WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Throughout the week, thousands have descended upon Watkins Glen International and the Finger Lakes region. NASCAR fans had the chance to meet Ross Chastain as he promoted the Protect Your Melon campaign.

In partnership with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain returned to Watkins Glen today to promote the "Protect Your Melon" campaign. In partnership with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain returned to Watkins Glen today to promote the "Protect Your Melon" campaign.  Outside the Schuyler County Courthouse, fans lined up to meet and take pictures with Chastain as he helped spread the message of wearing your seatbelt, something he's been promoting from the start of his NASCAR career. 

"It's a simple message for New Yorkers: to buckle up." said Chastain, as he prepares to race in both the Xfinity and Cup Series races this weekend, the car for the former series features Protect Your Melon messaging in its paint scheme.

In addition to competing in the top two NASCAR series, Chastain is also an eighth generation watermelon farmer. In addition to competing in the top two NASCAR series, Chastain is also an eighth generation watermelon farmer.  From these humble beginnings, he's cultivated a palpable message that reaches not just all ages of racing fans, but anyone making a routine trip to the grocery store.

Chastain is excited to display this message of safety at W-G-I once again, "If they're a race fan, our messaging is reaching them at Watkins Glen. And with so many people, tens of thousands of them coming out to the track this weekend and watching across the state, the country and the world, they're going to see the messaging."

Protect Your Melon continues to grow alongside the racing career of Chastain, and the message of safety will be on full display for the W-G-I crowd.

Chastain will make an appearance at the Department of Motor Vehicles booth at W-G-I on Sunday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. he will make an appearance at the Department of Motor Vehicles booth at W-G-I on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  He will run in both the Xfinity Series race on Saturday in the No. 91 car, and in the Cup Series race on Sunday in the No. 1 car.