Ross Chastain achieved one of the most impressive feats in recent NASCAR history by winning the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starting from 40th place with a backup car, the Trackhouse Racing driver moved up positions at every stage of the race to take first place in the final six laps.
The race, known as the longest on the NASCAR calendar at 600 miles (400 laps), was marked by multiple yellow flags, tight pit strategies and intense lead changes. Ross Chastain showed mettle and tactical vision, conserving tires and fuel to execute a decisive pass on William Byron when it mattered most.
From the garage to the podium
Ross Chastain not only won a race, but did so in extreme conditions.
After crashing in practice and having to use a backup car, the Trackhouse team worked through the early morning hours to get everything ready.
I don't know if they slept. They came back at 5:30 a.m. to finish it
Ross Chastain
During the competition, Ross Chastain made progress: he finished Stage 1 in 20th place, Stage 2 in seventh place and Stage 3 in fifth place.
His steady pace and a strategic stop two laps later than his rivals allowed him to close with fresher tires and overtake Byron, who had led 283 laps.
For his part, William Byron seemed destined to win.
He led most of the race, won the first three stages and maintained an imposing pace with his #24 Chevrolet.
However, in the final laps he was unable to hold the position in the face of Ross Chastain’s push.
A small mistake and tire wear condemned him to second place in a race he seemed to have in the bag.
Daniel Suárez celebrates 300 races, but…
Buzzy
Mexican driver Daniel Suarez arrived in Charlotte celebrating his 300th race in the NASCAR Cup Series, a mark that only a handful of Latino drivers have achieved.
Unfortunately, his celebration ended prematurely due to a severe multi-car accident that knocked him out on lap 246.
Suarez was the victim of a three-way incident with Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe.
His car was too damaged to continue, forcing him to retire and settle for 33rd place.
Despite this, his consistency in the U.S. racing elite continues to be a source of pride for the Hispanic community.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
