Cindric on Phoenix contact with Chastain: ‘Anyone would be mad’

AVONDALE, Ariz. – There was a fight on pit road after Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix Raceway. Somewhat surprisingly, it wasn’t between Austin Cindric and Ross Chastain. The two NXS standouts felt glued together at times during the 200-lapper, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively, and swapping plenty of paint along the way. PHOENIX: Race results | Jones wins | At-track photos Earlier on in the race, Chastain came up quickly behind Cindric’s No. 22, nudging his left rear to get past him. Cindric later re-paid the favor, and things were dicey between the two until the checkered flag. While Cindric said the contact was "not personal; not at all, actually," he was baffled he was being raced so aggressively by the No. 10. “That’s a great question for Ross,” Cindric told NASCAR.com. “I about got wrecked twice for positions, so that’s cool, I guess. I mean, it’s a one-lane race track, but the first thing you do when you run up on a guy is not left-rear him. Enough people realize that. It’s unfortunate you have to race it. He’s fast and he deserves to be here, but at the same time I’m not sure I deserved that. "Anyone would be mad. I’d like to hear his point of view for sure. It’s usually just a wave and an 'Oh, I’m sorry,' but it’s part of it and it’s racing. It’s not anything to lose some sleep over. It’s not new for him." Chastain came to speak with media as Cindric was finishing up his questions, but the two did not speak. The Kaulig Racing driver also brushed off any issues with his Team Penske competitor. "I’m right here and he didn’t say anything," Chastain said. "I took fault there in Turn 3 early. He checked up more than I thought, and I got into him and let him catch it. He returned the favor well and good, so, yeah."