Starting this weekend in Atlanta, the following 5 Cup Sequence occasions (Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis) kind the whole thing of NASCAR’s in-season event. Modeled after knockout constructions seen in worldwide soccer and not too long ago adopted by the NBA, the format options 5 rounds of eliminations, culminating in a title conflict at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. Among the many finest matchups within the bracket lies the head-to-head contest between Ross Chastain and Erik Jones within the higher half of the draw.
Whereas Chastain presently holds eighth place within the general standings and Jones sits in eighteenth, the in-season event standings current a barely totally different image: Chastain enters the bracket at thirteenth, with Jones seeded twentieth.
The 2 will sq. off for a shot at advancing one step nearer to the $1 million prize, although Chastain made it clear that friendship is not going to be sacrificed on the altar of competitors.
Addressing the upcoming showdown, Chastain remarked, “I do know I’m not going to push that #43 automobile. Eric and I are buddies, however yeah, undoubtedly not going to push him on the finish of the race. So, on the lookout for a bow tie first and my teammates if I’m pushing any person, and the final individual on my record is that #43.”
Praising Jones’s expertise on the excessive facet at Atlanta, Chastain added, “Eric and that I imply they’re rolling proper now and all of Legacy is, and we see it at a number of totally different model tracks.”
“Eric all the time performs nicely right here in Atlanta and rips the highest like he can run the highest, and sort of cleans it off, it looks as if when it’s nonetheless fairly soiled and slick. He’s not afraid, so he places it proper up there. We’ll see lengthy 400 miles tomorrow evening.”
When pressed on whether or not the event’s format has shifted his staff’s strategic lens, Chastain dismissed the notion. “We are able to’t strive any more durable,” he stated, making it plain that no particular changes are on the desk. And will Jones discover himself in entrance of or beside him through the race, Chastain gained’t take his foot off the fuel, however he views the #43 automobile as little greater than a minor concern amid the bigger pack.
Jones shares his emotions relating to the in-season event problem
In a latest dialog with SiriusXM NASCAR, Erik Jones acknowledged that whereas he’ll give it his all, the in-season event doesn’t weigh closely on his thoughts.
That stated, he expressed a transparent want to stay in competition and seize any probability to return away with a victory. As he sees it, the tracks featured within the problem convey distinct variables into play, providing fertile floor for an surprising identify to interrupt by way of and declare the $1 million prize. He welcomed the thought of an underdog triumphing, calling it a refreshing chance for the game.
Jones famous that Atlanta’s model ranges the enjoying subject, affording almost each competitor a authentic shot on the win. For his half, he’s approaching the weekend with guarded optimism, aiming merely for a productive run. His latest top-10 end at Texas, whereas modest on paper, served as a much-needed increase to his confidence.
