NASCAR: 5 replacement candidates for Chris Buescher in 2020
By Asher Fair
Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain, also known as the “Busiest Driver in NASCAR”, has proven over the last year that he is deserving of a solid ride in NASCAR, regardless of the series. After beginning the year as a full-time Xfinity Series driver for JD Motorsports, he declared for Truck Series points and is a championship contender driving for Niece Motorsports.
In addition to winning three Truck Series races in 19 starts so far this season, four if you include his victory at Iowa Speedway that was stripped from him after his #44 Chevrolet failed post-race inspection, the 26-year-old Alva, Florida won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway driving for Kaulig Racing.
The Watermelon Man has been rumored to join Chip Ganassi Racing in the Cup Series when the seat of the #1 Chevrolet becomes available, although it is believed that Kurt Busch will return to the team for at least another year with Monster Energy as his primary sponsor.
In three races driving for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Xfinity Series last season, Chastain showed what he can do in top-tier equipment — even before he did so in the Truck Series this year. In fact, he was slated to drive for the team in the Xfinity Series on a full-time basis this season, but the team ended up folding due to legal issues involving sponsor DC Solar.
Chastain already competes in the Cup Series — and full-time, albeit not for points. He drives for Premium Motorsports, so a move to JTG Daugherty Racing would definitely be a step up for him from a backmarker team to a mid-pack team.
The question is whether or not he would be willing to give up a competitive ride in the Truck Series/Xfinity Series to compete for points in a mid-pack Cup Series team.
Perhaps a Truck Series championship this November could make his decision easier.
Plus, even if Chastain does end up at JTG Daugherty Racing, it’s hard to see him falling off Chip Ganassi’s radar. A one-year deal with JTG Daugherty Racing could be the way to go for the blossoming star with Busch looking like he won’t be competing in the Cup Series for too many more years.