Ross Chastain Takes Watermelon Celebration to New Heights Ahead of EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

  • Defending race winner Ross Chastain continues his fan-favorite watermelon smash celebration with a 251-foot drop off the iconic COTA observation tower.
  • Chastain will look to repeat his 2022 success at Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.
  • Three-day weekend ticket packages start at just $99 and only $10 for kids 12 and under. Further details can be found at NASCARatCOTA.com.

AUSTIN, Texas (March 24, 2023) – Ross Chastain will look to smash to competition when the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix goes green on Sunday, but before he even turned a lap in practice, the Trackhouse Racing driver had a different “smash” in mind.

A nod to his family’s watermelon farming roots, Chastain continued the celebration of his 2022 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix win – the first NASCAR Cup Series triumph for both the driver and his Trackhouse Racing team – the Alva, Florida native tossed watermelons from atop the iconic 251-foot observation tower at Circuit of The Americas. After sending the fruits flying, Chastain greeted fans in attendance with autographed hats and – what else – watermelons.

“Officially set a new high water mark for the highest point (throwing a watermelon),” Chastain said. “I was a little off to the right on the first one, but each one got better… I’d love to go out there on Sunday and get three more tries next year.”

Following the watermelon toss, Chastain finished third in EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix practice. Qualifying for the race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Tickets:

Tickets for the March 24-26 NASCAR at COTA tripleheader weekend are on sale now at NASCARatCOTA.com. Three-day weekend packages for adults including the Darius Rucker pre-race concert start at just $99 and just $10 for kids 12 and under. Further details can be found on the NASCAR at COTA website.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? Follow every lap, every pit stop, every storyline? We're looking for fellow enthusiasts to share insights, race recaps, hot takes, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our readers. Click Here to apply!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

SM SPEEDWAY SHOTS

Latest articles

Pierson Paces Laguna Seca Practice; Title Fighters Stumble

Josh Pierson was quickest overall in two combined practice sessions Friday for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Monterey doubleheader, as all three INDY NXT by Firestone title contenders were nowhere near the top of the speed charts.

LANGDON, BECKMAN, G. STANFIELD & M. SMITH OPEN CORNWELL QUALITY TOOLS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS...

Shawn Langdon went to the top on Friday’s final run at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, taking the provisional No. 1 spot to kick off the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Champ Palou Keeps Foot on Gas To Lead First Laguna Seca Practice

No wonder Alex Palou calls WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca his favorite road course on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: SOUTHERN 500 RACE PREVIEW

John Hunter Nemechek has eight starts at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned his highest finish of fourth in last year’s Southern 500

Best New Zealand Online Casinos