Chastain was eliminated from the 2025 NASCAR Cup playoffs, but he did not go quietly
Ross Chastain needed to make up 13 points on Joey Logano in Sunday's elimination race at the Charlotte Roval, gaining ten on the reigning champion through stage points alone.
However, the Trackhouse driver made two errors on pit road that severely hurt his chances. First, he blew the exit of pit road and had to come to stop, and then sped on pit road late in the race. Despite all that, he still found himself with a chance to advance into the Round of 8.
Logano, who was bleeding spots in the closing laps, chose to pit again for fresh tires. Chastain decided to run long, desperately trying to hold on as the laps ticked away.
On the final lap, Denny Hamlin passed Chastain in a move that would have left Chastain just below the cutline as Logano moved onward with a chance at his fourth title.
Going for it
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
But Chastain, who made headlines worldwide with his 2022 wallride to escape playoff elimination and advance into the Championship 4 (now known as the 'Hail Melon'), did not accept defeat.
He drove deep into the final corner, jumping the curb and running into the back of Hamlin, spinning him out. Chastain spun out as well, and he immediately put the car in reversed and backed across the line. It was complete chaos, but this 'Hail Melon' did not work out.
He did succeed in passing Hamlin, but several other cars drove by as they spun around. In the end, Logano crossed the line just ahead of Chastain, who missed advancement by four points.
Another look at the finish at the @CLTMotorSpdwy ROVAL. #NASCARPlayoffspic.twitter.com/1unkICDFvk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 5, 2025
Chastain was understandably despondent after the race, but Hamlin held no ill-will over the contact because of what was at stake. The two drivers, who were once bitter rivals, even shared a friendly embrace on pit road.
Chastain was eliminated alongside the 23XI Racing teammates Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, and Penske driver Austin Cindric.
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Category: General Sports
