In the dynamic world of NASCAR, where drivers continually vie for supremacy, few endorsements carry as much weight as that of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Recently, Earnhardt Jr. has been vocal in his praise for Ross Chastain, suggesting that the 31-year-old driver possesses all the attributes necessary to ascend to the pinnacle of the sport.
This commendation comes on the heels of a significant development: Trackhouse Racing’s partnership with Anheuser-Busch. Starting in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, the brewing giant’s Busch Light brand will adorn Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet. This sponsorship marks a notable shift, as Anheuser-Busch transitions its support from Stewart-Haas Racing, following Kevin Harvick’s retirement, to back Chastain.
Earnhardt Jr. views this alliance as a pivotal moment in Chastain’s career. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Dirty Mo Media,” he remarked:
“This is sort of one of the final, if not the final, boxes to check for Ross. He now has all the ingredients to become one of, if not the, biggest stars in the sport.”
He further emphasized the significance of such partnerships in elevating a driver’s profile, noting that there exists a “blueprint” for creating a NASCAR superstar. While Earnhardt Jr. did not explicitly reference his own career, his trajectory from a successful driver to a prominent figure in the sport underscores the impact of strategic endorsements and sponsorships.
Ross Chastain’s journey to this juncture has been marked by determination and a distinctive driving style. Known for his aggressive, “old-school” approach, Chastain has often drawn comparisons to racers from the 1980s and 1990s. Earnhardt Jr. himself has likened Chastain to drivers from that era, stating:
“You’re a bit of a throwback. So back in the 80s and the 90s, guys were really physical and aggressive with their cars, more so than they are now.”
This assertive style has not been without controversy. Chastain has been involved in several on-track incidents, leading to confrontations with fellow drivers. Notably, after a race at Kansas Speedway, he was involved in a physical altercation with Noah Gragson. Despite such incidents, Earnhardt Jr. has defended Chastain’s approach, suggesting that NASCAR benefits from drivers who bring intensity and competitiveness to the track. He commented:
“Ross is that I-don’t-care-I’m-not-here-to-make-friends guy that we need in the sport. Boy, have we lacked some of that.”
The endorsement from Anheuser-Busch, combined with Earnhardt Jr.’s praise, positions Chastain for a transformative phase in his career. With the backing of a premier sponsor and the support of influential figures in NASCAR, Chastain is poised to leverage these opportunities to further establish himself as a formidable presence in the sport.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ross Chastain to see how he capitalizes on this momentum. With a blend of talent, tenacity, and now substantial corporate backing, he stands on the cusp of potentially becoming one of NASCAR’s brightest stars.
