With the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs as tight as they are heading into the ‘Round of 12’ elimination race from Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL, a setback of any proportion could be dangerous when it comes to advancing.
Unfortunately for Ross Chastain, a setback has already reared its head, after crashing into the tire barriers during the final round of group qualifying from Charlotte’s ROVAL, one that could force him to start at the rear of the field on Sunday.
The crash happened when Chastain’s No. 1 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Camaro appeared to go straight entering Turn 5, sending the Florida-native directly into the tire barriers, and causing significant damage to the left-front of the machine.
CRASH. Ross Chastain!
His No. 1 car is damaged in qualifying. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/lk0U118wpD
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 8, 2022
Chastain enters Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 third-place in NASCAR Cup Series point standings, with a 28-point advantage on the cutline. While the buffer is substantial, the Roval has been known to crush comfortable gaps and have chaos happening throughout the mid-field.
As of the time of publishing (2:50 pm ET), Trackhouse Racing had yet to determine whether or not they will attempt to fix the damage to the No. 1, or if they will be unloading a backup car for Sunday’s race.
The story is INCORRECT! Chastain’s accident occurred during the top 10 pole qualifying period—he will start the race P10, not at the back of the field.