“It’s Just Ridiculous” – Ross Chastain is Frustrated With Himself After Self-Inflicted Problems Cost Him Another Win

Ross Chastain’s self-inflicted penalties proved costly once again at the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Starting from the back due to a pre-race wrap change deemed an “unapproved adjustment,” Chastain fought his way back through the field. However, his aggressive driving on the pit road continued to plague him. He received another speeding penalty, his third in as many weeks.

In itself, the race saw Hendrick Motorsports Kyle Larson secure his 24th career Cup Series victory dominantly, securing both stages. A three-peat winner at Vegas, Larson started the race at P2, took the lead from the Trackhouse Racing driver on the final restart with less than 30 laps remaining, and held off a commendable challenge from 23XI’s Tyler Reddick to win by a comfortable margin.

Pit Road Woes and “Unapproved Adjustments” for Ross Chastain

The pre-race penalty for the Melon Man, however, stemmed from seemingly minor infractions—a replacement wrap on his car was deemed an “unapproved adjustment” by NASCAR. While the exact details of the wrap violation haven’t been publicly disclosed, it likely pertained to either the material used or the way it was applied, not complying with NASCAR’s strict regulations. This technical infringement sent Chastain to the back of the pack before the green flag even waved.

Adding to his frustration, the driver of the #1 Chevrolet received another speeding penalty during his pit stop. This repeated error further hampered his progress and limited his true potential at the “Diamond in the Desert.”. Reflecting on his performance after the race, Chastain expressed his disappointments to PRN, stating, “Like, I can’t believe that I’ve sped on Pit Road all three weeks… We were strong enough to fight with the five and the 45, and I took us out of there. I cannot believe I did that.“

Despite securing a season-best P4 finish through a strategic two-tire call by the #1 crew, Chastain’s dissatisfaction loomed large. “Slow down, trying too hard; it’s just ridiculous, it’s unnecessary, and I know better, I train better, my team prepares me better, and I’m just not pushing the pedals right, and it’s just cannot believe I’m standing here talking about it again 3 weeks in a row,” Chastain rued, reflecting on his string of misfortunes.

Trackhouse Racing’s ‘Hail Melon’ in Phoenix

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Nevertheless, Chastain wasn’t the only driver facing pre-race penalties. Ryan Preece and Justin Haley also started from the back due to “unapproved adjustments” on their respective cars. Specific details remain undisclosed, but these penalties highlight the meticulous nature of NASCAR regulations and their consequences.

Read More: “Ridiculous”: Ross Chastain’s Bizarre Relegation at Las Vegas Earns NASCAR Widespread Backlash

On the other hand, Chastain’s Trackhouse Racing teammate, #99 Daniel Suarez, showcased a different type of approach after a historic weekend in Atlanta. Despite just barely securing a spot in the Top 10, finishing P11, Suarez displayed strategic prowess by staying out under caution and leading the race twice. Notably, he led more laps at the Pennzoil 400 than he did in the entire race last week, showcasing his improving tactical decision-making.

The dust has settled in the Nevada desert, and the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series continues its journey to the west. Furthermore, the upcoming Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway promises another chapter in the gripping saga of speed, strategy, and redemption for the melon farmer from Alva, eager for a repeat of his incredible victory in the season finale last season at the legendary 1-mile oval.

Read More: 2024 Pennzoil 400: Kyle Larson Reigns Over Victory Lane as Kyle Busch Fumbles the Bag at Las Vegas Home Track