Since joining Trackhouse Racing at the start of the Next Gen era in 2022, Ross Chastain has been nothing short of a revelation. Consistently making the playoffs and even clinching a spot in the Championship Four, Chastain quickly proved he was a force to be reckoned with for the relatively new team. But 2023 hasn’t been as kind to the ‘Melon Man.’ Despite leading at one point during the Darlington race, his older tires couldn’t hold up, forcing him to settle for a P5 finish—when he needed nothing short of a win to qualify for the playoffs.
Post-race, Chastain remained candid about his performance. “It needed a lot. It needed more throughout the season. Here tonight, we got it better and continuing to work on it,” he said, acknowledging the uphill battle he’s had this season.
Though temporarily disheartened, Chastain’s cheery, carefree personality gradually emerged. Chastain, who is well-known for being an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, has been dubbed “Melon Man” for his passion for the fruit and for sharing amusing videos of himself smashing and enjoying watermelons. However, this time, Chastain surprised fans by surprise in an entirely unexpected way. Recently, he participated in a marathon at Charlotte Speedway, and the photo that surfaced after the race left supporters in shock. Many couldn’t resist but call out Chastain for pulling off the “unthinkable”—but exactly what he did remains a mystery that has fans buzzing!
Ross Chastain’s look has everyone astonished
Ross Chastain recently laced up his running shoes for the MRO (Motor Racing Outreach) “Bump ‘n’ Run” 5K marathon at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is not just any race; it’s an opportunity for competitors to run on the same long straightaways and high banks that have produced legendary NASCAR drivers. The website for the event states that in addition to the excitement of the race, attendees can look forward to a tailgate party with live music, delectable food and a spectacular fireworks display to end the evening.
Chastain wasn’t the only NASCAR driver to fall among the 470 competitors. All eyes were on the ‘Melon Man,’ though other drivers Grant Enfinger, Zane Smith, and Rajah Caruth also competed in the marathon. After finishing in sixteenth place, Chastain proudly held up his completion medal. Though his medal was the centre of attention, his face was the real star of the show. A photo that quickly made the rounds on Reddit revealed a clean-shaven Chastain, shocking fans who could barely recognize him without his signature scruffy beard.
For many, that beard had become symbolic of Chastain’s bold, aggressive driving style—the very style that led to his dominance in 2022. Who could forget his infamous victory at COTA, where an overtime move sent Allmendinger and Bowman into chaos, allowing Chastain to power his No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro to victory? Or the legendary, now-illegal “Hail Melon” wall ride that will forever be etched in NASCAR lore?
Now, with his smooth face, Chastain seems to have shed not just the beard, but the wild persona fans have come to associate with him. Fans, of course, didn’t let the opportunity slip by to poke fun at his new look, joking that without his scruff, the ‘Melon Man’ might just lose his edge. Only time will tell if the beardless Chastain can still bring that same fire to the track!
What’s your perspective on: Ross Chastain’s move: Genius strategy or reckless stunt? NASCAR fans, what’s your take?
Fans critic Chastain’s beardless loo
A beardless Ross Chastain is not the #1 fans know. Imagine Chastain doing the ‘Hail Melon,’ Scraping through the outside wall at Martinsville Speedway to qualify for the Championship 4. After that epic move-out comes a clean-shaven Chastain. It’s unimaginable since attributes like a beard are signs of ruggedness, encapsulating the wild-west times of NASCAR. That’s why fans love Chastain. A fan was shellshocked by witnessing his looks. He wrote, “Ross what are you doing” Another one felt the same way as he took a scathing gibe at the track house racer. The fan wrote, “My eyes.”
Chastain came into this season after a splendid last one, where he bagged two wins and reached the round of 12. The #1 was hopeful that 2024 could be the year he again fought for the championship. But his poor runs this year have kept him out of the final 16. A fan made a parallel of bread with him missing out on the playoffs this season. The fan wrote, “No playoffs, no beard”
Continuing the mocking fest, a fan wrote, “Most people shave and look younger. Ross shaved and looks older.” Another fan has a snarky comment. It must have even had Ross Chastain confused. “He looks like a watermelon farmer,” the fan wrote. Chastain has always been proud of his heritage as a watermelon farmer. He is well-known for smashing a watermelon as a celebratory gesture. Therefore, it would be a compliment for the #1 to finally have the appearance of a watermelon farmer. What do you think of his look? Should he keep it clean or bring the beard back? Tell us in the comments section below.
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