NXS: Ross Chastain Bristol review

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Ross Chastain had one of his best days of the Xfinity Series season Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Chastain ran with the big dogs Saturday morning in qualifying for the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300. He had the day’s 11th fastest run in the final round of qualifying, outgunning such drivers as Kevin Harvick, Darrell Wallace Jr. and Elliott Sadler.

Chastain started 21st in the race, however, because the starting lineup was determined by finish positions in a pair of 50-lap heat races, a new element added to some Xfinity races this year. He finished 11th in his heat.

Chastain finished 22nd in the main event and jumped three spots in the Xfinity driver standings to 13th.

“All in all, not a bad day,” Chastain said. “We would have liked a better finish in the race, but we showed a little of what we can do in qualifying and then brought the car home solidly. It was a good short-track effort for the team.”

Erik Jones made a late charge to win the race, and Daniel Suarez kept the point lead.

The series moves on to Richmond International Raceway for an April 23 race.