Ross Chastain survives weather nightmare to score first win with Dale Jr.’s JRM in rain-shortened Charlotte race.
- TSN MOTORSPORTS INSIDER
- May 24
- 2 min read
Justin Allgaier commenced the race from the pole position and maintained the lead through the first caution. This initial caution occurred on Lap 2 when Harrison Burton spun. The caution period was extended due to rain showers moving through the area. The race resumed around Lap 11, with Allgaier reclaiming the lead. A competition caution was issued on Lap 25, providing teams an opportunity to evaluate their tire conditions and make necessary adjustments. During this caution, rain returned, resulting in red flag conditions with 12 laps remaining in the opening stage.
Officials lifted the red flag at 10 PM ET, and the race restarted with Justin Allgaier leading with 8 laps remaining in the stage. Allgaier, struggling with loose conditions, slipped on the track, allowing Connor Zilisch to overtake him. Zilisch won the opening stage, with JRM teammates Allgaier and Chastain closely following.
The following drivers earned stage points in the opening stage: Justin Allgaier (9), Corey Day (7), Sam Mayer (6), Jesse Love (5), Brandon Jones (4), Rajah Caruth (3), Brent Crews (2), and Sheldon Creed (1).
The second stage began with a significant crash affecting Chase standings. The incident started when Brandon Jones was turned by Sheldon Creed, causing the No. 20 car to spin in front of the field, involving his teammate Brent Crews and Harrison Burton. All three were forced to retire from the race.
The race resumed, and Ross Chastain advanced to the lead. After a few laps, Sam Mayer lost control and collided hard with the outside SAFER barrier approaching Turn 1 on Lap 61.
Racing continued, with Ross Chastain being challenged by defending series champion Jesse Love. Chastain reported oil on the track shortly after he, Sheldon Creed, and Taylor Gray made contact with the outside wall, prompting a caution on Lap 73.
Following an extensive clean-up, preparations were made to restart the race with 5 laps remaining in Stage 2 when heavy mist further dampened conditions. Officially, the stage concluded under caution, with Ross Chastain securing the stage win.
The following drivers earned points in the second stage: Jesse Love (9), Austin Hill (8), William Sawalich (7), Corey Day (5), Ryan Sieg (4), Rajah Caruth (2), and Carson Kvapil.
Ross Chastain recorded the Xfinity Fastest Lap. However, as Chastain is committed to the NASCAR Cup Series, he is ineligible for the additional bonus point.
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