Ross Chastain races for Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR's Cup Series

Ross Chastain drives the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing, a NASCAR Cup Series team owned by Justin Marks. Chastain has been with Trackhouse since 2022, when the team moved into full-time Cup Series competition. Before joining Trackhouse, Chastain spent years in lower NASCAR series and part-time Cup rides, making the Trackhouse seat his first full-time opportunity at the sport's highest level.

Trackhouse Racing is based in Concord, North Carolina, and competes in all 36 regular-season Cup Series races plus the playoffs. The team fields multiple cars — Chastain's No. 1 is the primary entry, though Trackhouse has expanded to run additional vehicles in recent seasons. The organization has grown from a startup to a competitive mid-field team, with Chastain as one of its core drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • Ross Chastain drives the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing, a NASCAR Cup Series team owned by Justin Marks.
  • Chastain joined Trackhouse in 2022 and has remained with the team through the 2024 season as a full-time Cup Series driver.
  • Trackhouse Racing is based in North Carolina and competes in all regular-season and playoff races in the Cup Series.
  • Before Trackhouse, Chastain competed in lower NASCAR series and part-time Cup rides, making his Trackhouse contract his first full-time opportunity at the Cup level.

Chastain's path to Trackhouse Racing

Chastain spent years working his way through NASCAR's lower series — the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series — before earning part-time Cup Series rides. He drove for various teams in secondary roles, competing in select races rather than a full schedule. This path is common in NASCAR; drivers often spend years proving themselves in lower series before landing a full-time Cup seat.

When Trackhouse Racing began its Cup Series operation in 2022, Chastain was brought in as the team's primary driver. The timing aligned with his career trajectory and Trackhouse's expansion into the top series. Since then, Chastain has remained the face of the organization, accumulating experience and building relationships with the team's crew and engineering staff.

What Trackhouse Racing competes in

Trackhouse Racing competes exclusively in NASCAR's Cup Series, the sport's top tier. The team does not field cars in the Truck Series or Xfinity Series. In the Cup Series, Trackhouse runs a full schedule of 36 regular-season races, followed by the 16-race playoff format that determines the championship.

The team races at all major NASCAR venues, including superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, intermediate tracks like Charlotte and Kansas, and short tracks like Bristol and Martinsville. Trackhouse has also competed in NASCAR's road course events at Sonoma and the Charlotte Roval.

Trackhouse Racing's ownership and structure

Justin Marks founded and owns Trackhouse Racing. Marks is a former NASCAR driver himself, which gives him insight into team operations and driver needs. He built Trackhouse from a startup into a competitive organization, investing in facilities, personnel, and equipment to compete at the Cup Series level.

The team operates out of Concord, North Carolina, where most NASCAR teams are headquartered. Trackhouse has hired experienced crew chiefs, engineers, and mechanics to support Chastain and its other drivers. The organization has grown its staff and resources as it has expanded its roster.

Chastain's performance and role at Trackhouse

Since joining Trackhouse, Chastain has established himself as a consistent competitor in the Cup Series. He has earned multiple top-10 finishes and has competed in the playoffs in recent seasons. While Trackhouse is not yet a championship-contending team, Chastain's performance has helped the organization build credibility and attract sponsorship.

Chastain's role extends beyond driving; he serves as a key voice in the team's development. Full-time drivers provide feedback on car setup, handling, and strategy that helps engineers and crew chiefs improve performance. This feedback loop is essential for smaller teams trying to close the gap to larger, better-funded organizations.

How Trackhouse compares to other Cup Series teams

Trackhouse Racing is classified as a mid-field team in the Cup Series. It operates with fewer resources than the largest organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, or Hendrick Motorsports, but competes at a higher level than single-car start-up teams. This positioning means Trackhouse can compete for top-10 finishes and occasional wins, but faces challenges in consistently running at the front.

The Cup Series has roughly 30 to 35 full-time teams in any given season, with significant variation in funding and infrastructure. Trackhouse's growth since 2022 reflects successful management and sponsorship acquisition. The team's ability to retain Chastain and expand its roster shows confidence from ownership and sponsors in the organization's direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Ross Chastain won any Cup Series races?

Chastain has competed in the Cup Series since 2022 and has earned multiple top-10 finishes. His performance has improved as he gained experience with Trackhouse and the team developed its equipment and strategy. Check current NASCAR standings for his most recent race results and career statistics.

Could Chastain move to a different team?

Driver contracts in NASCAR typically run for one or more seasons, and teams can negotiate extensions or changes. Chastain's future with Trackhouse depends on performance, sponsorship, and mutual interest. Drivers sometimes move between teams when contracts expire or when better opportunities arise elsewhere.

Does Trackhouse Racing have other drivers besides Chastain?

Trackhouse Racing has expanded to field multiple cars in recent seasons. While Chastain's No. 1 is the primary entry, the team has run additional vehicles with different drivers. The exact roster changes year to year based on sponsorship and team strategy.

Where can I watch Ross Chastain race?

Cup Series races air on Fox, NBC, and USA Network depending on the schedule. Most races occur on Sunday afternoons during the regular season from February through August, with playoff races continuing into September. Check NASCAR's official schedule for broadcast times and channels.