Ross Chastain is taking full advantage of updated rules that will allow NASCAR Cup Series drivers to run more frequently in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
On Friday, Niece Motorsports announced that Chastain, a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for Trackhouse Racing, will return to the seat of the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST in eight NASCAR Truck Series events.
Under newly-tweaked rules for the upcoming season, NASCAR Cup Series drivers with more than three years of full-time experience will be allowed to enter a maximum of 10 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events and eight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events (both up from the previous limit of five races).
“It’s great to be back with Niece Motorsports in a larger capacity this year,” said Chastain. “When I heard about the rule change, I knew we had to run more races together. We’ve got a great core group of people here in Salisbury, and I want to bring them all back to victory lane. I’m thankful to have the opportunity and appreciate the ownership group and our partners for making it happen, along with everyone at Trackhouse for allowing me to run in the Truck Series.”
The schedule of events for Chastain’s appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be released as the season progresses. However, the Alva, Florida-native will be splitting the driving duties of the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado with two other drivers — Landen Lewis, and another driver, who has yet to be announced.
“We’re thrilled to have Ross (Chastain) in our trucks for more races this year,” said Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports. “Ross has been a huge part of our team since he first joined us, and his input is invaluable. Considering the young group of drivers we have in the fold this year, Ross will be a tremendous asset for those guys to learn from. We look forward to having him contend for wins each time he straps into the No. 45 truck this year.”
Chastain will enter his ninth year of competing for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, having taken the team to Victory Lane five times (the most of any driver) and delivering the team’s first win at Kansas Speedway in 2019.
Phil Gould, the crew chief responsible for Chastain collecting Niece’s first victory in the NASCAR Truck Series, will be leading the effort on the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST.
