The adage suggests that humility paves the way to success, but Ross Chastain might make one reconsider. His journey underscores the idea that it’s often the audacious who carve their names in history. Yet, recently, this polarizing figure—drawing both cheers and jeers—has faced a challenging period.

In the 2023 Cup Series, Chastain’s lone victory was at the Nashville Superspeedway in June. Since that triumph, the Trackhouse Racing ace has only graced the top 10 three times. With his current position in the bottom four of the top 12 and looming threats of playoff elimination post-Charlotte, insiders suggest that Chastain’s momentum has significantly waned because of Rick Hendrick.

Is Ross Chastain likely to be doomed after the Charlotte Motor Speedway race because of Rick Hendrick?

ESPN.in reports a stark contrast in Chastain’s demeanor. Mere days after his last-place finish at Talladega and a commendable second place at Texas, and with just a few days until the pivotal playoff event at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, the maestro behind the viral ‘Hail Melon’ maneuver at Martinsville Speedway was spotted nonchalantly enjoying his breakfast. The pressure is palpable, yet he seems to be unperturbed.

However, beneath the surface, profound tensions might be lingering. The stern warning by Rick Hendrick back in May, 2023: “If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back. If you don’t do it, they’ll run all over you” seems to have deeply impacted Chastain. The caution came after Chastain’s repeated confrontations with Kyle Larson, climaxing in a collision with Noah Gragson at Darlington. It marked the third such incident in four regular-season races, starting with Talladega, resulting in Larson’s disappointing 33rd finish. Since that event, Chastain’s performance on the track has noticeably faltered.

Nate Ryan, the esteemed Senior Motorsports Writer for NBC Sports, recently echoed the sentiment as he unveiled the deteriorating state of Trackhouse Racing. He remarked, “Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing has not been the same on road courses this year as they were last year. And I feel like he lost to lives Mojo in that Talladega crash.”

Watch This Story: Joey Logano Unwittingly Reveals His Alleged Law-Breaking Act While Showing Off His “Mad Max” Camping Buddy

While Chastain’s commendable skills earned him a place in the previous year’s Championship-4, this year’s projections suggest he may not even clinch a position within the top 8. Yet, in the face of these odds, Chastain remains hopeful of bridging the 10-point deficit at Roval. Only time will reveal if this optimism pays off.

Despite facing daunting odds, Ross Chastain remains bullish on clinching a spot in the top 8

Trending

Reality Struck Shane van Gisbergen Has His Playoffs Chances Cut Short Even Before His Full Time Debut in 2025

NASCAR Fans Left Praying as Town of the “World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile” Declared a Site of “Mass Casualty”

NASCAR Fans Back Kyle Busch’s Son’s Desperate Plea Amidst Denny Hamlin’s ‘Bad Luck’ Reluctance

“My Body Needed Time”: Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah, Discloses Her Roadblocks to Motherhood Amid Racing Dilemma

Cole Custer Drops 5-Word Confession as He Hands Tony Stewart & Co Another Championship Crown

Following a setback with a last-place result at Talladega, Chastain now has two options: either secure a victory or bridge a 10-point gap to guarantee his position in the Round of 8. History reminds us that he’s no stranger to such high stakes at the Charlotte Roval.

Last season, he teetered on the edge of playoff elimination after a collision with a wall resulted in a broken toe link. However, thanks to the rapid response of the No. 1 crew, he was swiftly back on track, eventually sealing his place in the Round of 8 by a mere six points over the threshold.

Read More: With “Hail Melon” Outlawed by NASCAR, Will Ross Chastain Fall off the Championship Chase?

Exuding the same optimism this season, Chastain remarked, “I’m going to make left and right-hand turns this weekend and live my dream. We’ll put our best foot forward, and as long as I’m getting to drive these rocket ships that Trackhouse Racing brings me, I’m living my dream, and we’ll keep fighting.”