Ross Chastain - Mission 176 at The Glen Race Recap
Event: Mission 176 at The Glen (72 laps / 176.4 miles)
Round: 17 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Watkins Glen International
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
Date & Time: Friday, August 8 | 5:00 PM ET
No. 44 Protect Your Melon New York Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Start: 7th | Stage 1: 2nd | Stage 2: 17th
Finish: 30th | Driver Points: N/A | Owner Points: 17th
- Key Takeaway: Ross Chastain and the Protect Your Melon team had a truck that contended for the lead early on, but became victims of a common fuel pickup issue which ended their day. Chastain started inside the top-10 and finished second in stage one, but were forced to change a fuel pump at the end of stage two. Unfortunately, the issue continued to plague the No. 44 for the rest of the event, and the team retired in 30th-place.
- Ross Chastain's Post-Race Thoughts:
“That was a shame to end our day the way we did. The Niece Motorsports guys brought me a really fast Protect Your Melon Chevy, and I thought we had a chance to run up front all race. Just unfortunate for us to have those fuel pickup issues. I wish I could have ended my truck season by giving these guys a win, but I’ll be cheering them on for the rest of the season. Thanks to Al, Cody, and everyone that’s supported us this year!”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
About The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee: The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) coordinates traffic safety activities in the state and shares useful, timely information about traffic safety and the state's highway safety grant program.
The Committee is comprised of thirteen agencies who have missions related to transportation and safety. The GTSC is chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and acts as the state's official liaison with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
