Ross Chastain Suffers Tire Blowout During Coca-Cola 600 Practice

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing faced a setback during practice for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, 2025. Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet was fast throughout the session, finishing ninth overall on the time sheets and leading in 10-lap, 15-lap, and 20-lap averages.

However, disaster struck when Chastain cut a left-rear tire while driving down the backstretch. The car spun out in Turn 3 and crashed into the outside wall, damaging the driver-side door. Chastain’s car came to a stop on the apron and was later towed back to the pit lane.

After being released from the infield care center, Chastain explained, “Just down the backstretch, all of the air came out of it at once. I tried to keep it straight and braked as hard as I could in a straight line. But it was too late.” He added that he felt okay until he hit the banking and lost control.

While Chastain was the only driver to have a crash during practice, fellow Chevrolet driver Kyle Busch did not participate in any laps. Busch experienced a steering issue that required the team to replace the power steering pump. Although he managed to qualify, he will start from the rear of the field.

Chastain’s qualifying position is also impacted, as he will start 40th for NASCAR’s longest race. In contrast, Carson Hocevar led single-lap speeds with his No. 77 Spire Motorsport Chevrolet, followed closely by Ty Gibbs and A.J. Allmendinger in their respective Toyota and Chevrolet vehicles.

The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 28, 2025. Teams are eager to make adjustments after the practice sessions and prepare for the challenge ahead.