Ross Chastain’s move last-lap move to win Circuit of the Americas has been a topic of debate among NASCAR personnel.
In the build-up to his first-ever Cup Series win, Crackhouse Racing driver pushed the car of AJ Allmendinger into the path of Alex Bowman, which made both the car go off the tracks, leaving way for Chastain to lead and win the race.
As a guy known for his aggressive driving style, Kevin Harvick provided some interesting insight into Chastain’s racing style and even predicted that it would make him famous.
Kevin Harvick on Ross Chastain: “Having some of that personality and that I don’t give a sh*t attitude about what happens and if you don’t like it, sorry — having that edge is something that will make him popular because of the way that he races.” pic.twitter.com/JXw92SmxkK
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 2, 2022
Furthermore, Harvick was asked about Chastain’s last-lap move at COTA.
“Ross is just a super aggressive driver, and I think balancing that with not wrecking and putting yourself in bad spots, there’s a fine line between that,” Harvick told reporters before Sunday’s Cup race at Richmond. “I think that’s the biggest difference. He’s still super aggressive and does all the things that he needs to do, but he has learned how to not put himself in a position where he totals his car or tears his car up.”
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Given the similar aggressive nature of driving, comparisons between Harvick and Chastain followed. Harvick doesn’t deny such comparison and even suggested that Chastain continues with his style.
“That’s important to have that flair and that fire because that’s what’s going to set you aside from everybody else,” he said. “Having some of that personality and that I don’t give a sh*t attitude about what happens and if you don’t like it, sorry — having that edge is something that will make him popular because of the way that he races. He doesn’t have to do anything else. Just race like that and the people will gravitate toward you because it’s exciting to watch and you’re winning.”
Hamlin is not wrong to suggest that aggressive driving will make Chastain popular. He is already famous in the Xfinity Series for that and now doing it in the top tier and winning races will certainly make him more famous.