Ross Chastain Shares Emotional Message After Watkins Glen Pole Position

Ross Chastain has shared an emotional message after he clinched the pole position at Watkins Glen.

At the Watkins Glen International raceway, Chastain piloted his Busch Light Chevy Camaro to the top of the leaderboard. The victory saw him beating formidable competitors, including teammates Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suárez, and edging out noted rival Martin Truex Jr.

Watkins Glen is renowned for its challenging track, where securing the pole position can provide a decisive advantage. Reflecting on his journey, Chastain remarked, as quoted by YardBarker:

“So much, so much work, Kim. Turning right seems so simple, but gosh, it’s just been such a challenge for me.”

The event saw the Trackhouse Racing Team dominating qualifying rounds, with both Chastain and Suárez advancing to the final round. Shane van Gisbergen, representing Kaulig Racing but affiliated with Trackhouse, also showcased a stellar performance, securing top-10 positions for three Trackhouse-affiliated drivers.

Chastain continued:

“I’ve went to Skip Barber Driving School to learn how to turn right, I’ve leaned on Josh Wise and Scott Speed, so much, the instructors at Skip Barber.

“Chevy has taken us out to Spring Mountain and done schooling with Ron Fellows and instructors there. It wasn’t any one thing it was so many years of trying to learn how to do this.

“For our Busch Light Chevy, this is just a career moment, a lifetime achievement to go faster than everybody in the Cup Series. It’s just unbelievable for Trackhouse and myself.”

The significance of securing the pole at Watkins Glen cannot be overstated. The track’s unique layout places a premium on starting position, and Chastain’s hold on the pole gives Trackhouse Racing a tactical edge heading into the event.

NASCAR Cup Series: Watkins Glen Starting Grid

1. Ross Chastain
2. Martin Truex Jr
3. Shane Van Gisbergen
4. Alex Bowman
5. Austin Cindric
6. AJ Allmendinger
7. Joey Logano
8. Daniel Suárez
9. Noah Gragson
10. Michael McDowell
11. William Byron
12. Chase Briscoe
13. Kyle Busch
14. Chase Elliott
15. Ty Gibbs
16. Tyler Reddick
17. Christopher Bell
18. Corey LaJoie
19. Zane Smith
20. Kyle Larson
21. Ryan Preece
22. Denny Hamlin
23. Austin Dillon
24. Chris Buescher
25. Erik Jones
26. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
27. Daniel Hemric
28. Brad Keselowski
29. Carson Hocevar
30. Ryan Blaney
31. Josh Berry
32. Bubba Wallace
33. Harrison Burton
34. Juan Pablo Montoya
35. John H. Nemechek
36. Justin Haley
37. Todd Gilliland
38. Kaz Grala

NASCAR Cup Series: Playoffs Standings

1. Joey Logano: +0
2. Ryan Blaney: +45
3. Christopher Bell: +40
4. Tyler Reddick: +33
5. William Byron: +33
6. Alex Bowman: +27
7. Austin Cindric: +27
8. Chase Elliott: +24
9. Daniel Suárez: +22
10. Kyle Larson: +15
11. Denny Hamlin: +2
12. Ty Gibbs: +1

On The Bubble:
13. Brad Keselowski: -1
14. Harrison Burton: -16
15. Martin Truex Jr.: -19
16. Chase Briscoe: -21