Ross Chastain dejected after Pocono wreck, playoff setback

Winless on the season and just above the playoff cutline, the last thing Ross Chastain needed in Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway was a setback.

Unfortunately for Chastain, a setback was all that the Tricky Triangle had to offer him. Chastain lost control of his No. 1 Chevrolet and hit the wall in Turn 3 on Lap 52. Chastain immediately knew his day was done and is still kicking himself over it.

Ross Chastain is wondering how he spun out and couldn't catch the car as it started to snap on him. Obviously won't help him as a winless driver hoping to get into the playoffs on points. pic.twitter.com/d32K8PRBNA

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 14, 2024

“I’m just worried about how I spun out,” Chastain said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “I’m a racecar driver in the Cup Series, I shouldn’t be doing that. You don’t see us do that too often, so when I do it myself, I’m as surprised as everyone else. … I just flat spun out. We’re all sliding around but I just spun out.”

Chastain entered Sunday’s race 53 points ahead of the playoff cutline. He has tallied seven top 10s this season but has seldom had one of the best cars this season. With several first-time winners in recent weeks such as Austin Cindric, Joey Logano and Alex Bowman, Chastain has lost ground in the playoff race.

“I don’t know. It’s math, so it’s not gonna help,” Chastain said.

This story is developing…