Ross Chastain is a NASCAR Cup Series driver who competes for Trackhouse Racing. He drives the No.1 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for the team. Chastain is also a part-time Truck Series racer. He has been racing in the Cup Series as a full-time driver since 2021. He debuted with Chip Ganassi Racing as a points-earning driver. His previous exploits in the Cup Series did not make him eligible for points in those races. Chastain finished 19th in the 2024 Cup Series after securing a late season victory at the Hollywood Casino 400 race.
Chastain is famously known as the “Watermelon man”. He is an eighth-generation watermelon farmer. His victory lane celebrations include smashing down a watermelon on the roof of his car. Ross Chastain earned a lot of fan following and spotlight due to his “Hail Melon” move in the 2023 Cup Series. He did a “wall-ride” maneuver to overtake Denny Hamlin and qualify himself for the Championship 4 race. Ross Chastain has claimed five victories and 58 Top-10s in the Cup Series, as of February 2025. Chastain is known for winning the 2022 GEICO 500 race, which is one of the fastest events on the NASCAR calendar.
Ross Chastain's Hometown
According to Ross Chastain's official website, he grew up growing watermelons on his family farm in Alva, Florida. Chastain started racing at the age of 12 and his home track was Punta Gorda Speedway. He used to compete in Late Model and Fastruck Series events. He moved to Charlotte in 2011 and found himself racing in the Craftsman Truck Series. He claimed more than 50 victories in his short-track racing career, including the Limited Late Model portion of the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway.
Chastain started his NASCAR career with Turn One Racing driving their no.66 Truck in the Craftsman Truck Series. He found himself racing in 4 more events in 2011 due to connections in the watermelon industry. Chastain made his full-time debut in 2012 with SS-Green Light Racing. He moved on to the Xfinity Series in 2016 after securing a full-time seat with JD Motorsports. Chastain got to race two full seasons in the Cup Series in 2018 and 2019 however he was illegible for series points. He made his debut at the top level of NASCAR in 2021, as per Racing Reference.
Also Read: Who is the watermelon man in NASCAR?
FAQ's on Ross Chastain
A. Ross Chastain’s parents are Susan Chastain and Ralph Chastain.
A. Yes, Ross Chastain is the older brother of Chad Chastain.
A. Ross Chastain hit the wall at 130 mph during his “Hail Melon” move.
A. Yes, Ross Chastain has five victories in the Cup Series.
A. Ross Chastain did the maneuver in order to gain energy and speed past his rivals from the hit in 2022.
