Chastain ripens in first go-round
COURTESY ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Ross Chastain comes around a turn during the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, AZ on November 9, 2012.
SUN PHOTO BY CHRIS SAVAGE
Ross Chastain changes a tire on the truck of his younger brother, Chad, in the garage of Punta Gorda Speedway on Dec. 8. Chastain helps out whenever he is back home for a visit.
SUN PHOTO BY CHRIS SAVAGE
Brothers Ross and Chad Chastain work on the younger Chastain's truck. Ross Chastain, right, learned to race at Punta Gorda Speedway before moving up to national series. Now, his younger brother is following in his footsteps.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Ross Chastain finished 17th in the points standings in his rookie season on the Craftsman Trucks Series. He finished fourth among rookies. He had one top-five finish and four top-10s.
SUN PHOT BY CHRIS SAVAGE
Ross Chastain shares a moment with his brother, Chad, before the younger Chastain heads out for practice at Punta Gorda Speedway on Dec. 8.
In his rookie season of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Ross Chastain found himself with a new nickname: the Melon.
Fans at Chastain’s races throughout the country could walk into a booth and find beautiful women passing out slices of watermelon. The bed of his truck was painted to look like it was carrying a full load of watermelons as it sped by. Days before or after a race, he could often be seen at the local supermarket, a large watermelon-shaped balloon flying overhead, handing out fruit and coupons.
