Professional Race Car Driver Ross Chastain’s Parents Shaped A NASCAR Star’s Journey From Watermelon Fields To Coca-Cola 600 Victory
Daniel Foster
Published May 15, 2026
Professional Race Car Driver Ross Chastain’s Parents Shaped A NASCAR Star’s Journey From Watermelon Fields To Coca-Cola 600 Victory
Ross Chastain’s parents, Ralph and Susan, are the key to his success.
May 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 26, 2026
Ross Chastain, the stock car racing sensation who recently made headlines by passing William Byron to win the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, has a story deeply rooted in family and perseverance.
Ross, who grew up in Alva, Florida, credits his drive and success to his parents, Ralph and Susan Chastain, for their continuous support throughout his racing career’s ups and downs.
Ralph Chastain, Ross’s father, is a generational watermelon farmer who has spent decades cultivating the land at JDI Farms, a 350-acre watermelon farm in South Florida.
Ralph is an eighth-generation farmer with deep roots in agriculture. His strong work ethic is a key value in the Chastain family.
Beyond the fields, Ralph had a passion for racing, which he pursued as a hobby.
Though he never raced competitively, his time behind the wheel at local tracks like Punta Gorda Speedway sparked a fire in his son, Ross, who began racing at the tender age of twelve.
Ross has often spoken about his father’s influence, describing him as his ultimate role model. In an interview, Ross shared,
“I grew up an eight-generation watermelon farmer. I never thought I wanted to be an astronaut, or the president, or anything else. My dad was everything that I wanted to be.”
ViaRalph’s love for racing and his dedication to the family farm gave Ross a unique perspective, balancing hard work on the farm with the thrill of the racetrack.
At Punta Gorda Speedway, Ross’s home track, he first competed in late model and Fastruck Series events, inspired by watching his father and other young racers.
Ralph did more than just inspire others.
He provided Ross with the foundation to pursue his dreams, encouraging him to chase racing while staying grounded in the family’s agricultural legacy.
Even as Ross’s career took him to Charlotte and beyond, Ralph continued to run JDI Farms, a testament to the family’s commitment to their heritage.
Ross’s Mother, Susan Chastain, Is The Main Support For The Chastain Family
Ross’s mother, Susan Chastain, is the main support for the Chastain family.
She provides emotional backing and unconditional love throughout Ross’s career.
A graduate of Riverdale High School (class of 1985) and the University of South Florida (class of 1990), where she studied education, Susan has dedicated her life to caring for others as a traveling nurse.
Her career has taken her across the country, including an assignment in North Georgia, where she worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic, saving lives and demonstrating resilience.
Ross’s bond with his mother is particularly close, and he has never shied away from expressing his gratitude for her sacrifices.
On Mother’s Day, Ross took to social media to celebrate Susan, writing,
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom Susan! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, I’m glad we could celebrate in victory lane Friday night 🏆
Via FacebookThis message shows the strong bond between Ross and his mother, who has always been there for him despite her busy job.
In 2018, Ross faced a tough time in his career when his racing future was uncertain.
At the time, Ross was driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, but the FBI raided their primary sponsor, DC Solar, for operating a massive Ponzi scheme.
The fallout left Ross’s career in doubt, and he returned home to Florida, uncertain if he would ever race again.
Susan picked him up from the airport, offering the quiet comfort only a mother can provide. Reflecting on that moment, Susan said,
“I just felt like he needed a minute to not talk about it. At the end of the day I’m his mom. I’ve been carpooling him around his whole life and when he comes home I pick him up from the airport and that’s my baby.”
ViaRoss later acknowledged his mother’s support during his 2026 winner’s press conference, nearly moved to tears as he spoke about her sacrifices.
He said:
“My mom is here, and she’s just supported me the whole way, She’s a traveling nurse, so she’s working an assignment now in North Georgia doing what she wants to do, right? She likes to take care of people, and she wants to save lives, and she’s worked through COVID and never backed down and has actually saved lives. For her to take time out of her schedule to come and to work her work schedule around to be here, it’s not lost on me.”
ViaRoss Wasn’t The Only Chastain Drawn To Racing, His Younger Brother Also Followed In His Footsteps
Ross wasn’t the only Chastain drawn to racing. His younger brother,, also pursued stock car racing, following in Ross’s footsteps.
The brothers share a close bond, and Ross often highlights their shared journey, as seen in his Mother’s Day post.
The Chastain family, led by Ralph and Susan, has strongly supported both of their sons’ activities, whether on the racetrack or the farm.
Ross’s path to NASCAR stardom began in Alva, Florida, where he attended Riverdale High School in Fort Myers and later Florida Gulf Coast University.
His racing career took off at Punta Gorda Speedway, where he honed his skills in local competitions.
By mid-2011, Ross boldly moved to Charlotte, taking over the No. 66 Turn One Racing entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series after Justin Marks vacated the seat.
This marked the beginning of his professional journey, seeing him rise through the ranks to become a NASCAR Cup Series contender.
Ross Chastain’s Career Has Been A Rollercoaster Of Triumphs And Challenges, With His Parents By His Side
His recent victory at the 2026 Coca-Cola 600, where he ran down and passed William Byron, was a moment of pride for Ralph and Susan, who have watched their son grow from a young racer at Punta Gorda to a NASCAR star.
CHASTAIN STEALS THE SHOW IN CHARLOTTE! wins the in thrilling fashion!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR)
However, the 2018 DC Solar scandal was a low point, testing Ross’s resilience.
With his mother’s support and his father’s example of perseverance, Ross bounced back, eventually landing with Trackhouse Racing and securing multiple wins, including the 2026 Coca-Cola 600.
Ross’s connection to his roots remains strong. Despite his success, he stays tied to the family’s watermelon farming legacy, often referencing his upbringing as an eighth-generation farmer.
Ralph and Susan’s grounding influence has kept Ross humble and focused even as he competes on NASCAR’s biggest stages.
Ross Chastain’s parents, Ralph and Susan, are the key to his success. Ralph inspired his work ethic, while Susan provided emotional support. As Ross thrives in NASCAR, they continue to cheer him on.
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