Ross Chastain addresses contact with Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell late at Darlington

Ross Chastain was busy doing Ross Chastain things today. He managed to get on Chase Elliott’s and Christopher Bell’s nerves. Even when they are racing in the Xfinity Series, these NASCAR Cup Series drivers can’t avoid Chastain.

A little contact here and there late in the race is nothing unusual. With the reputation that Ross Chastain has, it’s not surprising to see drivers have little patience with him.

After the race, a P4 finish to winner Brandon Jones, Chastain was asked about what happened on the track. In particular, he was asked about the contact with Christopher Bell late in the race.

“I haven’t seen the replay, but I don’t think I left him enough room. I hurt his day and crinkled our fender, too,” Chastain said, via PRN. After seeing the video, he confirmed. “Yeah, pinched him for sure. I need to leave him a little more room.”

When it comes to his run-in with Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain was more weary of admitting fault. He felt he left the 17 car enough room. Elliott felt differently.

For Bell and Elliott, they have to be thinking this is the same thing they have seen time and time again with Chastain. He oversteps, gets too aggressive, and that leads to mistakes. It’s nice and dandy that he apologizes afterward, but what good does that do for a damaged car after the race?

With all of the conversation around clean driving this year, Ross Chastain is still himself. And despite the issues at times, the sport is better for it.

Ross Chastain isn’t doing himself any favors

Last week after the Martinsville race, Joey Logano called Ross Chastain a jackass. He did it both on the radio during the race and then to the media afterward. Chastain did not appreciate that, but Logano has not backed down from the comments.

When you have drivers calling you names like that, and then the next week you get into two more incidents with Cup drivers in the Xfinity race – it’s a tough look. But Chastain does a great job of not letting the comments get to him.

At this point, it is easier to list who Chastain doesn’t have a rivalry or a moment on track with. Remember how mad he made Rick Hendrick in 2023? I bet he loved seeing Chastain and Elliott get into one another today.