Ross Chastain, the driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, is gearing up for the 2026 Daytona 500 with cautious optimism. Speaking at the media day, Chastain emphasized a focus on adapting to the new car upgrades and the unpredictability of the season ahead, demonstrating readiness to face any challenges that arise.
Assessing the 2026 Car Upgrades and Performance Expectations
Chastain described the 2026 car as a definite upgrade, especially from Chevrolet’s standpoint, and noted the intention behind the modifications. The key to success, he said, will be learning how to maximize the package at super speedways like Daytona. He added that the adaptation involves understanding the balance of the car and how changes to downforce affect its behavior on the track. Despite extensive testing, ultimate performance will depend on real-time driver feedback once on track.
Longstanding Friendship Shapes Team Chemistry
One of the unique elements of Chastain’s 2026 campaign is his partnership with new crew chief Brandon McSwain, who, like Chastain, hails from Florida. The two have known each other for over a decade, originally meeting in 2014 while working on Shigeaki Hattori’s team. Their personal bond runs deep, with shared neighborhood ties and family connections, including attending McSwain’s wedding and knowing his wife’s family.
“I’ve known Brandon McSwain for more than a decade. We met in 2014 at Shigeaki Hattori’s team. It was his first job out of college. He’s worked for Bruce Cook as an engineer, and we hit it off. We’ve stayed friends. We’ve lived about a mile from each other for the last five years probably, and I was at his wedding when he married his better half, Jackie and they’ve raised two awesome kids now. So definitely something that we didn’t have to go to dinner to learn each other’s names. I know his family. His wife’s uncle is actually a watermelon seed salesman. So it’s pretty crazy that we’ve been connected more than in more than one way. Now we’re finally getting to work together again after meeting in a race shop a long time ago.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
The shared background seems to have translated into mutual trust, which Chastain views as essential when critical decisions must be made, especially in the heat of the Daytona 500’s closing laps.
“That’s why he was my guy. I tossed his name in the hat at Trackhouse. They were interviewing several great candidates. All would have been great crew chiefs. Some are currently, and some will be one day. My vote was Brandon. I had the relationship with him and feel like I understand his voice. I’m a people person, and I feel like I understand what he’s saying long before I have to kind of think about it.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Uncertainty Around Qualifying Speed and Race Prospects
When asked about chances of starting on the front row, Chastain was measured in his response. He noted that although Chevrolet has demonstrated front-row capability, his team has yet to establish that same pace consistently. He pointed out that practice laps could be misleading, as drafting plays a big role at superspeedway tracks like Daytona, affecting lap times significantly.
“I don’t know. It’s more of maybe a question for McSwain. I don’t think that Trackhouse has shown in the past that we’re front-row capable. Chevy has, but not us. The lap in practice wasn’t indicative of single-car speed. Everybody had dirty laps. I was out there by myself, then the 2 car drafted up behind me and then my old amigo Daniel (Suarez) blended in front of me, and we got a big tow. So that wasn’t by ourselves. Nobody was really by themselves.”
Maintaining Focus Despite Pressure to Win
Chastain expressed that he doesn’t feel pressured by statistics about attempts or the need for a victory, stating he’s content to compete and ready for whatever challenges come his way. He emphasized a focus on resilience, noting how even if setbacks happen at high speed, he believes he can recover and still contend.
“I don’t have that feeling. I don’t know if it’ll ever show up in my mind. I’m happy to be here, happy to be competing. I know that I could be backward in the grass at 200 miles an hour and if I can get tires on it, I’ll still have a shot. So I’m ready for whatever comes my way.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
High Praise for Young Talent Connor Zilisch
Chastain shared admiration for rising driver Connor Zilisch, noting maturity beyond his years coupled with impressive track speed. Chastain described their camaraderie this season positively, highlighting the blend of youthful talent and composed demeanor as remarkable.
“I don’t know how his family raised him, but they did a really good job. It’s probably something that we need to study because he turned out to be a great kid… mature beyond his years. It’s not fair how mature he is. There’s definitely still signs that he’s his age but the speed on track together with the composure off track is cool to see. And we’ve already had some good times together this year.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Adapting to Schedule Changes and Team Dynamics
Regarding NASCAR’s evolving schedule, Chastain showed an adaptable mindset. Even with fewer road courses in Chase’s race calendar, he remained indifferent to changes, focusing on racing wherever NASCAR places the competition. This readiness to embrace any challenge underscores his professional attitude.
“I don’t care. Whatever the schedule is. If we had 17 road courses in the season or one, I don’t really know that I have an opinion. I just want to know the schedule. Selfishly I’m excited about Charlotte and having another crack at it. I remember the days when you had the All-Star 600 and the fall race there. I’m ready to race wherever NASCAR says.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Insight on San Diego Race Preparation and Support Roles
Chastain admitted leaving much of the preparation for the new race in San Diego to his teammate Shane, who has invested time in the Chevy simulator. He acknowledged that the track is still new and evolving, requiring further familiarization before he weighs in fully.
“No, I definitely let Shane do the grunt work on that. That track is in its infancy of understanding what it’ll actually be on race weekend. So Shane’s helping I think everybody understand what it needs to be and where to place curbs and walls and things. I’ll wait till further down the road.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
With no feeder series racing that weekend, Chastain emphasized the importance of observing practice sessions closely to gather crucial data.
“Oh yeah, we’ll be watching. We’ll see once we get there if there is a good spot to watch outside, or if we need to be inside with a TV and a bunch of cameras to watch. But yeah, those practice sessions will be important. There is no extra time with the other series.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Adjusting to New Playoff Format and Crew Chief Changes
Chastain reflected on NASCAR’s shift from multiple playoff rounds to a straight 10-race postseason format, noting he plans to compete aggressively without holding anything back. He believes the overall approach to the championship remains the same despite the structural change.
“I didn’t plan on it last year, but I don’t plan on backing across any finish lines. From there it’s just a whole body of work over 10 races versus three rounds of three. We know the rules right now just like we knew them last year, and we all go try to win it.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
When discussing crew chief transitions, Chastain expressed respect and understanding for Phil Surgen’s departure from his prior role to focus on leadership and support within Trackhouse Racing. He endorsed Brandon McSwain as his replacement, appreciating their existing friendship and his belief in McSwain’s capabilities.
“I thought I was going to end my Cup career with Phil Surgen. And it just came time for him and his family to be home more, and I understand that. This is a grind. He came to us with plenty of time and explained what he wanted to do. He created his own job, really, at the top of Trackhouse up with Darian Grubb in the leadership group over the competition side. He can help Brandon, he can help Randall (Burnett) now and Stephen (Doran) on our three cars. So he was my vote. It wasn’t like I slammed my fist on the table and said I got to have him. I just said I think this is the guy, and I made my case.” – Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Outlook for Ross Chastain and the 2026 Season
Ross Chastain enters the 2026 NASCAR season with optimism tempered by realism, supported by a trusted crew chief in Brandon McSwain and the backing of Trackhouse Racing leadership. His experience, combined with the enhanced Chevrolet package, could position him for a breakthrough at the Daytona 500 and throughout the year. As the new car’s dynamics unfold and race weekends progress, how Chastain and his team respond will determine if they can elevate their performance to the front of the pack. Regardless of results, Chastain’s readiness to confront all challenges marks him as a competitor to watch closely this season.
