Image by Barry Cantrell/LAT
Ganassi adds Chastain for three Xfinity races
Ross Chastain is getting to take a big step in his NASCAR Xfinity Series career by joining Chip Ganassi Racing for three upcoming races.
CGR announced Thursday that Chastain would drive the No. 42 Chevrolet, with DC Solar sponsorship, at Darlington Raceway (Sept. 1), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Sept. 15) and Richmond Raceway (Sept. 21).
Chastain has been a full-time driver for JD Motorsports (owned by Johnny Davis) since 2015, finishing a career-best 13th in the championship standings last season. Chastain is 12th in points going into this weekend’s race at Road America. In 128 career starts, Chastain has earned 12 top-10 finishes. He will replace John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42 for these three events.
"Unfortunately we were unable to sell these three races to keep myself in the Xfinity Racing car," Nemechek tweeted. "Ross [Chastain] will do a good job for the team as I look forward to taking back over for the NASCAR playoffs to make a run for the owners championship."
“We are looking forward to having Ross in the car for a few races this season,” said Doug Duchardt, chief executive officer for CGR. “To have DC Solar come on board for these races with Ross is just another testament to the support that they have for our organization and the sport of NASCAR racing.”
In its announcement, CGR wrote that Chastain was a “logical choice” for the opportunity because Jeff Carpoff recognizes hard-working attitude and on-track performance. Carpoff is the co-founder and CEO of DC Solar.
“This opportunity with DC Solar and Chip Ganassi Racing is unbelievable,” said Chastain. “I want to recognize Johnny Davis for all that he has done for my career and express how proud I am of our performance this year. I am also very thankful to grow my relationship with Jeff and Paulette Carpoff and look forward to having this opportunity.”
Kelly Crandall
Kelly has been on the NASCAR beat full-time since 2013, and joined RACER as chief NASCAR writer in 2017. Her work has also appeared in NASCAR.com, the NASCAR Illustrated magazine, and NBC Sports. A corporate communications graduate from Central Penn College, Crandall is a two-time George Cunningham Writer of the Year recipient from the National Motorsports Press Association.
Read Kelly Crandall's articles
Latest News
Comments
Comments are disabled until you accept Social Networking Cookies. Update cookie preferences
If the dialog doesn't appear, ad-blockers are often the cause; try disabling yours or see our Social Features Support.