NASCAR News: Ross Chastain Crashes Out At Pocono Raceway

Ross Chastain’s race day at the Great American Getaway 400 concluded early after a high-speed crash at Pocono Raceway. The incident, which unfolded during the 53rd lap of the planned 160 laps, resulted in Chastain’s premature exit from the race, significantly impacting his standing as the NASCAR Cup Series postseason approaches.

Ross Chastain, piloting the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, began the race in 19th position among 37 competitors. By the time of the accident, he had dropped to 21st. The crash occurred when Chastain’s vehicle lost traction and spun out in Turn 3, making substantial right-side contact with the outside retaining wall. Attempts to control the vehicle continued as it scraped along the Turn 1 wall while he maneuvered back to pit road.

Describing the moment of the crash, Chastain said, as reported by NASCAR.com:

“I just flat spun out. We were all sliding around, but I just spun out. It felt like it happened in slow motion. Yeah, obviously frustrated with myself, but can’t take it back now.”

The severity of the damage was quickly apparent, with Trackhouse Racing concluding that the damage to the car was terminal. This decision marked the end of Chastain’s race, relegating him to a disappointing 36th-place finish.

At the time of the race, Chastain was ranked 12th in the Cup Series standings, holding a 53-point lead over the provisional playoff elimination line. The crash at Pocono, a track known for its challenging triangular configuration and high-speed corners, poses potential setbacks to his playoff aspirations. With only five races left before the postseason, every point and placement becomes increasingly significant.

The incident also mirrored the misfortune of another driver, Noah Gragson, who was the first race retiree after being involved in a Stage 1 wreck.

At the time of writing, the race is still ongoing. However, the Stage 1 and 2 results are below.

Great American Getaway 400 Stage 1 Top 10

1. Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
2. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
3. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
4. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
6. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
7. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
8. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford
9. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
10. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club

Great American Getaway 400 Stage 2 Top 10

1. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
2. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
3. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford
4. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club
6. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
7. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
8. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
9. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
10. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota