The NASCAR world was buzzing after an intense moment at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where Ross Chastain made a bold—some would say reckless—move on Chase Elliott. The incident didn’t sit well with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who openly demanded answers from Chastain regarding what he described as a “chicken sh–” maneuver.
The Incident at COTA
During the heated battle on the road course, Chastain aggressively raced Elliott, resulting in contact that many believe was unnecessary. Elliott, a fan favorite and former Cup Series champion, found himself at a disadvantage after the move, sparking debate over Chastain’s aggressive driving style.
Chastain has built a reputation as one of NASCAR’s hardest racers, often pushing the limits of what’s considered acceptable on the track. However, this time, his tactics may have crossed the line, at least in Earnhardt Jr.’s eyes.
Dale Jr. Speaks Out
Never one to hold back, Earnhardt Jr. didn’t mince words when discussing the incident. He questioned Chastain’s decision-making and called for an explanation, making it clear that he felt the move was unnecessary and unsportsmanlike.
“Ross is a great driver, but that was a chicken sh– move,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “You can race hard, but there’s a line, and I think he crossed it.”
His comments added fuel to the growing frustration among drivers and fans regarding Chastain’s aggressive approach.
Chastain’s Response
Chastain, known for his “take no prisoners” style, hasn’t shied away from criticism in the past. While he defended his actions as hard racing, he acknowledged that he would review the incident.
“I race to win, and sometimes things get physical,” Chastain said. “I’ll take a look at it, but at the end of the day, we’re all out here fighting for every inch.”
The NASCAR Community Reacts
The NASCAR community remains divided. Some fans appreciate Chastain’s aggressive racing style, while others believe he needs to show more restraint. Fellow drivers have also expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting Chastain’s approach and others warning that his actions could come back to haunt him.
With the season moving forward, all eyes will be on Chastain to see if he changes his approach—or if more controversy is on the horizon. As for Earnhardt Jr., he’s made his stance clear: racing hard is one thing, but respect on the track still matters.
