Ross Chastain to Conduct Four Races for JAR

If there is one driver in NASCAR who simply refuses to sit still on a weekend, it is Ross Chastain. Just when we thought his 2026 calendar couldn’t get any more packed, the “Melon Man” went ahead and added even more seat time to his itinerary.

Chastain is officially teaming up with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. He is set to pilot the No. 32 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for four races this coming season.

The announcement dropped on January 20, and in classic Chastain fashion, he didn’t write a long, sentimental paragraph about it. He just dropped a simple three-word reaction on social media that perfectly summed up his energy for the new challenge.

This move is making waves for a few reasons. It’s not just about a Cup driver dipping down into a lower series; it’s about which tracks he picked, the team he chose, and just how much racing one human being can actually handle in a single year.

1. Breaking Down the Deal with Jordan Anderson Racing

The partnership with Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) is a strategic move for both sides. For JAR, putting a wheelman like Chastain in the No. 32 Chevrolet instantly elevates their program. They are getting a proven winner who knows how to hustle a car to the front, regardless of the equipment. For Chastain, this is clearly about hunting trophies on road courses. The four races confirmed on his schedule are Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Watkins Glen International, Sonoma Raceway and EchoPark Speedway. Notice a pattern? These are technical, physically demanding tracks where driver skill often outweighs pure horsepower. Chastain has proven time and again that he is a threat on road courses. By partnering with JAR for these specific events, he is keeping his skills sharp for his Sunday job while helping a growing team chase checkered flags. Sponsorship is already lining up, too. GFL Environmental has been confirmed for the race at COTA, and given Chastain’s marketability, we can expect the car to be fully funded for the other three events soon.

2. The Man Doesn’t Sleep: Inside Chastain’s 2026 Schedule

To say Ross Chastain is going to be busy is the understatement of the century. Most drivers focus entirely on the Cup Series, maybe running one or two extra races for fun. Chastain is taking a different approach. Here is what his plate looks like for 2026. First is the Cup Series, which is his full-time priority with Trackhouse Racing. Second is the Truck Series, where he is maxing out his allowed starts (eight races) with Niece Motorsports, the team where he revitalized his career. Lastly, there is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. In addition to these four races with Jordan Anderson, he also has dates on the calendar with JR Motorsports in the No. 9 car. It takes a specific type of stamina to jump between three different types of vehicles—trucks, Xfinity cars, and Next Gen Cup cars—sometimes all in the same weekend. Each vehicle handles differently, brakes differently, and requires a different mindset. But this versatility is exactly why fans love him. He just wants to race.

3. Why This Move Matters for the Sport

When a driver like Chastain commits to a smaller team like Jordan Anderson Racing, it lifts the entire series. It brings Cup-level eyes to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and gives the regulars a benchmark to test themselves against. Jordan Anderson Racing has been steadily building its reputation. They aren’t just showing up to collect a paycheck; they want to compete. Bringing in an aggressor like Chastain sends a message to the garage that the No. 32 team intends to run up front. The public reaction has been exactly what you’d expect. Fans are hyped. Chastain has a driving style that is… let’s call it “assertive.” He doesn’t make friends on the track; he makes moves. Whether you love him or you’re rooting against him, you are definitely watching him. Adding him to four more races ensures those broadcasts will be must-see TV. Now that the ink is dry on the contract, the focus shifts to preparation. The first test will be COTA. Road course racing has become incredibly competitive in NASCAR over the last few years, with specialists and international drivers often joining the field. Chastain will have his work cut out for him, but if his history is any indication, he won’t be lifting off the gas. We are still waiting on a few more sponsor announcements to round out the look of the No. 32 Chevy for the remaining races. But one thing is for sure: when the haulers unload at Watkins Glen, Sonoma, and Austin, all eyes will be on Ross Chastain to see if he can smash a watermelon in Victory Lane for Jordan Anderson.

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