Ross Chastain is entering his second season with Trackhouse Racing after coming so close to the NASCAR Cup Series championship last November at Phoenix Raceway. Chastain, 30, finished in third place behind Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney with a second-place finish in the standings.
However, the focus was not on the driver of the No. 1 car as Daytona 500 Media Day came around. It was announced on Wednesday morning that Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing had agreed to a new multi-year contract extension.
Suarez, 31, was the first driver for the organization, and finding stability in an up-and-down NASCAR career was the best thing for him. Due to the 31-year-old’s new contract, the topic of Chastain’s contract was brought up during his availability
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Ross Chastain updates contract status with Trackhouse Racing, remains happy for Daniel Suarez
Chastain is one of the two primary drivers scheduled to become free agents at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin is the other as his contract, alongside FedEx, is set to expire.
The 30-year-old driver was asked if he had any updates on his contract status and gave this response during Daytona 500 Media Day.
Yeah, look, (Daniel Suarez) was the first driver of (Trackhouse Racing). I’ve learned a lot from him. I didn’t really know him that well going into it so I’m super excited and happy for him. But, I have got nothing, nothing on my front to talk about.”
Ross Chastain on his contract status with Trackhouse Racing
Based on Chastain’s comments, Trackhouse Racing might have prioritized Suarez before escalating the conversations with the Florida native. As of now, there is nothing to discuss relating to a new contract but he did confirm that his initial deal was for two years.
Chastain was asked about his contract status with Trackhouse Racing on three separate occasions and every question came with an answer that praised Suarez. In fact, he said it would be an honor to follow in Suarez’s footsteps.
Granted, it is really early in the process so it is not uncommon for talks not to escalate yet. Chastain and Trackhouse Racing have lots of time to iron out a contract extension to keep him on the team on a long-term basis.
While Suarez, Alex Bowman, and Chase Briscoe have all agreed to new deals beyond the 2023 season, Chastain is still waiting and it seems like he is happy to wait it out for right now.