CONCORD, N.C. – Chip Ganassi Racing announced Monday morning that Ross Chastain will take over driving duties of the team’s No. 42 in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning next year.
Chastain, a Chip Ganassi Racing development driver since 2018, is currently competing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing, where he qualified for the playoffs for a second time following a runner-up finish at Bristol Motor Speedway over the weekend.
“Ross has been a part of this organization for a few years now, and I am happy to announce him as our driver for the No. 42 team,” team owner Chip Ganassi said. “In three races with our organization in 2018 and watching ever since, he showed me and everyone else that he is a tenacious driver who wants to win. We believe that Ross will give our team the opportunity to be competitive each week and our sponsors someone to build a program around. Additionally, his racing background has him well-suited to make the move to the Cup Series.”
Chastain made his Chip Ganassi Racing debut in 2018, driving the No. 42 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in three races. During those three events Chastain earned his first Xfinity Series pole at Darlington Raceway and scored his first Xfinity Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The 27-year-old Florida native was originally scheduled to race full-time for Chip Ganassi Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019. That program was shuttered when the team’s primary sponsor, DC Solar, was revealed to be a Ponzi scheme and was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Instead, Chastain focused his efforts on chasing the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series title in 2019. Driving for Niece Motorsports, Chastain won three times and ended the season second in the series standings.
“I can’t thank Chip enough for this opportunity,” Chastain said. “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 especially with all the great guys they have on the 42 and to be able to team with a champion like Kurt Busch. 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. 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.”
Chastain will be the sixth driver to compete full-time for CGR in the No. 42 car. Matt Kenseth currently drives the No. 42 Chevrolet. He replaced Kyle Larson earlier this year after the team cut ties with Larson following his use of a racial slur during an iRacing event.