Ross Chastain - CRC Brakleen 175 Race Recap
Race: CRC Brakleen 175 (70 laps / 175 miles) | Race 14 of 23
Track: Pocono Raceway
Location: Long Pond, Pennsylvania
Date & Time: Friday, July 12th | 5:30 PM ET
No. 45 Mar-Del Watermelon Association Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Start: 27th | Stage 1: 16th | Stage 2: 7th
Finish: 5th | Driver Points: N/A | Owner Points: 10th
- Key Takeaway: By virtue of the qualifying metric, Ross Chastain started the deepest in the field of the Niece Motorsports drivers in 27th position. He did not stay there for long, however, as he made quick work early on to pick up track position. A 16th-place finish in stage one propelled him to a seventh-place run in stage two, enabling Chastain to fight for the win in the closing laps of the race. With just a handful of laps to go, his truck began to stumble, but held on following both red flags to come home with a top-five finish.
- Ross Chastain's Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: You had some issues on your truck there at the end. On the restart, were the issues still there?
“No, it made it! I’m happy. I mean, we gave up one spot, I didn’t get attached to the No. 19 well, so I didn’t give him the push he deserved. I got to him too late with the No. 77 pushing me and knocked our nose in. For all things considered, I’m happy with fifth. Our Mar-Del Watermelon Association Silverado was fast today, and it’s always fun to race these trucks for Al (Niece), Cody (Efaw), and Phil (Gould).”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.
About Mar-Del Watermelon Association: Established in 1965, the Mar-Del Watermelon Association is an organization that works to increase demand for Maryland and Delaware watermelons and the agriculture industry for their farmers, brokers, and industry suppliers. The voluntary, elected board of directors strives to make a positive difference in the business and lives of its members while working closely with National Watermelon Association and National Watermelon Promotion Board.
