Ross Chastain Charges from Last to First to Win the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte

CONCORD, N.C. (May 25, 2025) – In one of the most remarkable comebacks in Charlotte Motor Speedway history, Ross Chastain turned a practice crash into Coca-Cola 600 glory on Sunday night, driving from 40th to first to capture one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.

After wrecking in practice and failing to post a qualifying time, Chastain’s Trackhouse Racing team worked tirelessly overnight to rebuild the No. 1 Chevrolet. The crew left the track at 2:30 a.m. and returned by 5:30 a.m. on race day, determined to turn misfortune into magic. Their effort paid off.

Chastain chased down William Byron in the final laps, taking advantage of a slight slip by the race-dominating Byron to seize the lead with six to go and never looked back. It was a storybook ending for Chastain, who became the first driver since 1971 to win a NASCAR Cup Series race after starting last.

“It’s sinking in that we won the Coke 600,” said Chastain. “They basically had to build a whole new car. I’ve never driven backward after a race to celebrate, but I did tonight — because we won, and I’ve seen my heroes do it.”

Byron swept all three stages and led a race-high 283 laps, but settled for second after struggling with lapped traffic and losing rear grip in the final turns. Pole sitter Chase Briscoe overcame an early penalty to finish third, followed by A.J. Allmendinger and Brad Keselowski in the top five.

Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, defending race winner Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson rounded out the top 10.

Denny Hamlin, a serious contender for most of the night, was forced to pit late for fuel, dropping him to 18th despite leading 53 laps.

The race was grueling for some former 600 champions. Jimmie Johnson, making his 700th Cup Series start, exited on Lap 111 after a crash and finished 40th. Kyle Larson’s attempt at “The Double” ended in frustration with DNFs in both the Indy 500 and the Coke 600 after a multi-car crash ended his night in Charlotte.

Quotes from the Garage:

Phil Surgen, Chastain’s crew chief:

“The 600’s a long race. We started 40th and just chipped away. We knew track conditions would come to us. That last cycle gave us a chance, and Ross capitalized.”

Justin Marks, Trackhouse team owner:

“Ross is elite. After the crash, he came back smiling because he knew we had speed. He’s one of the best in the series, and this win is a major moment for our team.”

William Byron, runner-up:

“It’s frustrating. I tried to defend, but I got loose. He made a great move and earned it.”

Chase Briscoe, third place:

“We kept coming from behind. I think we finished where we should’ve. We’re trending in the right direction.”

Race Notes:

• Ross Chastain’s win was the 6th of his Cup Series career.

• The first driver since 1971 to win from the 40th starting position.

• Chastain honored U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sean Gregory Landrus on his car.

• Byron led 283 of 400 laps, the most by any driver in the event.

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