Ross Chastain failed to make the NASCAR playoffs by the smallest of margins, but that hasn’t stopped him from bouncing back.
He claimed his first win of the season at the Kansas Speedway, beating out drivers who are meant to be right in the thick of a fight for the Cup Series championship.
It was a measured performance across 267 laps and helped him to overcome a best result of fourth place in 2024 prior to the event.
The 31-year-old now has five wins in the series across 215 starts – with his last before Kansas coming at the 2023 season finale in Phoenix.
Kevin Harvick believes Ross Chastain’s work ethic is ‘underestimated’
It’s a quick turnaround for the NASCAR grid, who head to Talladega straight away for the second of three Round of 12 playoff races.
That means there is little time to debrief and assess what can be improved, working towards a better result next weekend.
Speaking on his Happy Hour Podcast, Kevin Harvick praises Chastain’s outstanding work ethic after securing victory.
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“I think you’re underestimated as far as your work ethic. I don’t think there’s anybody that outworks you. I know that you’re in that top couple guys that comes with the work ethic.
“I think being able to get past those scenarios where you could just let down and say that you’re not into it or whatever the case is and you’re out of the playoffs.
“That seems to be the opposite with you, and I feel like you take a sense of pride in that.”
Where can Chastain finish in the championship?
As a result of failing to make the NASCAR playoffs, there is a ceiling to where Chastain can finish in the championship this year.
Currently, he has already reached that stage – sitting 17th and effectively best of the rest of all the drivers that failed to make the cut.
Only two other drivers have won a race that sit below him in the standings – with Chris Buescher and Austin Dillon claiming some glory.
READ MORE: Ross Chastain shares ‘failing’ verdict after surprise NASCAR Cup Series win at Kansas
Chastain’s Trackhouse Racing teammate Daniel Suarez is 14 points from making the Round of 8 with two races to go.
So it’s possible that he may need to provide some assistance for his Mexican colleague and play the team game.