These days, it’s not a true NASCAR race until Ross Chastain is at the center of all the drama.
One week after getting into a fight with Noah Gragson, Chastain tangled with Kyle Larson as the two fought for the lead at Darlington. This came after the two hit each other, resulting in Larson getting into Chastain and Chastain scrubbing the wall.
On the ensuing restart, Chastain was on the inside and moved up into Larson. Chastain went turned into the wall, and Larson pushed Chastain through Turn 2.
Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson get together and take each other out of the lead! #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/8eaoIpgLK3
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 14, 2023
Chastain was out of the race, while Larson continued to finish 20th, but neither had a shot to win after this. Chastain said that while he wanted to squeeze Larson, like what Larson did to him the restart before, he got tight and turned himself into the wall.
"I got really tight and drove up and turned myself."- Ross Chastain pic.twitter.com/rGfAD0PNg8
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 14, 2023
Just looking at this wreck and not factoring in anything else, it appeared that two drivers were refusing to give their opponent an inch, and that driver thought the other would. That’s going to happen. Obviously, given Chastain’s polarizing racing style, he will get some blame simply due to his reputation. That may or may not be warranted.
Needless to say, many had their thoughts about the latest Chastain drama. Many blamed him for what happened, but some appreciated the entertainment and even pointed out what Larson had done before.
Say what you want about Ross Chastain; the dude makes things entertaining.
All the Chastain defenders after that interview: pic.twitter.com/akVWV8hLhS
— Couch Racer (@CouchRacerShop) May 14, 2023
Ross Chastain’s brain at the end of every race pic.twitter.com/zqqkxU4sto
— Luke ⚡️ (@lukewrld22) May 14, 2023
"Children. Put them into the sandbox together and they can't play" – Bill Elliott on the Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain shenanigans.
— Dustin Albino (@DustinAlbino) May 14, 2023
Thank you Ross Chastain for the weekly entertainment. #NASCAR75
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) May 14, 2023
CHASTAIN 3:16 https://t.co/FFNLpGYmGT
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) May 14, 2023
Kyle Larson gave Ross Chastain zero room on the last restart and vice versa on this restart.
If you are over aggressive, you won’t win races. It’s that simple.
— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) May 14, 2023
Never change Ross Chastain. NEVER!
— Ryan Larkin (@Larkin8) May 14, 2023
Oh yeah, someone won the race. William Byron finished in front of Kevin Harvick, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Bubba Wallace. Harrison Burton, Kyle Busch, Justin Haley, Ryan Blaney, and Chris Buescher rounded out the top ten.
