How the Darlington Clash Between SVG and Ross Chastain Highlights Trackhouse's Struggles - [your]NEWS

Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain left Darlington Raceway after a long night in the Cook Out Southern 500 with finishes that added frustration for Trackhouse Racing. In the 367-lap NASCAR Cup Series race, the teammates battled late for the Lucky Dog position, but an exchange continued after the checkered flag. Chastain gave SVG a thumbs-down and van Gisbergen appeared to be knocked into the rear of the No. 1 Chevrolet entering pit road. Van Gisbergen later said there was no lasting animosity and described the fight as a byproduct of frustration, including contact while racing aggressively for a position that didn’t meaningfully change the larger outcome. SVG finished 26th and Chastain 27th, with the team struggling to find speed at the 1.366-mile oval. The incident also reflects broader pressure after Trackhouse failed to place a driver into the 2026 Chase for the first time since the team’s formation.