest sense after the driver joined the Trackhouse Racing Team. Ever since joining the team, Chastain has made regular playoff appearances, finished second in 2022 and ninth in 2023.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastainâ€™s Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
Apart from his NASCAR achievements, Ross Chastain has also made headlines for his various other accomplishments. The driver won the Limited Late Model portion of the 2011 World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing atÂ New Smyrna Speedway, winning three of eight events in the series. He was also crowned the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Most Popular Driver. What made the award even more notable for Chastain, 2019's breakout star in the division, was the fact that the news reached him on his 27th birthday.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Brawl with Noah Gragson</strong></h2>
In his career, Ross Chastain has given his fans plenty of memorable moments. From the 'Hail Melon' move to his 2023's final Phoenix Raceway P1 finish beating the Top 4, Chastain knows how to attract eyeballs. But besides all of that, what people also remember him by is when he decided to throw punches at Stewart-Haas Racing driver Noah Gragson.

The incident unfolded in the aftermath of the Kansas Speedway race in May 2o23. The duo were reportedly at loggerheads against each other's driving styles, which led to a physical altercation on pit road with Chastain delivering the first blow after Gragson grabbed the #1 driver's firesuit. Later, Gragson talked about the driver and said, <em>"The guy just runs into everyone. When youâ€™ve got guys like Chase Elliott saying, â€˜Go beat his a*s,â€™ everyone is sick and tired of him and nobody has the b*lls to go up and get him.â€</em>

However, the Trackhouse Racing driver later cleared the air and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-ross-chastain-puts-punchgate-behind-him-as-he-declares-truce-with-latest-rival-noah-gragson/">declared how there was no bad blood between the two anymore</a>. <i>"So we are good and talked on Monday on the phone. And then we were together testing some micro-sprint cars on Monday night. We worked out together this week. Itâ€™s good, done and over with, and we have been able to move on and laugh about it now,â€Â </i> he said.


<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain and Hail Melon</strong></h2>
A popular moniker that the #1 driver has garnered is 'The Watermelon Man', which came into being after Chastain showed off his unique victory celebration. Upon finishing P1, the driver is seen smashing a watermelon on the track to commemorate his win.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2716700 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0h1AKyWAAAZqmZ.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="801" />

Apart from that, Chastain has also been popularized in the mainstream NASCAR circuit by a move that drivers and fans still remember to this day. Known as the 'Hail Melon', the move saw Chastain perform a video game-esque move riding the outside wall during the last lap, beating Denny Hamlin at the Martinsville Speedway in October 2022.


<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain and Hendrick Motorsports</strong></h2>
Apart from his feud with Noah Gragson, the driver was also caught in controversy when he reportedly wrecked <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-larson">Kyle Larson</a> deliberately during the May 2023 race at Darlington Raceway. The incident occurred after <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> driver Larson had seemingly pushed the #1 driver into the wall. And, in a retaliatory move, just a few laps later, Chastain gave it back to the #5 driver with a similar move after a restart. However, it didn't end well as Chastain lost control of his car and spun, thereby taking Larson with him, ending their race.



Naturally, this didn't go well with HMS owner <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rick-hendrick/">Rick Hendrick</a> who a stern warning to the Trackhouse Racing star. <em>â€œI donâ€™t care if heâ€™s driving a Chevrolet if he wrecks our cars. I donâ€™t care. Iâ€™ve told Chevrolet that. If you wreck us, youâ€™re going to get it back. If you donâ€™t do it, theyâ€™ll run all over you,"</em> Hendrick shared at the time.

<em>â€œHe doesnâ€™t have to be that aggressive. I guess at this point in the race maybe youâ€™re super aggressive, but you just donâ€™t run people up in the fence. Heâ€™s going to make a lot of enemies. Itâ€™s hard to win a championship when youâ€™ve got a lot of paybacks out there,â€</em> the team owner further said.

[caption id="attachment_1747317" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1747317 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-grid-1-23.png" alt="Ross Chastain, Rick Hendrick, NASCAR" width="1920" height="1440" /> Image Credits: Imago[/caption]

However, Chastain, who was being constantly criticized for his aggressive driving style made a comeback only a month later when he clinched the pole position at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nashville-superspeedway/">Nashville Superspeedway</a> and even finished the race P1. Later, in a post race interview, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-one-month-after-being-warned-by-rick-hendrick-ross-chastain-fires-back-with-they-will-try-to-tear-you-down-bombshell/">the driver hit back at critics</a> and said, <i>â€œThis is incredible. This is for every little kid out there anywhere in the world, when you are criticized and you are going to be competitive,Â they will try to tear you down. You will start believing in them. You canâ€™t do it.â€</i>

&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Ross Chastain Social Media</strong></h2>
<table style="width: 43%;height: 96px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 24px"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RossChastainRacing/">https://www.facebook.com/RossChastainRacing/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 24px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosschastain/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/rosschastain/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px">
<td style="width: 76.8472px;height: 48px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 366.486px;height: 48px"><a href="https://twitter.com/RossChastain?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">https://twitter.com/RossChastain/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table style="width: 59.4488%;height: 432px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ross Lee Chastain</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ross Chastain, Watermelon Man</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">December 4, 1992<span class="noprint ForceAgeToShow">Â </span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Alva, Florida, U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">31</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Ralph Chastain, Susan Chastain</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Chad Chastain</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">American</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Caucasian</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">$4 million</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â Dating Erika Anne Turner</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Â Stock car racing driver</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 41.5645%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.288%;height: 24px">Trackhouse Racing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

Ross Chastain

Ross Chastain: Net Worth 2024, Stats, Salary, Wife and More Who is Ross Chastain?Â  For those familiar with NASCAR, Ross Chastain is perhaps one of the most regular names in the circuit. Driving for Trackhouse Racing Team, the driver has certainly made a name among the most popular. Currently, he competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup series along with a part-time role in the Craftsman Truck Series. Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) speaks with reporters during media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Ross Chastain family Unlike many in NASCAR, Ross Chastain does not come from a racing background. His family&#8217;s legacy is instead rooted in watermelon farming dating back to several generations. Chastain was born to Ralph Chastain and Susan Chastain, who still run a watermelon farm in South Florida named JDI Farms. Born on December 4, 1992, in Alva, Florida, Chastain currently resides in Mooresville, North Carolina. He only has one sibling, a brother named Chad Chastain, who is also a stock car racing driver, primarily competing in the Xfinity and Truck Series. As far as his education is concerned, Chastain attended Riverdale High School in Fort Myers. Further in his career, he joined the Florida Gulf Coast University for a semester before he joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Ross Chastainâ€™s Wife and Children According to reports, Ross Chastain is currently dating Erika Anne Turner. Turner, currently a real estate agent by profession, graduated from the University of North Carolina with a dual degree in communication and business, as per a report by Terri Bias &amp; Associates. To add to that, Turner is also a model and beauty pageant contestant. She won the Miss North Carolina United States award in 2021 and the Miss US Landscapes in 2020. It is unclear how the couple met. However, Erika Anne Turner&#8217;s updates on social media involving Chastain are proof enough that the duo is going strong. As for when we can expect wedding bells, we&#8217;ll have to wait for an official update. The couple does not have any children. Ross Chastain Net Worth 2024 As per reports online, Chastain has amassed an approximate net worth of about $4 million. Although his current salary is unknown, he was supposedly earning around $2 million during his time atÂ Chip Ganassi RacingÂ in 2021. Since joining theÂ Trackhouse RacingÂ team in 2022, he has made immense progress in the Cup Series. The eighth generation watermelon farmer and driver&#8217;s major source of earnings comes from NASCAR. In addition, he has his own merchandise store to generate more income. Ross Chastain Career Timeline Until the age of twelve, Chastain was working as a watermelon farmer on his family&#8217;s farm. Interestingly, it was his father&#8217;s pastime hobby to race that attracted him to get into the racing arena. He initially started with competing in late model and Fastruck Series events, and during his career in short tracks, registered wins in over fifty featured races. In fact, his impressive form in the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing earned him an unexpected move. It saw him replace Justin Marks in the NASCAR Camping Truck Series in the middle of 2011. While it was a big move, he had a decent debut after finishing tenth in the race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. Further in 2013, Chastain joined Brad Keselowski Racing in 15 Camping World Truck Series contests. And in 2017, he finally made his debut in the Cup Series driving for Premium Motorsports, in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover. Over time, Chastain seems to have only gotten better despite his aggressive style of racing. In 2021, he joined Chip Ganassi Racing and a year later was recruited by Trackhouse Racing. However, despite being a full-time racer in the Cup Series, Chastain&#8217;s love to take part in the Truck Series hasn&#8217;t lessened one bit. He still continues to participate in a part-time role for Niece Motorsports, respectively. Ross Chastainâ€™s Partnerships and Endorsements Ross Chastain is quite a promising name in NASCAR. Perhaps that explains why the driver enjoys the backing of so many well-established brands. From Kevin Harvick&#8216;s former long-time $110 billion worth sponsor Anheuser-Busch, to Jockey and Kubota, there&#8217;s no dearth of sponsors for the #1 driver. Others include Moose Fraternity, Worldwide Express, Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Ross Chastainâ€™s NASCAR Career Stats Since his debut in NASCAR&#8217;s top division, Chastain has competed in 187 races, out of which he has clinched a victory on four different occasions. The racer also has 46 Top-10s and one pole position in the tourney. In the Xfinity Series, Chastain has competed in 204 races and clinched two wins, 51 Top-10s and one pole. Additionally, in NASCAR&#8217;s third division, the Truck Series, the driver has four wins, 47 Top-10s and four poles in 107 races. In his elaborate Cup Series run, Ross Chastain&#8217;s career took off in the truest sense after the driver joined the Trackhouse Racing Team. Ever since joining the team, Chastain has made regular playoff appearances, finished second in 2022 and ninth in 2023. Ross Chastainâ€™s Major Achievements and Awards Apart from his NASCAR achievements, Ross Chastain has also made headlines for his various other accomplishments. The driver won the Limited Late Model portion of the 2011 World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing atÂ New Smyrna Speedway, winning three of eight events in the series. He was also crowned the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Most Popular Driver. What made the award even more notable for Chastain, 2019&#8217;s breakout star in the division, was the fact that the news reached him on his 27th birthday. Ross Chastain Brawl with Noah Gragson In his career, Ross Chastain has given his fans plenty of memorable moments. From the &#8216;Hail Melon&#8217; move to his 2023&#8217;s final Phoenix Raceway P1 finish beating the Top 4, Chastain knows how to attract eyeballs. But besides all of that, what people also remember him by is when he decided to throw punches at Stewart-Haas Racing driver Noah Gragson. The incident unfolded in the aftermath of the Kansas Speedway race in May 2o23. The duo were reportedly at loggerheads against each other&#8217;s driving styles, which led to a physical altercation on pit road with Chastain delivering the first blow after Gragson grabbed the #1 driver&#8217;s firesuit. Later, Gragson talked about the driver and said, &#8220;The guy just runs into everyone. When youâ€™ve got guys like Chase Elliott saying, â€˜Go beat his a*s,â€™ everyone is sick and tired of him and nobody has the b*lls to go up and get him.â€ However, the Trackhouse Racing driver later cleared the air and declared how there was no bad blood between the two anymore. &#8220;So we are good and talked on Monday on the phone. And then we were together testing some micro-sprint cars on Monday night. We worked out together this week. Itâ€™s good, done and over with, and we have been able to move on and laugh about it now,â€Â  he said. Ross Chastain and Hail Melon A popular moniker that the #1 driver has garnered is &#8216;The Watermelon Man&#8217;, which came into being after Chastain showed off his unique victory celebration. Upon finishing P1, the driver is seen smashing a watermelon on the track to commemorate his win. Apart from that, Chastain has also been popularized in the mainstream NASCAR circuit by a move that drivers and fans still remember to this day. Known as the &#8216;Hail Melon&#8217;, the move saw Chastain perform a video game-esque move riding the outside wall during the last lap, beating Denny Hamlin at the Martinsville Speedway in October 2022. Ross Chastain and Hendrick Motorsports Apart from his feud with Noah Gragson, the driver was also caught in controversy when he reportedly wrecked Kyle Larson deliberately during the May 2023 race at Darlington Raceway. The incident occurred after Hendrick Motorsports driver Larson had seemingly pushed the #1 driver into the wall. And, in a retaliatory move, just a few laps later, Chastain gave it back to the #5 driver with a similar move after a restart. However, it didn&#8217;t end well as Chastain lost control of his car and spun, thereby taking Larson with him, ending their race. Naturally, this didn&#8217;t go well with HMS owner Rick Hendrick who a stern warning to the Trackhouse Racing star. â€œI donâ€™t care if heâ€™s driving a Chevrolet if he wrecks our cars. I donâ€™t care. Iâ€™ve told Chevrolet that. If you wreck us, youâ€™re going to get it back. If you donâ€™t do it, theyâ€™ll run all over you,&#8221; Hendrick shared at the time. â€œHe doesnâ€™t have to be that aggressive. I guess at this point in the race maybe youâ€™re super aggressive, but you just donâ€™t run people up in the fence. Heâ€™s going to make a lot of enemies. Itâ€™s hard to win a championship when youâ€™ve got a lot of paybacks out there,â€ the team owner further said. Image Credits: Imago However, Chastain, who was being constantly criticized for his aggressive driving style made a comeback only a month later when he clinched the pole position at Nashville Superspeedway and even finished the race P1. Later, in a post race interview, the driver hit back at critics and said, â€œThis is incredible. This is for every little kid out there anywhere in the world, when you are criticized and you are going to be competitive,Â they will try to tear you down. You will start believing in them. You canâ€™t do it.â€ &nbsp; Ross Chastain Social Media  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RossChastainRacing/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rosschastain/  Twitter https://twitter.com/RossChastain/  &nbsp;  Full Name Ross Lee Chastain  Popular Name Ross Chastain, Watermelon Man  Birth Date December 4, 1992Â   Birth Place Alva, Florida, U.S.  Age 31  Height Â &#8211;  Weight Â &#8211;  Parents Ralph Chastain, Susan Chastain  Siblings Chad Chastain  Nationality American  Ethnicity Caucasian  Net Worth $4 million  Salary Â &#8211;  Spouse Â &#8211;  Relationship/Marital Status Â Dating Erika Anne Turner  Children Â &#8211;  Profession Â Stock car racing driver  Team Trackhouse Racing  &nbsp;

“I Just Didn’t Have It” – Ross Chastain Was Hit With Ugly Reality Check That Forced Him to Give Up the Love of His Life as a 21-Year Old

How did Ross Chastain get the racing bug?