Ross Chastain Will Run Daytona Truck Race for Niece Motorsports, Maybe More

By Toby Christie     

Since the glass slipper fell off of the Cinderella story that was to be Ross Chastain’s 2019 season, when Chip Ganassi Racing shuttered their full-time ride for the driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series season after sponsor DC Solar’s corporate offices were raided by the F.B.I. this off season, the NASCAR world has anxiously awaited what would happen to the 26-year-old driver.

Friday, at an announcement that took place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Niece Motorsports revealed that Chastain will drive the season-opening NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway in their No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado.

The effort will be sponsored by Paul Jr. Designs and TruNorth Warranty. The truck is a wicked black and green paint scheme that was designed by Paul Teutul Jr., who became famous during his time at Orange County Choppers.

Although the team didn’t announce any future races past Daytona with Chastain, the feeling is that Chastain will fill a few more races at least in the No. 45. The Florida-native drove three races for the team last season, with a best finish of 12th at Bristol.

The driver will again drive the No. 15 for Premium Motorsports in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season as well.

Chastain made the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs last season after winning at Las Vegas in one of the three races he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing. In the other two starts for CGR, Chastain finished second at Richmond, and 25th at Darlington after leading 90 laps.

Niece Motorsports also announced that 22-year-old Reid Wilson will also drive a part-time schedule in the No. 45 in 2019.