New Rides: Ross Chastain joins Chip Ganassi Racing

Ross Chastain is likely the most curious new addition to the NASCAR Cup Series, at only 28 years old he is one of the most experienced drivers to be joining a new team in 2021. This will also be technically his first true full time season in the Cup Series, as he and Chip Ganassi Racing will be running every race with him in the 42 car.

Chip Ganassi Racing is at interesting point as a team currently, with a team gunning for titles it was clear they intend to have a veteran driver and young gun as a “One-Two Punch” on the track. It is clear Kurt Busch is their guy for that veteran role, but Chastain is at a point where he either flourishes into a Cup series driver or he doesn’t. You only get so many chances to make it in the big leagues until teams stop giving you a ride. This is likely a make or break season for Chastain.

Although the pressure is high for Chastain at CGR, it is likely that in house relations will be smooth sailing. I doubt Chip Ganassi himself will make a decision until after the entire season is played out. Luckily though, Chastain will more than meet expectations.

For the Melon Man (yes that is his nickname as his family are Watermelon Farmers) I predict he will find his way to victory lane just once, along with 4 Top 5s and at least 8 or 9 Top 10s. I really expect a season in which Chastain comes close multiple times but is only able to find victory lane just once, but I also believe that will be more than enough for Chip Ganassi racing, although they are the second best Chevy team, I highly doubt they aren’t eyeing that next gen car as an opportunity to leap over some if not all of Hendricks drivers. As a team, passing Hendrick is almost impossible, as Hendrick is synonymous with NASCAR, having had the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr, it is unlikely their image will be shaken by being slightly weaker than they were during NASCAR’s not so far off golden years

James Wilson is the host of The Pit Stop, a weekly look at auto racing around the country from NASCAR to Bowman Gray. Season Premiere Jan 22 2021 on Tobacco Road Sports Radio!