Ross Chastain has 'no idea' what to expect ahead of Coca-Cola 600

On Sunday, Ross Chastain will make his eighth start in the Coca-Cola 600. 

Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing team come into the Coke 600 11th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings. But things haven't been smooth all season for Chastain, as a lack of speed on Saturday during practice and qualifying has hindered its ability to compete for wins. 

Despite that lack of speed, Chastain says he remains focused on bringing home the best finishes he can every week. 

"Ultimately, all that matters is the finish on Sunday," Chastain told Yardbarker. "Yes, we want all the other stuff, but you have to finish well. We did not do that at Kansas after feeling like we were better on Saturday." 

Going into the 66th running of the Coke 600, Chastain doesn't know what's in store for one of NASCAR's crown jewel events. 

"I have no idea what to expect," Chastain said. "That's what's great about the current car we have and the short practices, we're not testing, we're not on track during the week - we don't know. We build the best setup we think we can build and that's it.

"I find out in practice like everyone else. I don't get too into the lap times. I look back and think maybe I should've paid more attention in practice to the lap times, but if the car feels right, I know we'll race well."

Chastain only has one top-10 — an eighth-place finish in 2024 — in his seven Coke 600 starts. He and the rest of Trackhouse Racing are looking to make a statement in NASCAR's longest race. 

"We want more," Chastain said. "We're looking to get there for all three cars at Trackhouse." 

The Coca-Cola 600 will go green shortly after 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, with coverage on Prime Video, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.