NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Ross Chastain’s refusal to address his Circuit of the Americas (COTA) crash with Chase Elliott. The incident, which occurred during a heated battle on the road course, has left fans and drivers divided, with many expecting Chastain to take responsibility for his aggressive driving.
Earnhardt Jr. Speaks Out
On the latest episode of his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. expressed his surprise at Chastain’s silence on the matter. While he acknowledged Chastain’s aggressive driving style as part of his identity, Earnhardt Jr. suggested that owning up to mistakes is an important part of earning respect in the garage.
“I’ve always liked the way Ross races—he’s aggressive, and that’s what makes him dangerous on the track in a good way,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “But when something like this happens, you’ve got to at least have a conversation. The fact that he hasn’t talked to Chase about it? That surprises me.”
A Growing Rift Between Drivers?
The crash at COTA saw Chastain make contact with Elliott in a high-speed section, sending Elliott spinning and effectively ending his chances for a strong finish. After the race, Elliott’s camp remained frustrated, while Chastain avoided addressing the situation publicly or privately.
Earnhardt Jr. hinted that this approach could create tension between drivers moving forward.
“This sport is built on respect, and when you don’t acknowledge a mistake—or at least talk about it—other drivers remember that,” he explained. “It doesn’t mean you can’t race hard, but it does mean you’ve got to be accountable.”
What’s Next for Chastain?
Chastain’s refusal to address the situation may not sit well with Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, or others in the field. With tensions rising, all eyes will be on the next race to see if this feud escalates or if Chastain finally breaks his silence.
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