Trackhouse Racing has announced a significant change in its NASCAR Cup Series operation, with Brandon McSwain set to take over as the crew chief for Ross Chastain and the No. 1 Chevrolet team beginning in the 2026 season. McSwain, currently an engineer with Hendrick Motorsports’ highly successful No. 24 team, will replace Phil Surgen.
Chastain and Surgen have formed a potent partnership since the 2021 season, achieving all six of Chastain’s NASCAR Cup Series victories together. Their tenure was notably marked by a near championship run in the 2022 season and a significant win in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, a prestigious crown jewel event. The duo has also qualified for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, concluding the 2025 season ranked tenth in the final championship standings. Surgen will be transitioning to a new role within the Trackhouse organization.
McSwain brings a strong technical background from his six years as an engineer at Hendrick Motorsports. While his direct crew chief experience is limited, he has stepped in to lead the No. 24 Chevrolet, piloted by William Byron, on several occasions. Under his guidance during these fill-in roles, Byron’s No. 24 car has demonstrated consistent success, reaching the Championship 4 in the last three consecutive seasons. Prior to his time at Hendrick Motorsports, McSwain was a key member of the JR Motorsports team, contributing to championship-winning efforts in 2017 and 2018 with drivers William Byron and Tyler Reddick, respectively, in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
This strategic move by Trackhouse Racing reflects a broader organizational evolution. The team has been implementing internal changes throughout the current season, including adjustments to pit crew configurations and the appointment of a new president of racing operations. These changes come amid a period where the organization, aside from the remarkable road-course prowess of driver Shane van Gisbergen, has faced challenges in matching its previous season’s performance levels. The team will be looking to McSwain’s engineering acumen to help bolster its competitiveness across all track types.
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The transition marks a new chapter for Chastain and the No. 1 team. His partnership with Surgen has been one of the most successful in recent NASCAR Cup Series history, characterized by aggressive driving and consistent performance. The decision to bring in McSwain signals Trackhouse Racing’s commitment to leveraging top-tier engineering talent to achieve sustained success. McSwain’s background in data analysis and car development at one of NASCAR’s premier organizations is expected to bring a fresh perspective and technical advantage to Chastain’s program.
The 2026 season will see McSwain tasked with integrating into Chastain’s existing infrastructure and building upon the team’s established foundation. Chastain, known for his tenacious driving style and ability to connect with fans, will be looking to capitalize on McSwain’s expertise to contend for more victories and championship aspirations. The success of this new pairing will be closely watched as Trackhouse Racing continues its efforts to solidify its position among NASCAR’s elite teams. The team’s recent performance trends, coupled with this significant personnel change, indicate a strategic push towards future success in the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series.
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