Ross Chastain isn’t just another NASCAR driver rolling into Homestead-Miami. He’s a Florida boy through and through. Hailing from Alva, a small town known more for watermelon farms than race cars, Chastain grew up dreaming of making it big in NASCAR. And Homestead? It’s practically a home track for him.

Now, Chastain is back at Homestead for the 2025 Truck Series season, reunited with Niece Motorsports. There’s a lot of history (and pressure) riding on it. But before he even strapped in, he found himself face-to-face with a familiar figure. The exchange was lighthearted, but let’s just say Chastain didn’t hold back when the moment to take a jab presented itself.

Ross Chastain steals the spotlight on driver’s only broadcast day

Ross Chastain’s return to the Truck Series at Homestead-Miami was supposed to be about nostalgia, racing, and honoring Niece Motorsports’ ten-year anniversary. However, this Friday also marked the ‘drivers only’ broadcast from FOX. This featured Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski in the booth, while Austin Cindric and Chastain’s mentee Carson Hocevar were on pit road! Naturally, the young Cup Series sophomore turned interviewer caught up with Chastain pre-race, setting the stage for what seemed like a routine exchange.

Chastain spoke fondly of his history with Niece Motorsports, recalling his first races with the team in 2018. “It’s been an incredible journey for him [Al Niece] and I and his team,” he said, emphasizing his loyalty to the organization. “I’ll run for Al as long as he’ll have me.” For Chastain, driving for Niece was more than just another race. It was a homecoming.

But the conversation took a turn when Chastain jokingly acknowledged that Hocevar was standing there, not in a firesuit, but holding a microphone. That’s when he fired off a quick-witted remark: “I’d say I’m the most relieved though, that you’ve got a microphone, not a steering wheel in your hand.”

The line, wrapped in humor, hinted at the tensions between the two after their on-track clash at Atlanta weeks prior. To jog your memory, Chastain had received a dirty push from Hocevar, which forced him out of contention at the 2025 Ambetter Health 400. Chastain was running second. You can guess the man’s frustration! Ross Chastain even confronted Hocevar on pit road after the race, as the latter ended up with a career-best P2 finish, but had to take an earful from his mentor.

That Atlanta race saw Chastain’s playoff hopes plummet after Hocevar got into him in the overtime restart. At the time, Chastain had kept his response measured, saying, “I lost because of him.” But the frustration was clear. Now, with Hocevar temporarily off the track and behind a mic, Chastain couldn’t resist the opportunity for a subtle dig.

While the comment was lighthearted, it was impossible to ignore the underlying tension. Chastain may have smiled as he said it, but NASCAR fans haven’t forgotten how aggressive Chastain can be on the track. Whether Hocevar took it as a joke or a reminder of their unfinished business remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure—Chastain knows how to keep things interesting, both on and off the track.

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A decade of Niece Motorsports and Ross Chastain’s special connection

Niece Motorsports is celebrating ten years in NASCAR, marking a journey filled with growth, challenges, and success. What started as a small operation in 2015 has become a competitive force in the Truck Series. Team owner Al Niece’s dedication has helped establish the organization as a respected name in the garage.

Ross Chastain has been a key part of Niece Motorsports’ story. He first drove for the team in 2018, making an immediate impact. His third race with them came at Homestead-Miami, the very track where he recently returned. Since then, Chastain has remained loyal to Niece.

His breakthrough moment came in 2019 when he won at Kansas Speedway, securing Niece Motorsports’ first-ever Truck Series victory. That win proved they could compete with powerhouse teams. Most importantly, for Chastain, the race win proved to be his career renaissance. After securing a full-time Cup Series ride with Chip-Ganassi Racing in 2021, Chastain reflected on his 2019 victory, saying, “I think it saved my career, honestly… I fully believe that if we didn’t win those races that year, starting here, I don’t know if I’m sitting here today.”

Chastain’s aggressive driving and underdog mentality perfectly matched Niece’s hard-working approach. Their partnership became one of the most memorable in Truck Series history. Even after moving up to the Cup Series, Chastain never forgot his roots. He continues to race part-time for Niece whenever possible. His return to Homestead-Miami wasn’t just another race, it was a tribute to a team that shaped his career.

With a decade in the books, Niece Motorsports is looking ahead to the future. Their journey has been defined by perseverance, talent, and key partnerships like the one with Chastain. As the team celebrates its milestone, having one of its biggest stars back in the truck only makes the moment more special.