Ross Chastain is typically the epitome of calm in a sport where the adrenaline rush can send even the most composed drivers into a fiery rage. But every so often, someone comes along who can test even the steadiest nerves. For Chastain, that someone is his rookie partner at Trackhouse Racing, Shane Van Gisbergen. The Xfinity ace from New Zealand, now Chastain’s teammate in the Cup Series, has an off-field demeanor that’s starting to wear thin on the ‘Watermelon Man.’

Chastain, 31, is known for his relentless work ethic and grounded nature, qualities that have earned him immense respect both on and off the track. His nickname, the ‘Watermelon Man,’ is a tribute to his family’s humble beginnings as watermelon farmers—roots that Chastain never forgets. His approachable demeanor has made him a favorite in the NASCAR community, a beacon of humility in a sport often dominated by larger-than-life personalities.

But then there’s Shane Van Gisbergen, the wild card in Chastain’s otherwise steady world. Though undeniably talented and successful in his own right, Van Gisbergen’s unpredictable behavior and wild streak have become a thorn in Chastain’s side. It’s not just about differences in personality; it’s about the clash of worlds—Chastain’s steady, hardworking approach versus Van Gisbergen’s more carefree, and at times reckless, attitude.

The tension between them is palpable, and while Chastain remains the picture of composure on the surface, the cracks are beginning to show. It’s a brewing storm within the Trackhouse Racing team, with Chastain’s patience being tested like never before. How long can the ‘Watermelon Man’ keep his cool when his own teammate is the one pushing him to the edge? The clash of temperaments could be the spark that lights a fire in a season already full of high-stakes drama.

Ross Chastain reveals Wild, Wild Van Gisbergen

Shane Van Gisbergen is known to have on-track rivalries with the likes of Chase Briscoe and Sam Mayer. His skeptics within the racing community and NASCAR fans never fail to portray him as controversy’s own child. He is often criticized for his on-field aggression. The continuous habit of mockery too is not well received by fans. For example, the way he celebrated the victory at Sonoma Raceway doing victory burnouts near Austin Hill‘s car was criticized by fans as an act of trolling. The 35-year-old Xfinity driver also almost never shies away from making relentless and rash contacts with other drivers.

But the New Zealander’s behavior is not any different even when he is not racing. The contents of his off-track rashness are recently revealed by Ross Chastain. During an interview with Large from Rubbin is Racing podcast of the Barstool Sports, Ross disclosed the kind of person Shane Van Gisbergen is outside the racetrack. Explaining why he hates him; Ross had a shocking story to tell which even enraged the hosts of the show.

“He runs at outrageous speeds and not even just on the tracks. But we do some workouts together and recently he made me mad. I don’t know if it’s gonna make you mad but Nick Sanchez, truck series driver, Shane and I were running on this greenway here near Morrisville and we were doing some sprint intervals and jogging in between and then sprinting and then we took off sprinting on like the third leg of our deal. Shane ran 28 kilometers per hour like 18, 19 miles per hour. It was like come on! in America we don’t really run that fast we’re like 13 miles an hour. 

Outrageous? Well, Shane Van Gisbergen doesn’t appear to be one of those guys who is affected by such acts. On the contrary, such things appear to bring the best out of him. There is a long list of such incidents where come what may, Van Gisbergen didn’t care much about what people or other fans have to say about him. He was just ruthless during and after the race. Rightfully so, he is one of the most conflicting and consequential NASCAR drivers in its recent history.

Shane Van Gisbergen: The troublemaker.

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Remember the 2023 Press conference incident? The Van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney duo were disqualified from the Supercars season opener due to an improper cooling system in cars. The tussle between the authorities and drivers reached to a point of peak frustration. Van Gisbergen following an eventual win at the second race of the supercars season, refused to answer questions pertaining to his first race disqualification. The response was not very well taken journalists present at the press conference.

Mark Skaife and Garth Tander, recalling the incident later on had this to say about Van Gisbergen. “You’ve got to have a little bit of respect for the other people within the industry as well and how they’re going about their job. It’s his job to ask questions in the press conference. To not answer them like that, probably need to show a bit more respect. It’s a bit disappointing to hear that sort of behavior from Shane. He is better than that. He doesn’t need to do that sort of stuff.”

What are your thoughts on Shane Van Gisbergen’s controversial past? Do you think he’ll be able to ever emerge on the scene with a clean image? Also, what do you have to say about the Ross Chastain’s revelations? Do tell us in the comments.