CONCORD, N.C. — Ross Chastain celebrated a historic victory at the Coca-Cola 600, a race that demanded extraordinary efforts from his team. After crashing his primary car during practice, Chastain expressed his gratitude over the team’s relentless commitment. “Thank you for working all damn night,” he exclaimed, acknowledging their hard work.
Crew chief Phil Surgen emphasized the dedication of their team. Following the wreck, team members quickly halted their weekend plans and gathered to repair the damage. Initially intending to fix Chastain’s crashed car, NASCAR ultimately approved the use of a backup car after further inspection revealed extensive damage. This meant that the team had to convert a backup car located at their shop just 6.8 miles away from the track.
With only hours to prepare, the crew faced a tight deadline, transferring the engine and making necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with NASCAR’s specifications. The car was assembled just in time to be transported to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where it passed inspection before the race.
Chastain not only competed in the race after a long night, but his victory also marked a significant milestone for Trackhouse Racing, being their first win in a crown jewel event. Team owner Justin Marks expressed immense pride in the team’s efforts, highlighting the resilience and teamwork it took to achieve this victory.
“The challenges we overcame were immense,” Marks stated. “What they did this weekend was very, very, very difficult. It was truly a team win.”
This victory serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and belief in teamwork. It showcases the possibility of triumph even in the face of adversity, inspiring both the racing community and fans alike.