ROSS CHASTAIN DEMANDS CHANGES AT TRACKHOUSE RACING
Ross Chastain has become more vocal about performance issues at Trackhouse Racing, stating that he is "pulling the fire alarm" about the team's struggles in 2026. Speaking on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast alongside team owner Justin Marks, Chastain said the organisation's meeting rooms reflect the seriousness of the situation. The driver has not won a single race this season and risks missing qualification for the championship, with Trackhouse potentially finishing outside the top 16 teams.
Chastain described the team as "not okay" and "not complacent", attributing problems to both ownership and drivers. He noted that road-course wins by fellow driver Shane Van Gisbergen represent only part of the team's expected performance level. Following the podcast recording, Chastain finished seventh and twelfth in subsequent races, leaving him 63 points behind the cutline for the Chase with two races remaining. Upcoming races at New Hampshire and Daytona offer opportunities to close the deficit, as Chastain has recorded positive results at New Hampshire previously.
Chastain's increased willingness to voice frustrations marks a departure from his traditionally reserved approach to airing grievances. Other drivers have experienced similar championship qualification struggles; Joey Logano recovered from a comparable position through multiple wins and top-five finishes. Performance concerns surrounding Chevrolet's new body design have also affected other teams, including Hendrick Motorsports.