By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
The saga of Ross Chastain for the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series saw a strange twist Thursday.
JD Motorsports announced that Chastain will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet for 30 races, while he will drive in a second car for Kaulig Racing in three events.
He was slated to run the full NXS schedule in the No. 42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing, but due to sponsorship falling through, Chastain was out of a ride.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity with Kaulig Racing,” said Chastain. “We’ve had quite the roller coaster of emotions in the offseason, but I am really looking forward to competing for wins this season. It is also a great honor to have a new sponsor on board with Nutrien Ag Solutions. Partnering with Nutrien Ag Solutions is a natural fit for me with my family’s legacy as watermelon farmers, and I’m excited to represent their growers and employees.”
At Kaulig, Chastain will drive the No. 10 Chevrolet at the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and the second race at Texas Motor Speedway with Nutrien Ag Solutions as a sponsor.
“We are pumped to secure three races with Ross Chastain,” said Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing. “Adding Nutrien Ag Solutions as a partner at Kaulig Racing is huge. I can’t wait for Ross [Chastain] to showcase the Nutrien Ag Solutions Chevy.”
At JD Motorsports, Chastain will return to the No. 4 replacing previously announced driver Blake Koch, who will be focusing on running his business FilterTIme.
“We here at JD Motorsports are looking forward to having Ross back in the No. 4 in 2019. He has shown his ability to wheel a racecar time and time again while competing against some of the top teams in the sport. I am excited to see how far the improvements made in the offseason will take the No. 4 car this year.” said team owner Johnny Davis.
In 139 NXS races, Chastain has collected one win, four top-five and 15 top-10s.