Ross Chastain Reveals the Moment That Changed His Racing Career

Dale Earnhardt Jr. catches up with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain. Since his last visit on the show, Ross has found his place in the NASCAR Cup Series. As a front-runner with Trackhouse Racing, Chastain opens up about his journey to becoming a serious Cup Series contender, the confidence owner Justin Marks has in him, and how top-notch equipment has changed his approach to racing.

Dale Jr. and Ross dive deep into the modern NASCAR driver’s lifestyle, discussing everything from rigorous weekly training routines to off-season running and cycling, all thanks to the impact of Josh Wise and the Wise Optimization program. Ross talks about how his approach to fitness and team interaction has become essential for Cup Series success.

Ross also dishes on his exciting partnership with Busch Beer for the 2024 NASCAR season, the story behind his infamous phone call with Rick Hendrick, and how it shifted his mindset after a string of run-ins with Hendrick Motorsports drivers. And of course, they cover Ross’ family roots in watermelon farming and what that legacy means to him. With his brother Chad recently stepping back from racing to help run the family farm, Ross reveals why he plans to eventually return to his agriculture roots too.

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Chapters
03:00 - Ross Chastain's Journey in NASCAR
05:50 - The Evolution of Ross's Racing Style
09:12 - Challenges with the Next-Gen Car
11:56 - Inconsistencies in Team Performance
14:53 - The Impact of Tire Management
17:50 - Simulator Training and Preparation
21:08 - Physical Fitness and Endurance Training
23:57 - Partnership with Busch
26:52 - The Unique Experience of Working with Beer Brands
35:10 - Navigating Brand Identity in Racing
37:07 - Conversations with Rick Hendrick: Learning from Mistakes
38:59 - The Evolution of Racing Dynamics
40:58 - Balancing Tenacity and Reputation on the Track
44:46 - Managing Rivalries and Media Perception
47:45 - Building Relationships and Communication in Racing
51:12 - The Future of Racing and Personal Growth
54:04 - The Intersection of Family Business and Racing
59:54 - Legacy and Future Aspirations in Agriculture
01:10:57 - Agency for Drivers: Building a Support System
01:17:14 - The Role of iRacing in Driver Development
01:24:16 - Navigating the Challenges of Sim Racing
01:30:05 - The Love for Racing: A Personal Journey
01:35:24 - Finding Purpose in Media and Broadcasting

[ScottXC]

Man, can you imagine thinking to yourself in 2008 that one day Junior would be an absolutely excellent interviewer?

[aarontalksculture]

How cool is this. My former favorite driver interviewing my current favorite driver. ✊🏾✌🏾

[shm]

Ross is so needed in the sport as much as Jr, when I realized this show was happening, I couldn’t believe it, made my night thanks Man 🏁🏁🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸, Still praying for the families and animals in the Mountains 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[matthewadkins]

Great interview, Dale! Ross is my and my daughter's favorite driver. We met him at the Roval and he was incredible to us. You have 2 fans for life, Ross. We look forward to what the future holds for Trackhouse. Great job, Jr. I look forward to all of the Dirty Mo content every week.

[williamfredrick]

Let's go, Watermelon! Took years after Jr retired to find a driver I wanted to root for. In 2020, Ross became that driver. His aggression was the key. Nice guy in an interview, and a ruthless demon in the seat. Kick ass, boys!

[sammiegrier]

Ross is my favorite driver and now hearing him talk about being a mentor type figure in my favorite young drives life Hocevar is the reason I continue to love and support NASCAR. Sundays with F1 in the morning and the NASCAR race after lunch are great Sundays! Keep doing you Ross and Dale Jr Thank You for this podcast! Look forward every week for this to be uploaded!

[ColbyArmstrong-uo]

I love how Dale ask’s the same question for 5 minutes, and then answers the question for the guests and then will ask them if he answered that correctly. lol

[Valerie-dr]

what a great interview! Chastain brought me back to Nascar. Hes the real deal. Hope you bring on Jeff and David and more on MMI. Thanks Dale.

[josephgabello]

Ross reminds me of Ernie Irvin. Their career paths are very similar. Without that michigan accident he has at least one title and probable 15 more wins

[duanequam]

Just a perfect interview again. Ross is an instant like. Thanks for being so diligent to get him back.

[waves]

Great show. Showing support with the Butterbean shirt. 🏆

[tailertrashflyfishing]

Fantastic episode. Ross needs to visit with Dale more often.

[jk]

As a 60 year fan of all types of racing, Ross has become my favorite Nascar driver. Besides the fact that he looks like an identical twin of my East Cape, Baja fishing friend!

[jaredchampagne]

Chastain has been my favorite driver before he got famous for his shenanigans. He such an easy guy to root for and extremely talented. I met him at NHMS this June and hes such an awesome guy.

[FloridaManRacer]

7:15 Here's the thing. The greatest racers of all time understand something. You always remember what it's like to miss a car payment. To miss the light bill, or to have your house in danger of foreclosure. Whatever it is. You remember those struggles it took to get you into a comfortable position now. You appreciate that comfortable position but never EVER forget the fire and drive it took to get through the struggles. If you drive every race like the light bill depends on it, you get Dale's father. And that man did pretty damn well for himself if you ask me...

[kylegustafson]

Yes!!!! Finally!!! Been waiting for a long form Ross interview forever

[neztx]

To be honest, I've always rooted against Chastain in the Cup Series mostly because I'm of the mind that they should be able to compete without wrecking others around them. After this chat, its fair to say I will definitely be pulling for him more. You REALLY get to know someone so much more in this casual chat format vs an 'interview.' I also didn't know that Spire had such deep Texas roots...as a proud Texan, I'm now obligated to add myself to their fan ranks...damnit

[Theotherbabayaga]

Finally a Ross interview!! What a great interview, thank you Dale!! 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

[jonandmichal]

Dale struggling to say “Kabota” still pales to Ward Burton saying “Cat skid steer loader.” :D

[eriklatham]

Been waiting for this interview👀🍿🍻🍉 Florida is proud of you Ross Chastain!!!