Ross Chastain explains wild last lap move at Martinsville

Nathan Solomon is an NMPA journalist covering NASCAR for The Podium Finish. He also covers college basketball for various outlets.
Twitter: / nsolly02
Instagram: / nsolly02
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[@xrae21]

Five years from now few will remember the winner of this race, but everyone will remember Ross's last lap move

[@marsiavaughn5402]

i still don’t know who won😂

[@overkilljames2010]

@@marsiavaughn5402 same 💀

[@davehayes3201]

to be honest it will get canged to this was a move for the win you watch lol

[@megamanxcm12]

More like Fifty Years from now, we will be telling our grandkids about Mr. Chastain the Watermelon man

[@science1943]

And we will see a movie based on this

[@tylerdurden4006]

If he goes on to win, we just witnessed the greatest championship winning move of all time that will never be beat. In all of sports.

[@theLongPigChef]

Man I didn't really think about it that way, but you're right. That crazy shit will forever be remembered. Even if he doesn't make it, he will always have a spot in the highlight reels. Good for him 👍

[@Mason_young23]

hahahaha facts

[@nascarmatt4885]

Facts

[@SE-dn7xl]

Bit of a stretch, there have been some crazier sports moments.

[@jimmygoodson6735]

@@SE-dn7xl nothing like that that

[@DJinOcalaFla]

Earnhardt's "Pass in the Grass" move, and now Ross's "At All Costs" move will live on in NASCAR history for many, many, many years!

[@DieselWeasel]

Pass in the Grass, meet Balls to the Wall. XD

[@andrewwinslow9315]

The Pass in the Grass was a Save. But still

[@johnholzhey8149]

Forget the Darlington stripe, now it's the Martinsville Mash.

[@lnr12241]

The pass in the grass wasn't a pass. It was awesome but it was a save. He didn't pass anyone. R.I.P. Dale. Do it for Dale

[@DieselWeasel]

@@lnr12241 We all know this, but that's what it's called.

[@captfrostii3675]

Dale is smiling down on this rookie. Dale would have been the first to shake his hand after this move. Absolutely incredible

[@TonyM132]

Ross' first full season in the Cup series was 2018. He's not a rookie.

[@lukasgarage956]

Unless he beat him

[@joelombardi5235]

Tony, Compared to Earnhardt. EVERYONE IS A ROOKIE. YA ROOKIE

[@guysumpthin2974]

Nope, dale would put him in the wall at 200mph (on a different track)

[@konstakuosmanen]

@@guysumpthin2974 mad cuz dale was best

[@kevinkinney5445]

Innovative, creative and ballsy as hell. Im sure NASCAR will make that illegal from now on... But He earned the spot give Him credit. 👍

[@rickcross7888]

There is a rule that says it's legal...... Any car can run that part of the track anytime...

[@dez4734]

It’s part of the track there’s no reason for it to be illegal

[@ashantedula5696]

They'll probably make the wall uneven or something dumb

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@ashantedula5696 mill slots on the pavement so you lose speed up next to the safer barrier- they'll call it "arresting grooves".

[@christ6070]

A move like that can only be made in one in a million races and he did a fine job executing it compliment him and perfectly legal

[@themilkman561]

That made me feel like I was watching Nascar in the 80s again. Kudos and mad respect to this guy. This is the kind of racing we need more of!

[@randobad]

This will get more people interested in NASCAR than that stupid BLM stunt they did.

[@matts.3514]

What the hell kind of races were you watching in the 80s

[@jamescaneda9515]

If there’s a rule made to punish future acts like this, I’ll watch less of NASCAR.

[@lmso1367]

@@jamescaneda9515 there must be a rule if no they will do it on last lap for sure but.. i belive they need to be able to do it in last round if u below 6l ine if u are on 1-5 line u cant do it so its will balance i think

[@brianakelley123]

As an f1 fan, this dude has not only done one of the coolest things I’ll see in racing in my lifetime, but even more he’s made me watch nascar and want to watch nascar. Never knew someone could do that. Amazing, incredible, still not over it.

[@b0zz1380y]

A couple of buddies of mine and I have a F1 group chat where we chat about the races and memes and shit post but we didn’t even talk about Mexico. All week it’s been about this guy

[@sntslilhlpr6601]

Someone did the math and said he pulled 5G and looking at the video I don't doubt that at all. Pretty good visual of the difference in cornering speeds between Nascar and F1. No wonder his brain was scrambled when he came out the other side. What a freakin legend.

[@cslloyd1]

One problem i have with open-wheel racing is how fragile and vulnerable the cars are. NASCAR allows for all sorts of bumping and nudging. I would never have believed this was possible, though.

[@jlyonsden3677]

Definition of FULL SEND!!! FRIGGIN UNBELIEVABLE. BEST MOVE EVER!!!

[@acrock21]

This guy is single handedly holding together nascar... in their worst times of history... ive been saying this man is special... I believe he has what it takes to stand with peers of 7 time champions.

[@andrewwinslow9315]

This pass may have saved NASCAR from a Split.

[@oldschoolgnrfan6035]

I'm not sure if Trackhouse Racing might be benefiting from a more level playing field this year, since all teams are adjusting to the new car. Chastain can definitely drive, but might be better jumping over to Hendrick or JGR if the opportunity presents itself. There's a better chance of winning more races and competing for titles in those organizations.

[@acrock21]

@@oldschoolgnrfan6035 Definitely a good point. but dont forget Chip Ganassi was a great team too... maybe not the same tier as Hendrick but they were championship contenders with certain drivers... not that track house is operating at the same level as Ganassi... but Im sure that helps too... I feel like you're right in that the level playing field has made more success for back marker teams... the 8 the 1 the 99 got wins *cough* the "23 or 45"... also the 7 had a great opportunity at Atlanta... idk im probably forget quite a few.

[@normp.3657]

Just great to see a guy that would race anything just to race and finally get a break with a decent team to show that he can compete with and against all the daddies boys whose ride has been bought for them and they never had to old school their way to cup! Luv dat melon man!

[@acrock21]

@@normp.3657 bad ass for sure.

[@Crackers2549]

Most unreal move I have EVER seen in NASCAR and I have been following it for over 60 years...! Unbelivable, loved it!!!! I love this kid, a throwback real deal racer...!!!

[@DontTakeMeSeriously2222]

Been a Nascar fan for 40 years, that was the coolest move i have ever seen, bar none, on a Nascar track. Nothing but Respect!

[@Wowezzersdozzers]

Hell I've never or heard of any move as crazy and cool as this in the history of racing.

[@jeffnpatricia]

Ross will be remembered forever in the nascar world for this move.

[@charlesharter3068]

When you've got nothing to lose, go for it! First Hail Mary I've seen applied to NASCAR. Kudos!!!

[@MyDadsYouTube]

HIS BROTHER DID IT IN NASCAR 2005 FROM DODGE RACEWAY!!! WHAT A BROTHER! YOU BETTER THANK HIM ROSS!!!

[@andrewwinslow9315]

I tried that move at Martinsville today, could only get it down to 20.3.

[@MyDadsYouTube]

@@andrewwinslow9315 tried it somewhere rlse?

[@JretnuH]

@@andrewwinslow9315 it works a whole lot better on the older nascar games

[@MyDadsYouTube]

@@JretnuH Newer ones are pinicky?

[@JretnuH]

@@MyDadsKZbin they stick to the wall for some reason on the new ones compared to the older ones

[@SwornRandom]

What a great interview, well spoken incredibly intelligent guy. Brought a video game move to life, in history forever now.

[@mkaleborn]

Totally, I’m a fan!

[@misterp158]

This will be remembered as the absolute best racing move that anyone has ever seen in their life, Brilliant!!!

[@andrewwinslow9315]

I still think Zanardi passing Herta at the Corkscrew is the greatest pass ever, but this is a damn close second.

[@misterp158]

@@andrewwinslow9315 Yea, Great pass but Brian Herta left the door open, there wasn't anything anyone could have done against Ross's totally unexpected; absolute BAD ASS BRILLIANT move, He went from 10 to 5th, A move thar will be remembered by all sports fans forever

[@andrewwinslow9315]

@@misterp158 There was no way Zanardi was passing unless he passed on the gravel, but I agree, Ross Chastain just cemented his legacy in the sport for ever

[@AFellowDoktuh]

It's up there with Dale Sr "Pass on the Grass" move for sure.

[@misterp158]

@@AFellowDoktuh You are probably not even aware that there was no "pass in the grass". Dale never lost the lead, regardless that does not even come close to what Chastain done Sunday,

[@JasonNation72]

"The wiring in my head...mm...I'm an organ donor so maybe they'll study it one day." 🤣 Well said, RC!

[@bubbakemp5817]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@alihaggis78]

I think that was possibly the most ballsy move I've ever seen in motor racing. I can only imagine the thoughts that went through his head. "If I die doing this, I'm going through those pearly gates at 200mph backwards and on fire"

[@bubbakemp5817]

Amen! Instant LEGEND!

[@MsJoybird1]

My husband was at the race and He was thrilled to see such a move! My husband told me I must watch the move on KZbin!

[@mclark23]

It’s interesting how the game physics actually predicted this accurately

[@shangron5796]

This is why I love this guy. Definitely not an every Martinsville race move, and many others have tried it and failed. He got very very very lucky.

[@TalkingGIJoe]

send it... don't look back! Epic!

[@JeffWeselyan]

Ikr Larson almost had work

[@js290]

sometimes better to be lucky than good... great job thinking outside the box to try on that move

[@MAILMAN9936]

This was tried before?

[@jimnasium452]

@@MAILMAN9936 Doubtful

[@JOHNABLANK]

Unbelievable!!! Wildest thing I ever saw on the track! Congratulations for putting it all on the line, and making it work for you! It will be remembered-------FOREVER!

[@robertrussell5948]

I've been a Ross Chastain fan from the very beginning and he just blew my mind and made the most exciting move in racing history of all time. GENIUS

[@dennisflonasal]

I haven’t watched a NASCAR race since like 2011 and I’ll be damned if this doesn’t make me want to watch the playoffs and root for this guy, didn’t even know he was a rookie until reading through the comments

[@97TP]

This move is what's gonna bring me back to watching NASCAR again after years of IMSA, IndyCar, and F1

[@_IMNNO]

I started watching again when they started racing the “NextGen” cars this year. The car alone is what brought me back since it is a completely different vehicle compared to previous years.

[@texas1872]

Good for him, and honestly, the people that are mad at him are more than likely just mad that they didn't think of it themselves.

[@villedocvalle]

Lol who is mad at him?!

[@ryanbrink2755]

@@villedocvalle a few drivers

[@Cnick1891]

@@villedocvalle Lagano for one

[@LexMulderX]

Chastain deserves to be on "The Wall of Fame".👏😅 What a move! 💪

[@andrewhlnojos5419]

Love the way the fans cheered him when he got out of his car...🏎

[@stevefrayre8623]

Ross, you did it the “ROSS” way! The only way! The coolest way! NASCAR FANS all over the world needed this! Great job Christopher Bell as well!

[@ianmcgowan4347]

What a modest hero. Haven't watched NASCAR for years but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this young man

[@harriettubman2717]

As soon as I saw him punt the Dinger at CotA I knew we were in for a great season. Ross, you are a legend!

[@nitab1971]

We here in the Fort Myers/Alva region thank and commend you, Ross. Damn, they could hear me yelling in Alva!!! I'm so proud of him.

[@tim5158]

It’s about time nascar has a driver with balls!

[@christycullen2355]

This has to be some of the best exposure Nascar has ever had. I'm British and it's all over my feed. I hope this guy wins the championship

[@wespauls2077]

Most exciting NASCAR finish ever! Thanks Ross!

[@georgedreisch2662]

I can imagine what was going through his spotter’s mind when this was going down… I’m certain it was a WTF moment… Like it or not, it was epic sh*t!

[@rearspeaker6364]

love to hear ross's spotter audio while this was happening!!

[@tomthomas9264]

Not even did Earnhardt ever dare to do this. Most mind-blowing move in all NASCAR history.

[@guysumpthin2974]

Dale was more into demo-derby trying to kill people at 200 mph , no comparison at all

[@RW32285]

For all eternity this is now definitive visual example of 'balls to the wall'.

[@SparkySINN]

Wow this is absolutely unbelievable!!! I don't even care about Nascar but this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen !

[@sharkolibre]

The fact he passed Hamlin is great.

[@matts.3514]

Eh fans hate Hamlin, but Hamlin didn’t do anything wrong this year. Sucked for him. They probably had the fastest car in the race too but got behind in the pits.

[@sharkolibre]

@@matts.3514 I despise him for racing for Gibbs and not 23xi. How's that even work.

[@bamaincali]

Congratulations Ross! Amazing work and phenomenal finish. We are pulling for you down here in alabam. Win the championship, nobody deserves it more than you! 🏁🏆

[@chuckstermcdaddy4170]

Absolutely incredible.

[@kchez5586]

He took "rippin' the top" to the next level! That was just nuts!

[@nickmudd]

THIS is what I miss about nascar. I'm tired of drivers throwing fits and crying when they lose or someone crashes....this guy said, what can I do besides throwing a fit? F'n SEND IT

[@charliesmith5189]

I’m not a NASCAR fan, but it’s hard not to like this guy after seeing how genuine he seems to be.

[@steve.detisch8901]

I saw that move pulled by Jack Hewitt at Eldora Speedway while driving a dirt late model in turn 3 and 4 . Its awesome when it works .

[@69dblcab]

Absolutely awesome kid. Need more drivers like him.

[@grantduke318]

I got to meet Ross a few times at Watkin’s Glen, he is an amazing person! So glad to see him pull of this stunt. “Protect Your Melon!”

[@silver_q7758]

Bro experienced so many G forces to the point that his eyes will never be the same after that 💀🔥🔥🔥

[@willtheballer5189]

I’ve been trying to find a driver that I wanna support ever since Jeff Gordon retired. Think I just found a driver to follow as a fan. One of the gutsiest moves I’ve ever seen in sports history.

[@DIYAmateurHour]

ditto. Jeff was my guy

[@ScottyToaster]

Chastain is the Patrick Mahomes of NASCAR. He's fun to watch, and makes moves like nobody else. Sure hope he wins the Cup. He definitely has the determination. Go ROSS!!!

[@danozuke]

I can't help to wonder how was the car even able to move carrying the weight of Ross' massive balls. Even if he doesn't win the championship he already became a legend.

[@13x10s]

Definitely need a wheel Barrow to carry them nads

[@bubbakemp5817]

😂😂😂

[@Cnick1891]

🤣🤣🤣 me reading this comment at the same time he said he dropped a nut!!!

[@BusinessWolf1]

Awwwwww so wholesome at the end. People should show their appreciation for one another more.

[@davideugene7011]

I have been apart of racing since I was a kid just about 50years in a fan kind of way and this ranks in my head

[@silasleeks2324]

I thought his brakes went out at first and then finally realized he did that on purpose. Sickness!!!

[@j.t.cooper2963]

My new favorite driver. Ballsiest move I have ever see in 50 years of watching NASCAR since I was 8 years old.

[@mmoore102]

Always respected him, now I hope he wins the championship, after that move he deserves it and sponsors should be lining up for this guy…

[@rearspeaker6364]

sponsors may be lining up right now just because of this move!! lots of airtime already!! the winner was a sidenote!

[@seanbonella]

I've seen drivers punt others into walls and cause accidents that nearly killed them. This is one of the greatest shows in a Nascar car. He didn't crash into anyone or cause a wreck. Or put himself or anyone in danger. Put that car into a museum. Well done Ross

[@zzeus43]

His last lap was about 2.5 - 3 seconds faster than the pole lap. Larson didn't like it because it didn't work for him at darlington.

[@trent7736]

He said he was embarrassed when he did it

[@zzeus43]

@@trent7736 He wasn't embarrassed because he done it last year and has his share of embarrassing moments like running from Bubba. Larson is very good but he is also a punk.

[@gus-NeoGT]

That was great! But, my friend, that's a videogame move since the Kyle Petty's on Super Nintendo and later on playing Daytona USA on Sega Saturn. Actually, that was the way to not just win the game, but to break all possible records on it.... so, much older move then you think. Anyway, it was awesome to see it successfully done on a real race 🏁

[@joelshelton1190]

Ross, you just put racing back in racing. Congratulations and good luck with the Phoenix race.

[@HPBenton1]

Decades of watching racing. The best. Bring an x racer Best move I've ever seen. Best move I ever will see. Congrats Ross I love this guy

[@briantomcollins]

That was definitely in the top 3 racing moves af all time... ever. That was literally jaw dropping. All i could do was laugh and wish i was there to see.

[@SirensC3]

Absolutely the craziest move ever! Ross just became one of “my” drivers! Get some!!

[@michellemaybroda9832]

Thank you Ross for giving NASCAR fans some hope after the crap we have been putting up with this year!!!!

[@gorbdonfreeming]

Love that he mentions NASCAR 2005 on the GameCube. I played that exact game on the GameCube

[@davidtrotter3836]

You can change the direction of your career with one move. Rare but possible! Super cool.

[@highenergyog]

It’s been a long long time since I’ve had a favourite driver , thanks kid and best regards from Lloyd.

[@BricktopsPigs]

UK motorsports fan here. Nascar is something that's never grabbed my attention-until now. This move was extraordinary and has gotten a lot of new eyes on your sport who otherwise wouldn't have watched. Before it made the news in UK sport pages that tells you it was special.

[@theindubitable]

I never watched NASCAR, but after this move I realized this has to be one of the best sports to watch. Love the Unined Staits ofMerica!

[@michaelpennington8410]

For those who think this wasn't fair and that it's a bad look for the sport and don't like it... you should tell NASCAR to get rid of this stupid point system. The points format makes drivers do crazy stuff like this. If NASCAR doesn't like intentional wrecks and stunts like what Ross did... get rid of the points system that not only encourages it but also rewards it. Good for Ross. I hope he takes it down next week. Side note: There's a 99% chance this move gets banned next year. NASCAR will call it a safety issue. Mark my words. NASCAR can't be having the 2nd place driver doing this every year. And again... 100% on NASCAR... don't hate on Ross.

[@michaelgomez3044]

NOPE. Already been tried at Bristol and Darlington and a few other places and it doesn't work...this was unique. If NASCAR bans this then I am officially done and will never watch another race.

[@theLongPigChef]

I don't think it's something that will be done very often, but I'm sure it will at least be attempted. I hope Nascar leaves it alone. I couldn't agree with you more about the points system. They nearly had a guy with 0 wins this season competing in the championship race and I seem to be the only guy that thinks that's weird.

[@michaelpennington8410]

@@theLongPigChef no I completely agree. I haven't like the chase from the start and each version gets worse. It doesn't reward the best drivers it's a cheap gimmick to manufacture drama at the end of the year.

[@Southeren]

At the very least NASCAR may make a specific rule with the focus on the Martinsville race next year just because the narrow turns on the track allow for this to be successful and others might attempt this at that track in the future. I really don't think that this will be tried at multiple tracks from now on because it simply wont work at most places. Id like for them to leave it alone also. Agreed on the playoffs system. I wish that NASCAR would go back to awarding the Champion to be whoever did the best the whole year, like how the greats of the past (Petty, Dale Sr., etc.) earned them. It still sucks that Crafton won the trucks series Championship with ZERO wins one year. It's just a massive flaw in this system.

[@rearspeaker6364]

Get rid of the restricted engines their plates and rev limiters, set the rear end ratios so it's the endurance of the drivetrain, and the driver! and also, get rid of this bodyshell and frame, its hurting drivers!!!

[@scottsackett4665]

This guy reignited my interest in Nascar.

[@roll400ex]

Greatest finish I’ve ever seen!

[@shawnlewis1356]

Best move ever.. amazing..don't even watch Nascar. But that was freaking awesome

[@chadwright2219]

I really wish he wins this year he is number 1 for a reason Let's Go Send it Ross woooooh!

[@rockhayes2641]

greatest move ever to make a final 4 in nascar,that took guts and balls of steel.A winner never quits til it's over.Respect. Think bubba would do that,no he would wreak them.

[@tispre]

@@rearspeaker6364 tell us youre racist without saying it...

[@F1inthesky]

choose ross as my fav driver when got back into nascar last year… i couldn’t have made a better choice

[@bubbakemp5817]

Absolutely!

[@lexustech48]

The man did what he needed to do to get in, and did it within the rules of the race. Bad ass.

[@BigfootSOH]

My new racing hero! Pass of the century! :)

[@G-performance1967]

he was already a legend by that move ... but the interview is next level ! respect

[@jacobraney1775]

I love how he’s just I did it because yes. He’s so genuine

[@caseyperrine4196]

That was absolutely Savage.

[@anthonymorris1723]

Great move. Perfect entry and line. Whatever you did with the steering wheel was perfect you went around like a ball on a roulette machine. Awesome 👍

[@Wingnut-123]

Coolest move I’ve seen in nascar in many years. New fan boy of Ross

[@lamarmcalister2449]

This was the best move of the race

[@CAPEjkg]

That's what you do when it's time to get it done, didn't wreck anyone and just scrapped up his car. Sad thing is I'll bet there will be a new rule now. Best move in NASCAR to date!

[@thejusmar]

"Why not" is absolutely nascar energy we're missing.

[@evangumball]

It’s sad to think he couldn’t tell if they were congratulating him on making the championship or how crazy the finish was

[@checkeredflagcorner4251]

That was incredible sure he tried something and it worked I just don't want drivers to make wall riding the new norm, still that move is just more proof that Chastain will do what it takes when the time comes trackhouse has been making some noise this season and I think Chastain Can win the cup title.

[@goddessbraxia]

This was Larson's reaction and I agree, this is a one time moment that cant be replicated, it is a bad look for the sport and better not incentivize a pattern of hail mary gambits in this vein. lets love it for what it is, but lets not have this set any bad trends in the sport moving forward. we don't need all the second place drivers throwing it into the wall on every short track moving forward.

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

Everything aligned at that moment. The only reason why he tried and succeeded. It's a last lap only thing to try or do. Otherwise it's nothing but damage to their car.

[@goddessbraxia]

@@jasonsimpkins9069 oh I think we all know that, doesnt change how epic and how once in a lifetime it was.

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

@@goddessbraxia Basically what I'm saying is, use that to ones advantage when applicable. Lol

[@shoodoohammy3885]

I'm not sure why anyone thinks this will become a trend. He literally destroyed his car, on a chance. Professional racecar driviers don't do this for obvious reasons. It was a bold move Cotton, and he nailed it.

[@chadgodfrey4364]

This is what NASCAR needs excitement guys out there put it on the line just like the greats did Earnhardt Richard petty Davey Allison. This is Mark Martin move for sure

[@guysumpthin2974]

Ok compare to petty or foyt , but not dale , dale was into demo-derby trying to kill people at 200mph (not cool)

[@WaddickLawnCare]

@@guysumpthin2974 you should get mental help!

[@Aventon500wheelie]

I love it, Florida boy representing. My new favorite driver

[@science1943]

I see a movie based on this someday !!! What a lap!

[@michaelfullerton3626]

Already made. It's called 'Cars'. 🤣😂

[@baldeagle242]

My new favorite drive!

[@jake7730]

Albert Einstein is looking down smiling after seeing what Ross Chastain pulled off.

[@walterzoomie]

"I'm an organ donor." You magnificent bastard!

[@Bud2681]

Ross Chastain : I'VE GOT WATERMELON BALLS !!!

[@chrishamilton2559]

2:40 I mean, this whole interview is gold but,....that quote tho.

[@elvisfan6475]

There's the man !! Bill Elliott seen the pass in the grass, now chase Elliott was there to see the crawl on the wall.

[@live2thefullest617]

I'm a casual NASCAR fan, but I am now a Ross Chastain fan.

[@h.v.davidson4507]

The best move ever ,, hope he wins it all ...

[@viking956]

What's so impressive? Cole Trickle did this exact same thing back in '90 when Harry put "matched tires" on during the last pit stop.