During the recent race at Richmond Raceway, Ross Chastain took the opportunity to deliver an important Ross Chastain NASCAR safety message to the crowd. The 32-year-old driver spoke at a Who’s Your Driver? event organized in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Drive Smart Virginia, urging fans to prioritize safety on the roads.
While signing merchandise for attendees, Chastain emphasized the risks of reckless driving and encouraged responsible behavior behind the wheel.
“When people get behind the wheel, they should remember the real victory lap is making it home,”
Chastain said.
“Wearing a seat belt and choosing a sober driver aren’t just safety tips, they’re decisions that save lives.”
“I do crash a lot, and that’s part of the sport of NASCAR. If I could get people to listen, maybe one more person wears their seat belt, one more person makes the right decision when they have a beer.”
Personal experience shapes Chastain’s perspective on driving safety
Chastain’s safety message carried a deeper meaning due to a personal connection to the issue. In 2011, a close friend of his was involved in a serious car crash that left them unable to walk, fundamentally changing Chastain’s approach to driving. He shared this story to impress on fans the importance of safe driving choices.
Despite finishing 19th in the Cook Out 400, Chastain’s presence at the event left a positive impression on fans. Ben Steelman, a fan who attended, praised the accessibility and fan engagement at NASCAR events.
“I think [this event] is part of what makes NASCAR so cool,”
Steelman told Richmond Free Press.
“It’s not perfect. There’s a lot of reasons to not love everything NASCAR does, but they do a pretty good job of making things like this fan-friendly and affordable for everyone.”
Continued focus on safety expected to impact NASCAR culture
Chastain’s emphasis on the real meaning of winning—arriving home safely—reflects a growing awareness within motorsports and beyond about promoting responsible driving habits. His message, backed by his personal experiences and status as a NASCAR driver, is likely to resonate with fans and influence further safety initiatives in partnership with organizations like Drive Smart Virginia and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
As NASCAR continues its schedule into 2026, which includes the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series races, messages like Chastain’s serve as vital reminders that safety extends beyond the track to every driver on the road.