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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/JustinMarks.png?width=600)
Ross Chastain‘s “Hail Melon” move at Martinsville is still very fresh in the minds of motorsport fans. The 30-year-old attempted this in his bid to qualify for the NASCAR final Championship 4 spot. Delighted by it, even the Trackhouse Racing co-owner Justin Marks ended up hugging him after the race. While it helped Chastain wonderfully to go past rival Denny Hamlin and qualify for the playoff, it brought mixed reactions around the globe.
Many criticized the move and recently, NASCAR banned the maneuver based on safety considerations. The decision came, citing danger to the safety of competitors, officials, spectators, and other entities involved. Despite the ban, motorsport fans will remember strongly both Ross Chastain and his “wall car”. Interestingly, Justin Marks came to an unbelievable decision to honor Chastain’s move.
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Justin Marks is a fan-favorite owner
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Marks is quite an active personality on Twitter. As NASCAR banned the “Hail Melon” move, he was quick to announce it on the social media platform about his decision to preserve Chastain’s car.
Read More: Ross Chastain’s Incredible “Hail Melon” wins an award at the Annual ES Awards 2022
He said, “These cars are strong. Because of that, the Martinsville “wall car” came back from the race with 90% of its parts reusable. Which means keeping the car exactly as it came off the track as show car would cost Trackhouse hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Good move. Shocked at the new ruling, but whatever not like we didn't see it coming. Ross is Ross, he'll do more Ross things and bring you that W 🏁🏆
— El Tee (@LTnostalkersplz) February 1, 2023
Good man. pic.twitter.com/8dt1p1Q2Jk
— Trevor Nickel (@Mrtumadre81) February 1, 2023
The type of owner we need more of in this sport. Love your passion, Justin!
— Scott (@TheGreyGhost88) February 1, 2023
That car legit changed the sport, keep it forever!!
— Mason Cochran (@MasonCochran444) February 1, 2023
as one of the greatest moments I've ever seen in motorsports (and enough to draw attention even from F1 drivers and fans), I really hope that car winds up in a motorsports museum for a long time. That was incredible.
— chillsea 💛 (@zanysatsuma) February 2, 2023
You are a gift to the @NASCAR community @JustinMarksTH . Preserving the history for all others even if it means taking from your own pocket.
Thank you
— Christopher Darling (@MaxGrafixDesign) February 2, 2023
This! Right here is why I’m a proud Trackside fan from day one. Love the way you approach things @JustinMarksTH
— Cinderfella (@darth_flatus) February 1, 2023
This man never misses!
— Modern Racing Prints (@MRP_Prints) February 1, 2023
The 41-year-old also went on to explain why he made this decision. He added, “Ross’ move at Martinsville was a historic moment and should be preserved for the fans for years to come in physical form. This sport isn’t just about the balance sheet, it’s about passion and moments and people.” This made the fans go wild seeing an owner take this sort of initiative.
The specialty of the “Hail Melon” move
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Chastain was running 10th at Martinsville in 2022 but with his wall-hugging move, he went past five players to finish fifth in the race. What’s more interesting is that the NASCAR 2005 game he used to play in his childhood on GameCube inspired this move.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1437778973.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – OCTOBER 30: Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Moose Fraternity Chevrolet, rides the wall on the final lap of the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 30, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
It is one thing to do it in a video game, but doing it so effectively in real life is something extraordinary. It could have gone horribly wrong for him, but it paid off quite well. That being said, the risks involved in it could have been life-threatening, which is why NASCAR took the bold step of banning it.
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Watch This Story | Ross Chastain could easily fall into a NASCAR club nobody wants to join in 2023
While the video game move did go viral, we are unlikely to see it happen in the future. Good thing that Justin Marks decided to preserve the car as a souvenir.