Chastain Triumphs After Backup Car Shuffle at Coca-Cola 600
In a dramatic turn of events at the Coca-Cola 600, Ross Chastain emerged victorious despite starting from the rear of the field due to a last-minute switch to a backup car. Chastain’s initial run at Charlotte Motor Speedway ended prematurely when he suffered a left rear tire failure, resulting in a hard crash into the wall in Turn 3 during practice.
Trackhouse Racing’s crew quickly pivoted from repairing the primary car to deploying the backup after discovering significant damage to the rear frame. Crew chief Phil Surgen noted, “It became evident that there was a section of the rear frame that was bent probably beyond repair.” Consequently, Chastain was listed as starting 40th, the last position for the race.
Despite the setback, Chastain remained optimistic. Team owner Justin Marks recounted, “He had a huge smile on his face… It’s what I’m talking about. Bringing cars to the racetrack like that.”
Trackhouse Racing mobilized a team of around 30 members, working through the night until 2:30 a.m. to prepare the backup Chevrolet. Chastain joined the crew post-Xfinity Series race and assisted until officials insisted he rest.
The team’s resilience paid off. After passing inspection, Chastain took to the track, and by the end of the evening, he was celebrating in victory lane. This win marks Chastain’s first in a crown jewel event and re-establishes him and the team in the postseason contention.
Surgen emphasized the importance of meticulous notes from practice: “We took all that knowledge and applied it to Sunday.” Adjustments for changing track conditions allowed the team to optimize their performance. Chastain made history as the first driver since Bobby Allison in 1969 to win after starting from last.
With this victory, Chastain validates the team’s strategy and showcases the effectiveness of their backup preparation, setting a strong precedent as they move toward future races.
