On-track rivalries ignite like fuel on fire. Likewise, there has emerged an epic showdown at the treacherous Darlington short track. The warriors? None other than Ross Chastain and the Hendrick Motorsports star, unleashing a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. But it wasn’t the usual slam-bang spectacle of yesteryears.
The last Chastain was at Kansas Speedway during the 2023 spring running, Chastain and suspended Legacy Motor Club driver Noah Gragson were all tempers and exchanged more fists than words at the race’s conclusion. Fast forward to today, Trackhouse Racing’s very own Ross Chastain made a return to the same track with a fascinating secret reveal in an exclusive interview concerning an HMS driver.
Chastain’s unlikely inspiration at Kansas Speedway
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Kansas Speedway has always posed a unique challenge to drivers, and for Ross Chastain, deciphering its mysteries wasn’t a walk in the park. But what makes this revelation truly intriguing is the man he turned to for inspiration—the enigmatic Kyle Larson.
“I don’t know what about Kansas suits my style. My style has evolved. So I did not like running up by the wall early in my career. When I got with the group at Chevrolet and GM in 2018 and then in 2019, I really studied Kyle Larson and I’ll just say it. He was the guy for that and I’ve studied him for five years now,” Chastain stated.
He further added, “And I have no way in like Kyle or can do what he can do, but I have attempted to evolve my driving to be more comfortable up there and have made big, big strides, but I’m still nowhere near him. So, just studying the best, studying my competitors, and trying to be better, and it’s paid off at a place like Kansas.”
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The Darlington showdown was like déjà vu for NASCAR fans, as Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson locked horns once more. What started as a bitter rivalry in the regular season had simmered down. But on this day, the sparks were ready to fly.
WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Namedrops Top 3 Guy As Biggest Championship Roadblock
The history between Chastain and Larson is as complicated as the twists and turns of the Darlington track. From heated confrontations to dramatic on-track clashes, their feud had it all.
“Go tell Brandon”: Kyle Larson’s aggressive pursuit against Ross Chastain
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Ross Chastain has had a metamorphosis, and he’s gone from a fiery tornado to a gentle breeze. But don’t be fooled; he hasn’t lost his edge. As Larson surged forward, Chastain played the gatekeeper, blocking the champ’s way. Larson, the man with the pedal-to-the-metal spirit, was held back for a moment, and his reaction over the radio?
“Go tell Brandon (McReynolds, Ross Chastain’s spotter), what the f*ck!” A moment of raw emotion that had fans on the edge of their seats.
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They have a history at this place. @KyleLarsonRacin | @RossChastain pic.twitter.com/HIvlxEfOhy
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 3, 2023
Remember the uproar in May when Larson and Chastain clashed like titans at Darlington? Well, last weekend’s spectacle might have been a toned-down version, but the memories were as fresh as ever. After a stern talking-to from Rick Hendrick and Justin Marks, Chastain may have mellowed, but make no mistake, he’s not here for a Sunday drive.
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Larson, on a quest to lap the field, made his move in Stage 1. Chastain, the ever-resilient warrior, stood his ground. A brief contact, sparks flying, and NASCAR nation’s thirst for drama hit a fever pitch online. Fans, like spectators at a heavyweight bout, picked sides and debated every twist and turn of this high-speed drama.
READ MORE: Daniel Suarez Bluntly Warns Ross Chastain as “Different Agendas” Come to Light