In a stunning display of perseverance and strategy, Ross Chastain captured his first win of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season by taking the checkered flag in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway — despite starting from the rear of the field.
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| Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images |
After crashing during Saturday’s practice, Chastain was forced to use a backup car and started 40th. But that setback didn't stop the Trackhouse Racing driver from executing a flawless run to the front, passing William Byron with just six laps to go. Byron had dominated the night, leading 283 of 400 laps and sweeping the first three stages of NASCAR’s longest race.
Chastain’s daring move came on Lap 395, diving below Byron in Turn 1 and sliding up in Turn 2 to make the winning pass. He crossed the line 0.673 seconds ahead, earning his sixth career Cup Series victory — and his first ever at Charlotte.
The win was a testament to the dedication of his crew, who worked overnight to prepare the backup car. “They worked until 2:30 a.m. and were back by 5:30,” Chastain said. “That’s the kind of commitment it takes to win a race like the Coke 600.”
Meanwhile, Byron was left frustrated after coming so close to completing a weekend sweep, having already won the Xfinity Series race on Saturday. “He got a run on me and was able to clear me off Turn 2,” Byron said. “It’s disappointing to lead that many laps and not finish it off.”
Denny Hamlin also looked strong until a fueling issue during green-flag pit stops derailed his race. He was forced to make an unscheduled stop on Lap 388, ending his chances.
Chase Briscoe overcame an early penalty to finish third, followed by AJ Allmendinger in fourth and Brad Keselowski in fifth. Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson rounded out the top 10.
Kyle Larson’s attempt at the Memorial Day double ended in disaster. After a spin and early contact with the wall, Larson was ultimately involved in a multi-car crash that ended his race.
The race also marked Jimmie Johnson’s 700th Cup Series start — but his night ended early after a Lap 112 incident.
With grit, patience, and a late-race surge, Chastain turned a weekend of setbacks into a signature win in one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.
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