Latest news with #Championship4
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
From Watermelon Fields to NASCAR Fame: The Unstoppable Rise of Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain's story is one that blends humble beginnings with high-speed glory—a tale rooted in the watermelon fields of Alva, Florida, and now roaring across the NASCAR circuit. As an eighth-generation watermelon farmer turned professional race car driver, Chastain's recent victory in Charlotte is not just another win on the board—it's a celebration of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Before he became a household name in motorsports, Chastain spent his early years working on his family's farm, learning the value of sweat and perseverance. While his hands were once stained red from watermelon harvests, today they grip the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing Team. His path to NASCAR's premier level was anything but easy. With no major funding or family racing dynasty backing him, Ross had to earn every opportunity with tireless effort. On the track, Chastain is now regarded as one of NASCAR's most tenacious and unpredictable talents. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, he made national headlines in 2022 with his wild 'video game move' at Martinsville—riding the wall on the final lap to gain several positions and clinch a spot in the Championship 4. That single move went viral and earned him a permanent place in NASCAR lore. In the 2023 season, Chastain proved that his success was no fluke. He finished second in the Cup Series standings, showcasing consistency and speed across a range of tracks—from superspeedways like Talladega to road courses like COTA. His victory at the Nashville Superspeedway last season marked a turning point, affirming him as a serious title contender. Prime Time Victory: Ross Chastain Wins Charlotte | Stacking Pennies Now, in 2024, his win in Charlotte cements his status as a frontrunner once again. It was a race that demonstrated his ability to maintain focus under pressure, expertly maneuvering through pit strategy and late cautions to seize the checkered flag. Off the track, he remains true to his roots. Chastain proudly partners with agricultural companies like Enza Zaden Americas to advocate for watermelon growers, embodying the spirit of the farming community that raised him. Ross Chastain is more than just a NASCAR driver—he's a symbol of how authenticity and ambition can fuel extraordinary success. From dirt-covered boots to fireproof suits, his journey from the fields of Florida to the front lines of racing is not just inspiring—it's still unfolding, and it's thrilling to watch. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Jimmie Johnson On Which Tracks Shouldn't Host a NASCAR Championship Finale
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has shared his thoughts on the recent changes to the championship-finale race in 2026 and revealed which tracks he doesn't think should be considered to host it in the future. Johnson confirmed that he is supportive of the move of the Championship 4 race from Phoenix to Homestead-Miami for 2026. He also discussed the rumours that the championship-ending race could move onto a rotational setup beyond next year. Speaking on the Rubbin' is Racing podcast, Johnson explained: "I think moving the championship race around is a good idea. Whenever you come to a new market and have such a moment taking place, you get a lot of interest and people want to come see it. So I think that's a good move." Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Carvana Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Carvana Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North added: "I clearly am very biased for Homestead. I've had so much success down there and won all seven of my championships there." With speculation that Championship 4 races could move onto a rotational setup in the future, the seven-time champion argued that Superspeedway races should not be considered for this. Instead, he proposed North Wilkesboro as an option he thinks would be popular. He commented: "Watching [the NASCAR All-Star Race last week at] North Wilkesboro, that was a damn good show, and I think that's what people want to have for a championship race. "I think that a Superspeedway race would be the one where [a championship-deciding race] shouldn't happen, there's just so much outside of a driver's control." Confirming the change, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, Ben Kennedy, commented at the time of the announcement: "This has been a while coming. "It's been since 2019 since we've had the championship race at Homestead. We moved it out to Phoenix for the past several years, which has been great for us. It's been an amazing market. "We've seen some great racing there, and we've crowned some of our biggest champions, but we're excited to go to Homestead-Miami Speedway. I can tell you from a few people that I've talked to so far across the industry, through our partners, they're over the moon about it. And from our fans, it's the No. 1 asked-about championship venue as well. So we're excited to finally get the news out there."
Fox Sports
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
William Byron receives 4-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports
William Byron received a four-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports on Friday that will keep the 27-year-old driver with the team through the 2029 NASCAR Cup Series season. Financial terms of the contract were not released. The two-time Daytona 500 champion has emerged as one of the sport's most competitive drivers, having already earned 14 Cup Series wins and six consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2024. He has won 13 Cup Series races since being paired with crew chief Rudy Fugle in 2021 — the second-highest total in the series over that span. Now in his eighth season, Byron won this year's Daytona 500 for the second straight year, becoming the youngest multi-time winner in the event's storied history. Byron, who grew up in Charlotte, currently ranks second in the Cup standings after 12 points-paying races. "We've built something special with the No. 24 team," Byron said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to continue working with amazing people at Hendrick Motorsports who believe in me, especially Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick. We've accomplished some great things that we're really proud of, but we have even bigger goals ahead. I'm excited to go after them with this team and this organization." Byron first signed with Hendrick Motorsports when he was 18. He earned Cup Series rookie of the year honors in 2018 and has become a factor in the Cup Series championship with six straight playoff appearances, including back-to-back Championship 4 appearances in 2023 and 2024. Byrson is the only driver to win in Hendrick Motorsports' iconic No. 24 Chevrolet other than Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. "William is the real deal," Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. "What makes him so special is that he combines natural ability with an unrivaled work ethic. You see it in the great ones — the drivers who could get by on talent alone but choose to outwork everyone anyway. That's William. On top of it all, he's a person of high character and embraces his role as a leader. We're proud to have him in our lineup and look forward to many more wins together." Byron will race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race of the season. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience NASCAR Cup Series Hendrick Motorsports William Byron recommended Get more from NASCAR Cup Series Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
San Francisco Chronicle
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
2-time Daytona 500 champ William Byron receives 4-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — William Byron received a four-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports on Friday that will keep the 27-year-old driver with the team through the 2029 NASCAR Cup Series season. Financial terms of the contract were not released. The two-time Daytona 500 champion has emerged as one of the sport's most competitive drivers, having already earned 14 Cup Series wins and six consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2024. He has won 13 Cup Series races since being paired with crew chief Rudy Fugle in 2021 — the second-highest total in the series over that span. Now in his eighth season, Byron won this year's Daytona 500 for the second straight year, becoming the youngest multi-time winner in the event's storied history. Byron, who grew up in Charlotte, currently ranks second in the Cup standings after 12 points-paying races. 'We've built something special with the No. 24 team,' Byron said. 'I'm thankful for the opportunity to continue working with amazing people at Hendrick Motorsports who believe in me, especially Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick. We've accomplished some great things that we're really proud of, but we have even bigger goals ahead. I'm excited to go after them with this team and this organization.' Byron first signed with Hendrick Motorsports when he was 18. He earned Cup Series rookie of the year honors in 2018 and has become a factor in the Cup Series championship with six straight playoff appearances, including back-to-back Championship 4 appearances in 2023 and 2024. Byrson is the only driver to win in Hendrick Motorsports iconic No. 24 Chevrolet other than Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. 'William is the real deal,' Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. 'What makes him so special is that he combines natural ability with an unrivaled work ethic. You see it in the great ones — the drivers who could get by on talent alone but choose to outwork everyone anyway. That's William. On top of it all, he's a person of high character and embraces his role as a leader. We're proud to have him in our lineup and look forward to many more wins together.' Byron will race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race of the season.
Fox Sports
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
2-time Daytona 500 champ William Byron receives 4-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports
Associated Press CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — William Byron received a four-year contract extension from Hendrick Motorsports on Friday that will keep the 27-year-old driver with the team through the 2029 NASCAR Cup Series season. Financial terms of the contract were not released. The two-time Daytona 500 champion has emerged as one of the sport's most competitive drivers, having already earned 14 Cup Series wins and six consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2024. He has won 13 Cup Series races since being paired with crew chief Rudy Fugle in 2021 — the second-highest total in the series over that span. Now in his eighth season, Byron won this year's Daytona 500 for the second straight year, becoming the youngest multi-time winner in the event's storied history. Byron, who grew up in Charlotte, currently ranks second in the Cup standings after 12 points-paying races. 'We've built something special with the No. 24 team,' Byron said. 'I'm thankful for the opportunity to continue working with amazing people at Hendrick Motorsports who believe in me, especially Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick. We've accomplished some great things that we're really proud of, but we have even bigger goals ahead. I'm excited to go after them with this team and this organization.' Byron first signed with Hendrick Motorsports when he was 18. He earned Cup Series rookie of the year honors in 2018 and has become a factor in the Cup Series championship with six straight playoff appearances, including back-to-back Championship 4 appearances in 2023 and 2024. Byrson is the only driver to win in Hendrick Motorsports iconic No. 24 Chevrolet other than Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. 'William is the real deal,' Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. 'What makes him so special is that he combines natural ability with an unrivaled work ethic. You see it in the great ones — the drivers who could get by on talent alone but choose to outwork everyone anyway. That's William. On top of it all, he's a person of high character and embraces his role as a leader. We're proud to have him in our lineup and look forward to many more wins together.' Byron will race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race of the season. ___ AP auto racing: recommended in this topic
