Ross Chastain is starting to make some headway after a poor start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Chastain currently sits 22nd in the standings with a 40-point deficit to the Chase bubble. This comes after the Trackhouse Racing driver had two straight top-8 finishes.
Chastain struggled with four straIght finishes of 26th place or worse before Michigan International Speedway, and only has one top-5 and four top-10 finishes in 2026. The driver of the No. 1 car is in a much better spot than he was one month ago, with only nine races remaining in the regular season.
There will be a debate on whether Chastain has enough speed to make up 40 points and stay in the Chase, as Trackhouse Racing's struggles point toward a different outcome. For now, Chastain will continue to push for a Chase spot, as time is ticking in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Ross Chastain making ground on Chase bubble after San Diego in 2026