Ross Chastain and Ryan Blaney had a clash at Bristol, similar to their incident at Phoenix last year. The reigning NASCAR Cup champion reignited his rivalry with Trackhouse Racing’s Chastain. The clash between the two started in the 2023 season finale, when Chastain aggressively blocked Blaney despite not being in the Championship-4, ultimately winning the race.
Unfortunately, they had another run-in at the Bristol Motor Speedway during the Food City 500. While fighting for position, Chastain bumped Blaney, causing him to move off the line and pass him. They made contact twice during this successful attempt from Chastain.
After the race, Blaney expressed his frustration with the Chastain incident. He was tired of being asked about Chastain and declined to answer any more questions from journalists. He walked away and headed towards his garage.
Due to the contacts and extreme tire wear, Blaney finished the race in 16th place, while Chastain was able to finish one place better in 15th. Given the capabilities of both Trackhouse and Penske, it’s likely that this won’t be the last clash between the two drivers.
Before the race, Chastain participated in a safety driving initiative by the race’s title sponsor and local authorities. He visited the Food City at Blountville and attended an event hosted by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Chastain urged race fans to drive responsibly and emphasized the importance of seat belts through demonstrations and discussions.
Chastain’s move on Blaney during the race cannot be considered entirely unsafe, as the Next-Gen car is one of the safest race cars. However, it’s crucial for Chastain to prioritize safety while taking risks on the track.
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