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Controversy on the Track: Ross Chastain Admits Error in Aggressive Move Against Chase Elliott at COTA Grand Prix

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Controversy on the Track: Ross Chastain Admits Error in Aggressive Move Against Chase Elliott at COTA Grand Prix

Mar 2, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) is trailed by NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) during the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Harms-Imagn Images

Each year, the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Austin proves why it’s a highlight on the NASCAR calendar. The Circuit of The Americas, with its sharp turns and fluctuating elevations, has consistently delivered heart-stopping races. From the inaugural rain-drenched race in 2021, marked by exhilarating maneuvers and fiery crashes, to Ross Chastain’s landmark victory for Trackhouse Racing in 2022, COTA never disappoints. But in 2025, the racetrack underwent a significant overhaul that added a fresh layer of complexity to the competition.

The newly configured COTA track was reduced from 3.4 miles to 2.4 miles, eliminating turns 7 through 11, and introduced a challenging cut from the new 6a to 6b. This modification not only heightened the excitement of the race but also set the stage for an electrifying showdown between Kyle Busch and Christopher Bell. For Ross Chastain, however, the revamped track turned from a dream to a nightmare right at Turn 1.

Chastain, who drives the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, has a reputation for being unyielding and seldom owning up to his mistakes. But after a risky maneuver on Chase Elliott in the opening lap that resulted in a spin-out, Chastain had no choice but to acknowledge his misstep. His attempt to secure the inside line led to a collision with his teammate and Cup Series newcomer, Connor Zilisch.

In an interview with Bob Pockrass following the race, Chastain reflected on his blunder, saying, “Yeah, it was an error. When I went inside the five, I thought we were slow enough from the restart zone and that was not the case. That move was a bad move.” This admission was a significant departure for a driver known for his audacious moves, such as the ‘Hail Melon’ at Martinsville in 2022, where he set a track record and edged out Denny Hamlin from the Championship 4.

Meanwhile, road course specialist Chase Elliott was aiming to clinch a victory on the shortened track to add to his seven road course wins. However, Chastain’s maneuver severely damaged Elliott’s car, relegating him to the back of the grid. Despite the setback, Elliott executed a flawless drive and a brilliant pitting strategy to finish in 4th place.

When asked about the incident, Elliott said, “I hate [that] it happened…It’s easy for me to say that I wish it wasn’t on the first lap, which is true, but if that happens at any point in the race, you’re probably going to be bummed out about it,” clearly frustrated with the turn of events.

Chastain’s actions sparked a debate within the NASCAR community, with veterans like Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. condemning his aggressive move. Harvick labeled it the “worst [move] of the race,” while Earnhardt criticized Chastain for refusing to comment on the incident immediately after the race.

The conversation then shifted towards the broader question of whether aggressive driving is good or bad for NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on this, noting that while Chastain’s move didn’t endanger Elliott, it was unnecessary, especially so early in the race.

Interestingly, just a week prior at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chastain was embroiled in a heated dispute with his protégé, Carson Hocevar, over the latter’s aggressive driving. Hocevar had also irked Ryan Blaney by causing him to spin out.

Despite the controversy, Dale Jr. came to Hocevar’s defense, arguing that the sport needs distinctive personalities who are willing to break the norms. He added, “Now, when he drives a race car, he may get a little punky, a little bratty, but so does Logano and some other people.”

This statement brings to mind Joey Logano’s infamous move in 2015, when he knocked Matt Kenseth out of the championship race at Kansas, despite having secured his spot in the Championship 4. In retaliation, Kenseth wrecked Logano’s car at Martinsville, forcing him to switch cars for the finale, which he ultimately lost to Kyle Busch.

The bottom line is, aggressive driving can be a double-edged sword. While it may demonstrate a driver’s fierce determination to win, it can also lead to unnecessary risks and potential backlash from fellow competitors. With the dust settled on the COTA incident, the question remains: Will aggressive driving become a mainstay in the Cup Series grid, or will the drivers adopt a more measured approach as the season progresses? Only time will tell.

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