Points Leader Chastain Focused On Finding First Win Of 2023

Despite disappointing finishes in the last two NASCAR Cup Series races – at Darlington, S.C. and Charlotte - Ross Chastain has maintained his hold on the number one position in the championship standings for four consecutive weeks – and seven of the season’s 14 race weekends.

The driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet takes a one-point lead over Monday’s Charlotte race winner, Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney and a 4-point edge over three-time race winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron into Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

And depending on how you look at it, Chastain’s position out front is either impressive or fortuitous considering he is still racing for his first victory of the season – one of only three drivers ranked among the Top-10 without a 2023 trophy to hoist yet.

He’s been close, however. He finished runner-up at Dover, Del. – a half-second behind winner Martin Truex Jr. – and has two other third-place finishes among his five Top-5 efforts. Only Byron (7) has more Top-5s on the season. His 347 laps led is fourth best among all drivers. And only Byron (7) has more stage wins than Chastain (5).

As of this week, the 30-year-old Floridian has 13-1 odds to hoist the ultimate trophy at the end of the season – 10th best among his competitors. He finished a career-best third in the 2022 title run.

It’s now been 40 races since Chastain has visited NASCAR’s Cup Series victory lane, yet he’s only been ranked outside the Top 10 three weeks since that Talladega, Ala. spring triumph.

He’s been ranked first or second in the championship standings after 13 of the 14 races this year.

In last year’s NASCAR Cup Series debut at the World Wide Technology Raceway’s 1.25-mile track, where the series races Sunday, Chastain started 10th and finished eighth.

In terms of the upcoming summer stretch – 12 races remaining to set the 16-driver Playoff field – Chastain earned six consecutive Top-10s last year and finished out the regular season with six finishes of 18th or worse.

Although obviously Chastain would like to already have a win in his pocket, the popular driver is encouraged by his current position in the standings without his team having fulfilled its potential and met its full expectations. Yet.

The fact Chastain has led the championship based on consistency bodes well for what his team can do once they’ve also celebrated in victory lane.

“It’s good to be the point leader but we still have a long way to go until we get to the Playoffs,” Chastain said after re-taking the points lead four races ago.

“So much can change between now and then. My guys are focused and that’s what I really like about them. They are very steady and don’t get rattled, they’re very calm and us leading the point doesn’t change them.

“They still always have a solid plan and focus on executing.”

All that’s left is to secure that win.

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy/Racing America