Ross Chastain is an F1 fan, but NASCAR is still king: 'We're at the top'

Ross Chastain loves racing of all kinds. The Melon Man has been watching F1 for about a decade and is a fan. However, he knows that when it comes to America, NASCAR is still king. Stock car racing has a hold on American motorsports, for sure.

Like many in motorsports, Ross Chastain believes F1’s rise in the United States is a good thing. If it gets a few more people into NASCAR, that’s a positive for both parties. That reflects what a lot of people in motorsports have said in recent years.

Perhaps knowing how much more popular NASCAR is compared to F1 lets Chastain feel this way. If he was an IndyCar driver, he might feel differently, perhaps. As it stands now, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

“I love it. I think a rising tide raises all ships,” Chastain said to Susan Wade of Autoweek about F1. “I’ve become a fan. I wasn’t a fan 15 years ago, but I was 10 years ago, and I’ve just slowly kind of just watched from afar. I’ve never been to anything, been to any events or anything. I’m glad that we’ve got more events on this side of the pond and love that more people are watching.”

As far as F1 being a threat to NASCAR? Chastain isn’t worried.

“We’re at the top. This is the top of our sandbox. This is where we want to stay for a long time. Nobody’s leaving NASCAR to go over there. A few guys are retiring over there coming this way, but nobody’s leaving here. It’s a good spot.”

The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has had an up-and-down start. There seems to be a ton of hope and enthusiasm around the event. However, the first practice session ended after 8 minutes, and then fans being told to leave the track areas, led to many complaints.

Despite the issues, it sounds like Ross Chastain will be watching.

Ross Chastain has big 2024 season ahead of him

While Ross Chastain and others enjoy some off-season racing, there is a big 2024 season ahead. For Chastain and Trackhouse Racing, it is a major year. Year three of the Chastain and Daniel Suárez pairing, and the organization is just getting larger.

Next season, Chastain is the Busch Light driver. That’s a massive opportunity for him to grow his brand and the brand of Trackhouse. With Budweiser and Busch Light, Kevin Harvick scored iconic wins, iconic advertisements, and helped build a brand.

With the addition of Shane van Gisbergen on a development deal in 2024 and Zane Smith racing for Spire, via Trackhouse – the organization has a massive season ahead of them as well. Four drivers who are likely all capable of being Cup Series mainstays. Only two full-time cars.

There is so much promise and potential in Trackhouse’s future. Truly. So, they just have to sort through it and see what comes out on the other end.