DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 08: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 08, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Ross Chastain to Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42
Shane Walters
An official announcement is expected later today
The No. 42 car at Chaip Ganassi Racing is one of the premium seats in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Back in April, Kyle Larson used a racial slur when attempting to reach his personal spotter on a private audio channel via iRacing. The phase was instead sent across the public airwaves.
Larson was abruptly suspended by NASCAR. A day later he was also fired as sponsors began to drove the superstar.
Matt Kenseth jumped out of retirement to fill the seat. In 25 races so far, Kenseth has one top-5 run.
Bubba Wallace recently announced that he would not be returning to Richard Petty Motorsports in 2021. One of the seats that he was considering was the No. 42 with Chip Ganassi Racing.
However, it appears that seat has now been filled.
Years ago, Ross Chastain had a NASCAR Xfinity Series ride lined up with Chip Ganassi Racing. The sponsorship came from DC Solar.
Over the off-season, DC Solar was raided by the FBI. The company went bankrupt and the owners were handed charges of fraud.
As a result, Chip Ganassi Racing was forced to shut down their NASCAR Xfinity Series operation, as a whole. Just like that, Chastain was out of a ride, before he ever got the chance to climb into it.
For 2021, Chastain is set for a new oppportunity with Chip Ganassi Racing. This time, he’ll pilot the No. 42 in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Ross Chastain comments on 2021
“I can’t thank Chip enough for this opportunity. The faith he and the organization showed me back in 2018 was a real turning point in my career and I am extremely happy for the chance to join the team again,” Chastain told the AP.
“Racing in the Cup Series with a serious contender has always been my goal, and I’m looking forward to joining what is a very strong team.
Chastain added, “I know I have my work cut out for me, but I’m ready to get to work and help bring more success to the organization.”
Ross Chastain has run all 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2020. He has 13 top 5’s this year alone.