In a surprise move, Chip Ganassi Racing announced Thursday afternoon the hiring of NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran driver Ross Chastain for three upcoming races.
Chastain, a native of Alva, Fla. will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro next weekend at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway followed by Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway on Sept. 15 and booked his opportunity in the first race of the Playoffs at Richmond (Va.) Raceway on Sept. 21.
DC Solar, a Chip Ganassi Racing partner will sponsor Chastain’s efforts.
This season, Chastain has competed full-time for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller aboard the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro. His best finish this season came at Iowa Speedway last month.
Entering Saturday afternoon’s Johnsonville 180 at Road America (Wisc.), he sits 12th in the championship standings, the final spot to make the post-season Playoffs.
In 128 career starts, both of his career-best runs have come at Iowa in the last two seasons.
In addition to Xfinity, the Floridan has competed in 22 of the 24 Cup races this season driving for Jay Robinson’s Premium Motorsports. He has a pair of top-20 finishes with an 18th at Texas Motor Speedway in April and 20th at Dover (Del.) International Speedway in June.
“This opportunity with DC Solar and Chip Ganassi Racing is unbelievable,” Chastain said in a statement.
“I want to recognize Johnny Davis for all that he has done for my career and express how proud I am of our performance this year. I am also very thankful to grow my relationship with Jeff and Paulette Carpoff and look forward to having this opportunity in the No. 42 DC Solar Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series car for these races.”
Doug Duchardt, chief executive officer for Chip Ganassi Racing said, “We are looking forward to having Ross (Chastain) in the car for a few races this season. To have DC Solar come on-board for these races with Ross is just another testament to the support that they have for our organization and the sport of NASCAR racing.”
DC Solar will also sponsor the Xfinity Series race at LVMS next month.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
