In a story so wild it could only come from the NASCAR offseason, Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, known for his “Watermelon Man” persona, was reportedly swallowed whole by a pelican earlier today. Witnesses claim the oversized bird appeared out of nowhere, likely lured by the lingering scent of watermelon, Chastain’s signature tribute to his farming roots.
The Incident
The bizarre event reportedly occurred near a Florida marina, where Chastain was enjoying a quiet day off. Spectators described seeing the pelican circle overhead before swooping down and engulfing the unsuspecting driver in one gulp.
“One second he was standing there, and the next, the pelican had him,” said a bystander. “It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, animal experts suggest the pelican’s actions were purely instinctual. “Pelicans are opportunistic feeders, but they don’t typically consume humans,” said Dr. Anna Featherstone, an avian behaviorist. “In this case, the watermelon scent might have confused the bird into thinking Ross was some sort of oversized snack.”
A Watermelon Legacy
Chastain, a fan favorite in the NASCAR world, is famous for smashing watermelons in Victory Lane to celebrate his wins. His unique tradition stems from his upbringing as an eighth-generation watermelon farmer in Florida. While the gesture has earned him widespread acclaim, it appears the fruity aroma may have unintentionally made him a target.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Authorities and wildlife rescue teams are working to safely retrieve Chastain. “We’re treating this like a catch-and-release situation,” said Officer Dave Beakley of Florida Wildlife Services. “We just need to coax the bird into letting Ross out—preferably intact.”
Chastain’s team, Trackhouse Racing, has yet to release an official statement. However, teammate Daniel Suárez offered a humorous take on social media:
“I told Ross to stop smelling like a fruit salad. Guess he finally got his ‘big bite’ of fame!”
Fan Reactions
The NASCAR community has taken to social media with a mix of shock, humor, and concern:
• “First the Hail Melon move, now this? Ross is always finding new ways to make history.”
• “Does this mean the pelican gets a ride in the Trackhouse car next year?”
• “Only Ross Chastain could get eaten by a pelican and make it sound like a PR stunt.”
As the story develops, fans are left wondering if Chastain will emerge unscathed and, more importantly, whether this incident will inspire a new pre-race safety protocol: “No watermelons near wildlife.”
Stay tuned for updates on Chastain’s rescue—and whether the pelican will make its NASCAR debut in 2025.
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