NASCAR is undoubtedly a sport, first and foremost. However, it also has to entertain the fans, as just watching 35+ cars go in circles is no fun. There needs to be some form of enjoyment where the fans know that they are getting their money’s worth of tickets or a TV subscription. And the drivers very well know and understand the assignment and try their level best to deliver the goods. There is no greater example of this than what Ross Chastain did in Martinsville in 2022.

If you’ve been living under a rock, the Trackhouse Racing driver performed one of the gutsiest moves ever. With a Championship 4 spot on the line, he floored the throttle and did a wall ride that catapulted him past several rivals. That move went viral, and everyone was talking about it for ages. Unfortunately, NASCAR had to be a damp squib and banned the move afterward.

Keeping this in mind, Ty Dillon spoke about the effect that the move had on the sport. According to him, the drivers have a responsibility to the fans. Dillon told NASCAR Insiders Round Table, “As drivers, we should see ourselves as entertainers. That’s what we’re here to do, we’re here to put on a show. We’re here to excite the fans and that’s what makes the fans’ world go round and make it awesome.

“We are such a great fan-driven sport. That’s something that’s been taught to me. You are an entertainer, go out and put on a show. If you’re making a decision, you know Ross Chastain at Martinsville, that was one of the coolest entertainer NASCAR driver moments. He just put it all on the line and boy did that skyrocket his name,” he added.

Long story short, the drivers must ensure that fan satisfaction is also met when they are racing. After all, it does affect TV ratings, which then translate into revenue for NASCAR and the teams. Everything ties together in the end, all in a neat little bow.

After Ross Chastain, NASCAR hasn’t let up on viral moments

If Ross Chastain’s Hail Melon was the appetizer, then what happened this season, was the main course. During the 2024 NASCAR race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, there was a three-wide photo finish between Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch. Suarez, who coincidentally is also a Trackhouse Racing driver, eventually edged out Blaney to take the win.

Needless to say, that race finish went viral, with tons of reaction compilations on YouTube and TikTok. Later on in the same season, dessert was served in the form of yet another photo finish. Next, it was Kyle Larson, who barely edged out Chris Buescher at the Kansas Speedway.

The best part is that it has officially broken the record for the closest NASCAR Cup Series finish since Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven. What makes things even better is that the 2024 season isn’t over yet. And the entertainment should keep going regardless of the wins and rounds.