The NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway is always a thriller. But the most talked-about action this year happened after the checkered flag flew. In a bizarre and clever move, both Trackhouse Racing drivers intentionally steered their cars through the grass on their cool-down lap.
This unusual strategy sparked immediate debate, a NASCAR investigation, and left many fans scratching their heads. Was this a genius exploitation of the rules, or did it cross a line? Let’s break down the controversy that has everyone in the racing world talking.
What Actually Happened at Gateway?
Right after finishing the race, drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen didn’t head directly to pit road. Instead, both drivers veered their cars onto the grassy area lining the track.
- Ross Chastain, who finished 4th, did it.
- Shane van Gisbergen, the talented Supercars champion, did it after his 10th-place finish.
From the grandstands and on TV, it looked strange. But to seasoned NASCAR insiders, the motive was instantly clear: adding weight.
The “Why”: A Clever Play in the NASCAR Rulebook
In NASCAR, every car must meet a strict minimum weight in post-race inspection. If a car is too light, it faces severe penalties, including disqualification. This is where Trackhouse’s strategy gets interesting.
By driving through the grass, the cars picked up mud, grass, and debris trapped in the wheel wells and undercarriage. This added significant weight—an estimated 10 to 20 pounds of material. For a team flirting with the weight limit, this could be just enough to safely pass inspection without penalties.
This isn’t a completely new idea. Other drivers have been seen doing similar things. The tactic highlights the extreme lengths teams will go to find any advantage within the rules.
NASCAR’s Reaction: A Warning Shot
NASCAR officials were not amused. The governing body quickly announced it would be talking to Trackhouse Racing about its drivers’ post-race actions (Jayski).
Brad Moran, NASCAR’s Cup Series managing director, confirmed the discussions, stating that while there might not be a specific rule against driving on the grass, there are broader rules against manipulating the post-race inspection process (Motorsport.com).
In essence, NASCAR issued a warning: We see what you’re doing, and we don’t like it. This puts other teams on notice and likely means a formal rule clarification is coming soon to explicitly ban the practice.
The Bigger Picture: It’s All About the Playoffs
This story is about more than just grass and mud; it’s about the high-stakes pressure of the NASCAR playoffs.
- Ross Chastain is in a relatively safe position for making the playoffs.
- Shane van Gisbergen, however, is in a tense battle for the final playoff spot. Every point is precious. A disqualification for a underweight car would be devastating, costing him crucial points and likely ending his playoff hopes.
For Trackhouse, this risky move was a calculated effort to protect their drivers’ finishes and secure their playoff futures. It was a team-wide strategy, not just two drivers acting alone.
What’s Next? Potential Rules and Repercussions
NASCAR is now forced to address this “loop-hole.” We can expect a new technical bulletin before the next race explicitly stating that vehicles cannot intentionally alter their weight after the race by driving through grass, dirt, or collecting debris.
For Trackhouse, punishment seems unlikely this time beyond the official warning. However, they’ve successfully drawn a line in the sand (and the grass), proving they will use every ounce of creativity to compete. This move cements their reputation as one of the most innovative and daring teams in the garage.
Conclusion: Gamesmanship or Going Too Far?
The Trackhouse grass tactic sits in a grey area. Is it illegal? Technically, no specific rule was broken. Is it against the spirit of fair competition? That’s the debate.
Some see it as brilliant gamesmanship—a clever trick within the written rules. Others see it as against the unwritten code of racing integrity.
One thing is certain: the move was 100% calculated. It was a risk that sparked a major conversation and showed that in the modern era of NASCAR, the battle isn’t just won on the track in those 300 miles; it’s won by the smartest thinkers who can leverage every single advantage, no matter how small or how dirty.
Last modified: September 9, 2025
