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Ross Chastain Finishes Strong Fourth at Talladega

It wasn't a bad day in the office for Ross Chastain at Talladega. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

It wasn’t a bad day in the office for Ross Chastain at Talladega. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

LINCOLN, Ala. – After a respectable 12th last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, Ross Chastain approached Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway as a quiet, confident contender.

For starters, the 29-year-old from Alva, Florida had a stellar showing at the mammoth asphalt arena with a win in the spring regular season race.

Moreover, the steady wheelman had a strong No. 1 Jockey Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Trackhouse Racing. Earning the sixth starting spot, Chastain had the makings for a potential Talladega sweep.

However, it was a bit of a slow start for the Playoffs contender with a 16th in Stage 1.

Things picked up for the tenacious driver as he tallied a sixth in Stage 2, netting five valuable stage points.

From there, Chastain searched for the open, fastest lane regardless of his drafting partner’s manufacturer. Whereas recent Talladega races saw manufacturer alliances across the board, it was about maximizing track position with a random but temporary ally.

Chastain's patriotic paint scheme led the way for 36 laps at Talladega. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

Chastain’s patriotic paint scheme led the way for 36 laps at Talladega. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

Chastain was one of 17 different leaders in a race that saw 57 lead changes. Likewise, he led the most laps, pacing the way for 36 laps.

Alas, it was not meant to be on this occasion for the driver known as “The Watermelon Man.” Still, a fourth place finish is nothing to be ashamed about.

“It’s really good to come out of Talladega with a top five,” Chastain said. “We raced up front most of the day.

“This No. 1 Jockey Camaro ZL1 was so fast. I could push people so well and take pushes better than we have in the past.”

By all means, Trackhouse Racing, like Chastain and his teammate, Daniel Suárez, have continually stepped up their game. Similarly, Chastain’s observations about his car’s handling proved most impressive.

“We made no handling adjustments, aero adjustments or anything on the car all day,” he shared. “I didn’t ask for anything, they just left it alone. And that’s a testament to Trackhouse Racing.”

Like everyday commuters looking for the best lane on the highway, Chastain’s search had its ups and downs. Ultimately, it did not result in his third victory of the season.

Chastain left Talladega ranked third in the points standings. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

Chastain left Talladega ranked third in the points standings. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)

“We won here in the spring, but we truly made our Chevy better coming back here,” he observed. “It didn’t quite work out; I made a few too many mistakes. I just needed to stay in the middle lane throughout the entire race.”

All things considered, Chastain tried to make all the right moves for his team.

Despite missing out on the sweep, Chastain was the third highest Playoff finisher, a decent consolation ahead of next Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte (2 p.m. ET on NBC).

Like his Chevy comrade, Kyle Larson, Chastain was left pondering about his late race lane change.

“We really didn’t need to go back to the bottom. We gave up two or three spots, but we were there at the end,” Chastain said.

Rob Tiongson is a 30-something motorsports journalist who enjoys sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, track and field and hockey. A Boston native turned Austinite, racing was the first sport that caught his eyes. From interviews to retrospective articles, if it's about anything with an engine and four wheels, it'll be here on TPF, by him or by one of his talented columnists who have a passion for racing. Currently seeking a sports writing, public relations, or sports marketing career, particularly in motorsports. He enjoys editing and writing articles and features, as well as photography. Moreover, he enjoys time with his family and friends, traveling, cooking, working out and being a fun uncle or "funcle" to his nephew, niece and cat. Tiongson, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, pursues his Master of Arts in Digital Journalism at St. Bonaventure University. Indeed, while Tiongson is proud to be from Massachusetts, he's an everywhere kind of man residing in Texas.

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