Ross Chastain Secures Victory at Coca-Cola 600 Following Remarkable Team Effort
In a thrilling triumph at the Coca-Cola 600, Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing surged from the back of the field to clinch the win, marking his first victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The achievement was accentuated by the team’s extraordinary efforts to prepare a backup car after Chastain suffered a tire failure in practice, forcing the crew to pivot with little time before the race.
Chastain’s primary vehicle sustained irreparable damage, compelling Crew Chief Phil Surgen and his team to work overnight on a backup car intended for the upcoming Nashville race. "As we started pulling parts off, it became clear that a section of the rear frame was bent beyond repair," Surgen explained. After an exhaustive hour of attempting repairs, the decision to utilize the backup car was made.
Surgen highlighted an impressive display of teamwork, with around 30 personnel converging on the shop after their day jobs to aid in the preparation. "People dropped everything to help," Surgen noted, citing engine support from ECR and volunteer staff from various jobs who contributed to the effort.
To convert the backup car for the 600-mile race, significant modifications were necessary, including installing the engine from the primary car, adjusting suspension setups, and ensuring all bodywork was race-ready. "We had to put in countless man-hours to ensure the car was ready," Surgen said.
Chastain himself remained at the shop late into the night before retiring for a brief rest. “Tony Lunders was pushing me out, saying, ‘go home, I need you to be ready tomorrow night,’” he recalled.
After a grueling preparation process, team owner Justin Marks lauded the efforts that culminated in Chastain’s victory. “This weekend was a masterclass in never giving up,” Marks stated, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines the Trackhouse organization. He expressed immense pride in his team for successfully assembling a competitive vehicle in such a short timeframe, showcasing their commitment to excellence in the sport.
Chastain’s victory not only highlights his driving skills but also underscores the critical importance of teamwork and resilience in NASCAR racing.
