Chastain Claims Second Dash4Cash Bonus with Pocono Runner-Up Finish

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

Ross Chastain’s bank account grew by $100,000 after winning a second straight Dash4Cash bonus in Sunday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono, but it was a bittersweet day after coming so close to victory.

After starting the day in fifth place, Chastain showed early he would be one of the cars to beat, leading five times for 31 laps and putting himself in position for his first win of the season when a late single-car crash pushed the race into overtime and setup a two lap sprint to the finish.

With a push from Justin Allgaier’s wounded machine, Chastain was able to take over the lead on the restart, holding serve over Briscoe until the two went into the Tunnel Turn. A bump from Briscoe sent Chastain up the track and that was all she wrote as Briscoe was able to hang on for the final lap and a half to take home the win.

Chastain crossed the line 1.015 seconds in arears of Briscoe to claim his third straight top-three finish, but given the choice, it was clear the Kaulig Racing driver would rather have the win instead of another bonus check.

“We did everything right,” Chastain said. “Got the good push that we needed and cleared him into (Turn) 1. It’s tough to be upset with second, but I am. So proud of Kaulig Racing, RCR, and everybody that brings these race cars. We’re unloading and we’re in the top two or three every week. I know how lucky I am, but man, it’s the memories we take with us, not the money.”

With Sunday’s finish in his pocket, Chastain and the No. 10 team head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway next weekend, where he and the remainder of the Xfinity Series drivers will take on the IMS road course as part of a historic NASCAR/IndyCar doubleheader.