Who Won the NASCAR Race Today? Discover the Thrilling Last-Lap Winner & Full Results (May 26, 2025)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ross Chastain stormed from dead last on the grid to claim a career-defining victory in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, answering the day’s hottest question—“Who won the NASCAR race today?”—with a resounding statement. Starting 40th after failing pre-race inspection, Chastain patiently carved through the pack, capitalizing on long green-flag runs and a perfectly timed final pit stop by the Trackhouse Racing crew. The No. 1 Chevrolet surged into the top five with 25 laps remaining, then tracked down dominant polesitter William Byron before executing a daring outside pass exiting Turn 4 with just six circuits left. By the checkered flag, Chastain had led only eight laps—but they were the ones that mattered, giving him his first crown-jewel triumph and automatic entry into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The win also snapped a season-long drought for Trackhouse and made Chastain the eighth different victor in 13 races, underscoring the 2025 campaign’s parity. Key race takeaways • Lap-lead carousel: The 600-mile marathon featured 34 official lead changes among 12 drivers, with Byron topping the chart at 184 laps led. • Strategy shift: A caution with 45 laps to go split pit strategies; Chastain’s two-tire call put him in position to attack while Byron took four. • Playoff picture: Chastain’s win bumps the cutline to Bubba Wallace, 11 points ahead of Kevin Harvick for the 16th and final postseason berth. Finishing order (top 10) 1. Ross Chastain 2. William Byron 3. Kyle Busch 4. Denny Hamlin 5. Tyler Reddick 6. Joey Logano 7. Chase Elliott 8. Ryan Blaney 9. Martin Truex Jr. 10. Chris Buescher Driver reaction “From last to first in the sport’s longest race—this is what dreams are made of,” an emotional Chastain said in Victory Lane, watermelon in hand. Byron, who settled for runner-up honors after dominating early, admitted, “I just got too tight on the final run and Ross pounced. That’s racing.” What’s next The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Gateway’s World Wide Technology Raceway next Sunday, where Chastain will look to ride his newfound momentum and Byron will seek swift redemption. Fans can catch all the action at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX and PRN Radio. Search-friendly recap Today’s NASCAR race winner: Ross Chastain conquers the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, outdueling William Byron in a late-race thriller to punch his ticket to the playoffs and end Trackhouse Racing’s winless streak.