NASCAR
Ross Chastain Ruled Winner in Weather-Shortened Charbroil 300
CONCORD, N.C. – It’s almost fitting that someone as wild and unique as Florida man Ross Chastain won Saturday’s Charbroil 300. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Charlotte was deeply impacted by inclement weather, being called after two stages and many laps ran under yellow. Victory lane was damp, but became soaked with another watermelon smash by the reigning Coca-Cola 600 champion. Chastain becomes only the latest driver to win with JR Motorsports amid their unmatched run of success.
Another pair of JRM Chevrolets battled it out for the Stage 1 win – Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier. The young gun got the upper hand on the mentor and took this opening victory. This first stage was halted by a four-plus hour long red flag for rain.
Two more Camaros soon found their way to the front with Jesse Love and Ross Chastain. Both drivers swapped the lead multiple times lap after lap, until a very bizarre caution. Dawson Cram’s No. 35 laid oil down in turn one, with the entire field soon hitting this slick pavement. As a result, over 10 cars made outside wall contact, including the leaders. The race would never resume under green, giving Ross Chastain the win after 91 laps.
Multiple cars are sent up against the wall after oil apparently leaks from the car of Dawson Cram. pic.twitter.com/Jq4WlPQDid
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) May 24, 2026
“I first watched a JRM car drive by me here at Charlotte in 2014,” Chastain said. “I was on the apron in practice and one drove by and I decided right then that I wanted to be in one. It took me until 2025 to get in one. That’s a testament to just continuing to work. I’ve asked and couldn’t raise the funds, they were full with no room at the inn.”
“I did not think we would win one like this, driving into the fence in liquid. I have no idea what it was, but I drove off into [turn] one like it was normal and there was something on the track. My Meemaw’s in town, she’d be really upset with me if I said anything else bad. I just don’t think that’s acceptable at all. But no matter how we win, felt like we could have went and raced with them again.”
“This weekend, just incredible to try to grasp losing Kyle [Busch]. I just don’t understand how he’s not here racing. I don’t grasp it mentally or spiritually. Obviously racing is the best thing we can do to celebrate him and what he did in this sport and in his life. Man, that feels good to win because it was a long time coming.” Chastain did pay tribute to Kyle Busch with a winning bow in victory lane.
Rounding out the podium behind Chastain were both RCR cars: Jesse Love and Austin Hill. The top five were: William Sawalich and Corey Day. The rest of Charlotte’s top 10 were: Connor Zilisch, Ryan Sieg, Cole Custer, Carson Kvapil, and Rajah Caruth. Despite finishing 29th, Justin Allgaier still holds a commanding points lead now over Love.
Updated @NASCAROReillyAP Chase Standings with 9 regular season races left after @CLTMotorSpdwy. @J_Allgaier retains a 156-point gap over @jesselovejr1, while the last man in the cut is @Taylor_Gray by 2 points over @rajahcaruth_ #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/nfOvICHYPV
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 24, 2026
O’Reilly Series competitors will return to action next week from Nashville Superspeedway. The Sports Illustrated Resorts 250 goes green Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo credits to Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
