While NASCAR prepares for the next race at Darlington, the memories from Kansas still remain fresh. More so, because of the incident involving Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson. While a lot has been made about it, Chastain recently came out in public to discuss the events in detail. In fact, he reveals the real reason why he did what he did.
A NASCAR Cup Series race seldom involves a physical brawl but when it does, it has always been breaking news. Chastain punching Gragson post-race was the highlight at Kansas despite Denny Hamlin registering an impressive win. With so much speculation behind the incident, Chastain recently came forward and shared some intrinsic details.
Punches thrown between Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson after Kansas! pic.twitter.com/vzojr7Jn7H
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 7, 2023
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Ross Chastain gets candid about the altercation with Noah Gragson at Kansas Speedway
What happened at Kansas Speedway was a perfect combination of drama and intriguing NASCAR racing. Denny Hamlin may have won the plaudits for some fine racing at the end but Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson clearly stole the show. Their quarrel saw Chastain land a punch on Gragson’s face after the Legacy Motor Club driver initiated the scuffle.
Recently, the “Melon Man” opened up on the incident as he was present at Pat McAfee Show. Chastain gave a very specific reason why he went ahead to punch Gragson. He said, “I don’t know man, we’re [NASCAR drivers] not fighters and I’m not a fighter.
“I don’t want to fight, I’ve been punched in the face, that’s the main reason I grabbed Noah’s arm. I don’t want to be punched in the face, I don’t like it, I don’t ever want it to happen again.” In fact, the Trackhouse Racing driver even explained why it was more of a defensive move from his end.
Chastain said, “So, almost all the time we’re not fighting in NASCAR, there’s some pushing and shoving from here and there but I felt like on Sunday it was just punch or be punched and I had to defend myself. He [Gragson] had walked up to me, he had grabbed hold of me, he was pushing me and I did it.”
Contact from Ross Chastain sends Noah Gragson around! pic.twitter.com/Z9UvFZYWqQ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 23, 2023
It seemed more of a reflex move, and “The Watermelon Man” certainly has no remorse for his actions. He said, “So, we don’t see [fights] and that’s not something that I prepare for, I train for I mean, I just knew in the moment, try to neutralize the situation, try to stop them and ultimately I had to do what I had to do.”
All said and done, it is best to put this brawl in the past and move on. With what Chastain has said recently, it certainly looks like all is fine.
WATCH THIS STORY: Sworn Adversaries Kyle Busch & Ross Chastain Join Hands in Calling Out a Common Enemy
Ross Chastain explains his relationship with Noah Gragson following the punchgate at Kansas Speedway
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It was a heated affair between Gragson and Chastain after their infamous fistfight at Kansas on Sunday. While many wondered how things would stay between the two drivers, the current Cup Series points leader recently gave a fair idea about it.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Chastain said, “We are [alright] man, Noah and I, we have known each other for several years. And we trained together, prepare together, and we have been in separate series for a little bit, and now we are both in Cup Series. Exactly where we want to be.”
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It is indeed good to see Gragson and Chastain find harmony after their intense tussle at Kansas. However, it is necessary that they turn their full focus to a win in Darlington. Can Chastain continue his impressive run this Sunday? Let us know in the comments below.
READ MORE – ‘Dou*hebag’ Ross Chastain’s New Enemy, Noah Gragson, Reveals Biggest Culprit of Kyle Busch’s “Respect” Issue