NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has offered a fresh analysis of the Ross Chastain Sonoma tangle, focusing on Daniel Suarez’s risky decision that triggered the crash last Sunday. The incident at Sonoma Raceway unfolded when Suarez’s block on Chastain resulted in an ugly spin that ended his race and damaged his playoff hopes.
During his recent podcast, Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Daytona 500 winner, described the incident in detail and argued that Suarez’s move was the critical mistake. He suggested the incident might have been avoided if Suarez had chosen a smarter approach behind the wheel.
How Suarez’s Position and Decision Led to the Collision
Following Daniel Suarez’s announced departure from Trackhouse Racing, his performance and mindset appear to have shifted noticeably. While his Trackhouse teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen secured their places in the postseason, Suarez remains winless and in urgent need of a victory to advance.
Sonoma Raceway, the site of Suarez’s first career Cup win, turned into a track of frustration this time. Earnhardt Jr. recounted the Lap 45 clash on his Dale Jr. Download podcast, explaining that Suarez’s decision to block Chastain was ill-timed and ultimately self-defeating.
He described the moment:
“I’m watching this play out. (Ross) Chastain and (Daniel) Suarez are battling in the braking zone. There was a car in front of them — No. 22 (Joey) Logano — neither one of them are in a position to try to outbrake Logano into the corner.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Earnhardt then outlined the battle:
“Chastain’s got a run on Suarez out of Turn 10, Suarez knows it, Chastain moves right to try to outbrake the No. 99, the No. 99 then pulls in front of him to block that move,”
before delivering his assessment:
You block, you pay.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
He continued:
“While Chastain’s the one to f**k up here, he made a mistake here. But if the No. 99 didn’t block, he wouldn’t get run over. More than likely, he can battle on the outside and beat and maintain and hold the spot through the front straightaway, the bend to the left through the front straightaway, and Chastain doesn’t get by.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Impact of Pressure and Team Changes on Suarez’s Performance
Although Chastain misjudged his entry leading into the corner, Earnhardt emphasized the situation could have unfolded very differently if Suarez had refrained from blocking. The veteran analyst highlighted how the pressure of Suarez’s uncertain future with Trackhouse Racing might be affecting his decision-making and driving consistency.
With his exit from Trackhouse confirmed, the emotional and professional stress could be weighing heavily on the Monterrey native, which could explain his recent struggles. Meanwhile, Chastain and van Gisbergen’s playoff positions are secure, adding urgency to Suarez’s need to rebound.
Potential Consequences for Suarez’s Season Momentum
This analysis of the Ross Chastain Sonoma tangle points to a pivotal moment in Suarez’s campaign to keep his NASCAR playoff hopes alive. The crash not only ended his race prematurely but also underscored how crucial split-second decisions behind the wheel can define a season. As Suarez moves forward, strategizing more carefully during intense battles may be vital if he hopes to secure a breakthrough win before the playoffs.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. NASCAR stepped in and informed Denny Hamlin that he had conveyed his message. Later in that race, Chastain collided with Chase Elliott, making him spin. When the race resumed, Elliott nudged Chastain towards the wall, and Hamlin made a close pass to show his displeasure once more.
Q. What is the Ross Chastain rule?
A. On Tuesday, NASCAR revealed some rule changes for the 2023 season. One change stands out more than the others. They introduced a rule against copying Ross Chastain’s exciting wall-riding move, known as the “Hail Melon,” from last fall at Martinsville.
Q. What did Ross Chastain do?
A. As they approached Turn 2, Chastain hit the back of Logano’s car, causing him to spin and involve other drivers. Afterward, Joey Logano stated, “He admitted he wrecked me.”