About this episode
Ross Chastain, the watermelon farmer turned NASCAR star, shares his unique journey from the farm to the racetrack in this engaging episode. Hosts Ryan Eversley and Shawn Heckman dive deep into Chastain's life, discussing his passion for watermelons, his racing career, and the infamous 'Hail Melon' maneuver at Martinsville. With insights into his relationships with fellow drivers and the challenges of racing, Chastain's story is one of determination and authenticity. The episode also touches on the dynamics of sponsorships and the racing community, making it a fascinating listen for fans.
Continental Tire
"I think you're talking about continental tire... I am absolutely talking about god metal tire..."
Continental Tire makes tires for cars and trucks. They are known for making good quality tires that help vehicles perform better on the road.
Continental Tire is a major tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They are recognized for their innovation and performance in the tire industry.
Titan Tire
"...I learned that titan tire is a manufacturer and they..."
Titan Tire makes tires for different types of vehicles, especially those used in farming and off-road driving. They are known for making tough tires that can handle rough conditions.
Titan Tire is a manufacturer known for producing tires for various vehicles, including agricultural and off-road applications. They focus on providing durable and reliable tire solutions.
suspension
"So yeah, a lot of the suspension was stock you had to pull it off of Monte Carlo's in the junkyard"
The suspension is what helps your car ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the wheels on the ground. It's made up of parts like springs and shock absorbers that work together to control how the car moves.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows for relative motion between the two. It plays a crucial role in vehicle handling, comfort, and stability.
Chevrolet Monte Carlos
"...you had to pull it off of Monte Carlo's in the junkyard..."
The Monte Carlo is a type of car made by Chevrolet. It's a two-door coupe that was known for being stylish and was often used in racing.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a coupe that was produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 2007. It's known for its sporty design and was popular in both street and racing applications.
Xfinity Series
"...other drivers in cars that I had sponsored, but I couldn't race and trucks and xfinity and stuff over the years and um..."
The Xfinity Series is a type of car racing in the U.S. where drivers compete in stock cars. It's like a stepping stone for drivers who want to move up to the bigger NASCAR races.
The Xfinity Series is a professional stock car racing series in the United States, serving as a secondary series to NASCAR's Cup Series. It features a mix of up-and-coming drivers and established racers, providing a platform for talent development in motorsports.
depreciating quickly
"...it's like driving a new car off the lot. It's depreciating quickly and the TVs are turning off..."
When you buy a new car, it loses value very quickly as soon as you drive it away. This is called depreciation.
Depreciation refers to the reduction in value of an asset over time. In the context of cars, new vehicles lose value rapidly, especially once they are driven off the lot.
burnout
"...everybody waits and watches the burnout and the driver get out..."
A burnout is when a driver makes the car's tires spin while the car is not moving, creating smoke and noise. It's often done to show off or celebrate after winning a race.
A burnout is a driving maneuver where the driver spins the wheels of the car while the vehicle is stationary, causing the tires to heat up and produce smoke. It's often performed as a celebration after a race or victory.
NASCAR trucks
"Okay, my dad actually said it to me like we we got a we got a look at some NASCAR trucks like the trucks like we had watched it and we had"
NASCAR trucks are special racing vehicles used in a series of races. They are modified pickup trucks that race on tracks, and they have rules about how they can be built to ensure fair competition.
NASCAR trucks refer to vehicles that compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, a popular racing series featuring modified pickup trucks. These trucks are designed for high performance on oval tracks and have specific regulations regarding their construction and modifications.
custom racing seats
"In stock car racing you oftentimes have your own seats that are like made to fit to you. That can fit into any of these cars because they're all very similar inside, right?"
Custom racing seats are seats made just for you, so they fit your body perfectly. They help you stay comfortable and safe while driving fast in races.
Custom racing seats are specially designed to fit the individual driver, providing better support and safety during high-speed racing. They are often used in stock car racing, where drivers can have seats tailored to their body shape for optimal comfort and control.
coil bind
"...you want it to feel like this in the right front to compress and coil bind this and that and spring rubbers..."
Coil bind happens when a spring is pushed down too far and the coils touch each other. This means the spring can't work properly and can break or damage parts of the car.
Coil bind occurs when a coil spring is compressed to the point where the coils touch each other, preventing further compression. This can lead to a loss of suspension performance and can cause damage to the spring or suspension components.
Bristol
"...off to the races. I ended up running Bristol Kentucky, Texas and homestead in the year..."
Bristol is a famous race track in Tennessee where cars race very close to each other. It's known for exciting races and a lot of cheering fans.
Bristol Motor Speedway is a popular short track in Tennessee known for its high-banked oval layout. It hosts various racing events, including NASCAR races, and is famous for its close-quarters racing and enthusiastic fan base.
Homestead
"...Kentucky, Texas and homestead in the year..."
Homestead is a race track in Florida where cars race on a big oval. It's known for being fast and having tricky turns that make it challenging for drivers.
Homestead-Miami Speedway is a 1.5-mile oval track located in Florida. It is known for hosting NASCAR events and features a unique layout that challenges drivers with its combination of speed and technical turns.
built motors
"...that was back when you had to you had to run built motors. So they were renting motors from mark smith pme..."
Built motors are special engines made to go faster and perform better in races. They are different from regular car engines because they are improved for racing.
Built motors refer to high-performance engines that have been specially constructed or modified for racing purposes. These engines are designed to produce more power and withstand the rigors of competitive racing.
Toyota
"We were running the toyotas. We blew up a lot"
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, known for being dependable and fuel-efficient.
Toyota is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer recognized for its reliable and efficient vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
engine
"...they've got the ill more engine and it's fresh..."
The engine is what makes the car go. It turns fuel into power so the car can drive.
The engine is the heart of the vehicle, converting fuel into mechanical energy to power the car. Different types of engines can affect performance, efficiency, and emissions.
OEM
"...whoever's hanging their bodies has one tunnel time through their oem..."
OEM means the original company that made the car parts. For example, if you buy a part that was made by Ford for a Ford car, that's an OEM part.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be sold under another company's brand name. In automotive contexts, it often refers to parts made by the car's original manufacturer.
Chrysler Daytona
"...fe. How does that happen? I crashed the field at daytona. Yeah Trying to push parker cligerman and I spun..."
The Chrysler Daytona is a sporty car from the 1980s that was built for speed and racing. It looks cool and was designed to be fast, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Chrysler Daytona was a performance-oriented coupe produced in the 1980s, known for its aerodynamic design and racing pedigree. It gained attention in motorsports, particularly in NASCAR, where it made a significant impact.
bump draft
"Trying to push parker cligerman and I spun him out into one with a bad bump draft and then at martinsville I"
Bump drafting is when one car pushes another car from behind to make it go faster. It's a common tactic in racing to help both cars speed up.
Bump drafting is a technique used in racing where one car pushes another car from behind to help it gain speed. This is often used in NASCAR to reduce air resistance and increase overall speed on the track.
Trip Bruce
"So they listened and they're like, I don't know but and the crew chief trip bruce is the same guy had originally worked with"
Trip Bruce is a crew chief in NASCAR, which means he helps manage the race team and makes important decisions about how the truck should be set up and run during races.
Trip Bruce is a crew chief known for his work in NASCAR, particularly with various truck teams. Crew chiefs play a crucial role in race strategy, vehicle setup, and communication with drivers during races.
Hitori Racing
"...follow him over to shiggie's shop in in morrisville back kind of behind like the uh, this is hitori racing..."
Hitori Racing is a team that competes in car races. They work on cars to make them fast and ready for racing events.
Hitori Racing is a motorsport team that participates in various racing events. They are known for their involvement in competitive racing and may focus on specific types of vehicles or series.
Xfinity car
"...it's got a gibbs engine in it. It's just immaculate xfinity or nationwide car at the time xfinity car..."
An Xfinity car is a type of race car used in a NASCAR series. It's built to be fast and compete against other cars in races.
An Xfinity car refers to a vehicle that competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which is a second-tier racing series in the NASCAR hierarchy. These cars are built to specific regulations and are known for their speed and competitive nature.
Ganassi Racing
"I didn't have to drive the motorhome this time and I'm driving the ganassi infinity car because that sponsor wanted to do it... they had sponsorship on the cup car with larson, right?"
Ganassi Racing is a famous racing team in the United States that participates in different types of car racing. They are well-known for their achievements and have many sponsors supporting them.
Ganassi Racing, officially known as Chip Ganassi Racing, is a prominent American auto racing team that competes in various motorsport series, including NASCAR and IndyCar. The team is known for its successful history and partnerships with various sponsors.
Volkswagen Bus
"...to the hotel But I have the camper ready. So the bus it wasn't a camper. It was a thing. It was a beau..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a big, boxy van that people used for traveling and camping, especially in the 1960s. It's loved for its fun design and ability to carry lots of people and gear.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2, is a classic vehicle that became a symbol of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. Its spacious interior and versatility made it popular for road trips and camping, leading to a strong following among enthusiasts.
Ganassi car
"Um, but it's a ganassi car. Yeah full. And so yeah, this is your chance. Yeah, and jeffrey carpuff"
A Ganassi car refers to a race car used by the Ganassi Racing team, which is famous for competing in major racing events. They are known for their speed and advanced technology.
Ganassi Racing is a well-known team in various racing series, including IndyCar and NASCAR. Their cars are typically engineered for high performance and are often driven by top-tier drivers.
driver in the loop
"Um on tuesday wednesday thursday whenever and drive the pratt miller rig over in hunter's hill... What is dio driver in the loop? So it's a simulator. Yeah, it's a simulator that you crawl into a center cockpit."
Driver in the loop is a type of simulator that lets a driver practice in a virtual setting. It helps them get used to the feel of driving on different tracks without actually being there.
Driver in the loop (DIL) refers to a simulation setup where a driver interacts with a virtual environment, allowing for real-time feedback and testing. This technology is often used in motorsport to prepare drivers for actual race conditions without being on the track.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...on't stay three wide at rote america up under the corvette bridge. Yeah, that's good. Good idea. Yeah a good..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being powerful and fun to drive, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and rich racing heritage. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953, often discussed for its powerful engines and advanced technology.
horsepower
"Measure the force that we were putting in the wall with you know, 670 horsepower right and..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which directly affects a vehicle's performance and speed.
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