“I Was Rattling Around!” Ross Chastain Over the Moon After Winning 2025 Coca Cola 600 Starting Dead-Last

Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain became the first driver in 56 years to win a NASCAR Cup race, starting at very last of the grid.

“I Was Rattling Around!” Ross Chastain Over the Moon After Winning 2025 Coca Cola 600 Starting Dead-Last

Ross Chastain celebrates the Coke 600 win (Via @CLTMotorSpdwy/X)

Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain produced the best drive of his career on Sunday to win the Coca Cola 600, the longest and most demanding race in the NASCAR schedule. He started the race on P40, and won the event, marking the first a driver winning from dead last, since Hall of Famer Bobby Allison did it at Richmond Fairgrounds in 1969.

The factor that makes the win more special is that Ross Chastain win came in the memorial weekend where he was racing, honoring Kevin McCrea, a late army specialist. He had an image of the late army member on him after the win and gave a shoutout to the McCrea family after the win. He recalled the advice he got from the ahead of the race in the post-race interview.

The McCrea family told me to be a sponge, that was something that their dad told them a lot. I’ve got to tell ya, I didn’t feel much like a sponge tonight, I was rattling around out there. To drive on that final run in the World 600 and pass two cars that had been way better all night.

Ross Chastain told Fox Sports.

It was not just pure determination and hard work that helped him to win the race. Luck also played a significant part in it. He pitted two laps late than his crew chief Phil Surgen, owing to a confusion. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, and with the tiers being comparatively fresher he had a speed advantage over rival William Byron in the late race dual.

Phil Surgen wanted me to pit two laps earlier. I went two laps longer just out of a little bit of confusion. And man, that paid off at the end. These Goodyear Eagles held on a little longer because they were a little bit fresher. And holy cow, we just won the World 600!

Ross Chastain added.

Who are the real Trackhouse MVPs of the day?

Though Ross Chastain deserves all the praise for the impressive win, if it wasn’t for his No:1 Chevy team crew’s hard work the win would have been impossible. Chastain, gave them a shoutout after the win and was the first group of people he thanked, as he should, for the win. Their contribution was significant on the day.

Ross Chastain, Justin Marks and Daniel Suarez
Ross Chastain, Justin Marks and Daniel Suarez (Via Imago)

The No:1 Crew worked as late as 2.30 am and restarted the worked at 5.30 in the morning. Barely having any sleep on Saturday to prep the car for Sunday. The crew members who were on of, came in to complete the work on car showing the passion for racing and dedication on the Trackhouse Racing crew.

Marty, I’m going to soak this in… Did I? Yes, when I left the shop last night I went over, sat in this car for the first time. It was about 10 o’clock when I left. They worked till 2:30. They were back at 5:30 this morning. Most of them drive 30, 45 minutes home, little shower, I think, I don’t even know if they slept. Back there at 5:30 to get this thing ready.

Ross Chastain told Pit Road reporter Marty Snider.

The victory has earned Chastain a place in the playoff and the whole team the momentum to fight hard to get in the victory lane. His teammates Daniel Suarez and Shane van Gisbergen, have been underwhelming so far this season. The noi:1 Chevy’s performance might give them the coincidence boost they needs to succeed.

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