In an astounding display of skill and determination, Ross Chastain began the 2025 World 600 from the 40th position, navigating through the race in a backup car. His strategic approach and relentless drive allowed him to climb the ranks, finishing 20th by the end of Stage 1, seventh by the conclusion of Stage 2, and fifth by the end of Stage 3. Ultimately, he crossed the finish line in Victory Lane, marking a significant achievement for Trackhouse Racing.
Reflecting on his victory, Chastain expressed gratitude towards his team, stating, "When I left the shop last night, I went over and sat in this car for the first time. It was about 10 o'clock when I left. They worked until 2:30. They were back at 5:30 this morning." He emphasized the dedication of his crew, noting that many team members sacrificed their Saturday to ensure the car was race-ready. "For this Jockey Chevy and the McCrea family, to carry them -- he was riding with me, Mr. McCrea," Chastain said, highlighting the emotional significance of the race.
Chastain continued his charge through the field, stating, "To drive on that final run in the World 600 and pass two cars that had been way better all night." His crew chief, Phil Surgen, suggested pitting two laps earlier, but Chastain opted to stay out longer due to some confusion. This decision proved to be pivotal as his Goodyear Eagles tires held up better thanks to being fresher. "Holy cow, we just won the World 600!" he exclaimed, celebrating his remarkable win.
Chastain's final laps were nothing short of thrilling. He had to fend off challenges from Denny Hamlin, who was on the verge of running out of fuel, and the dominant William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports. With just six laps to go, Chastain made the winning move, sliding up the track and forcing Byron into the wall. Despite leading 283 of the 400 laps and winning all three stages, Byron could not regain his position. Chastain finished the race victorious, smashing a watermelon in a signature celebration.
Chastain's sensational drive in a backup car not only secured his victory but also marked Trackhouse Racing's first win of the 2025 season. Following Chastain across the finish line were Chase Briscoe in third, AJ Allmendinger in fourth, and Brad Keselowski in fifth. The remaining top ten included Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson.
The race saw numerous ups and downs, starting with Kyle Larson taking an early lead after Briscoe's pole position. However, Larson's race took a turn after hitting the wall, eventually spinning out and finishing far from his expected position. Meanwhile, Byron quickly seized control, dominating Stage 1 and continuing to assert his dominance into Stage 2, where a multi-car incident involving Jimmie Johnson resulted in his early exit from the race.
Stage 3 brought more drama with various collisions and a thrilling battle for the lead between Hamlin and Byron. However, it was Chastain's final stage performance that truly captivated fans, highlighted by his tactical pit strategy and fierce racing skills that led to his eventual victory.
Ross Chastain's victory in the 2025 World 600 not only showcased his exceptional driving prowess but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and strategy in NASCAR racing. With this significant win, Trackhouse Racing sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season, as fans and competitors alike look forward to the next thrilling race.
