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Ross Chastain Wins In Darlington, Smashes Watermelon For Fifth Series Victory

by Hunter Thomas May 11, 2024 1 comment

DARLINGTON, S.C. – Ross Chastain was clutch in NASCAR Overtime at Darlington Raceway as he held off Nick Sanchez and the field to win the Buckle Up South Carolina 200.

Chastain didn’t lead a lap all night long except for the laps in NASCAR Overtime. The NASCAR Cup Series star started the race in sixth and ran inside of the top-10 all night long, finishing Stage 1 in sixth and Stage 2 in eighth. Friday night’s race was Chastain’s second start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season for Niece Motorsports.

“We have been trying to win at Darlington,” said Chastain. “This is where my career changed, my life changed forever.”

The win marked Chastain’s fifth victory in the series, and of course, he smashed a watermelon to celebrate. The Florida native hadn’t visited Victory Lane in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since May 2022, when he won at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Sanchez finished runner-up after coming through the field. The Rev Racing driver was slated to start the race from the pole, but an unapproved adjustment sent him to the rear of the field at the start of the race. As he sliced and diced through the field, he wasn’t able to score any stage points, but he was in position to challenge for the win when it mattered. Sanchez has now finished inside of the top-five in all but four races this season.

VIDEO: Nick Sanchez Recounts NASCAR Overtime Battle With Ross Chastain At Darlington Raceway

Ben Rhodes, Christian Eckes and Ty Majeski rounded out the top-five. Completing the top-10 was Chase Purdy, Colby Howard, Taylor Gray, Ty Dillon and Tanner Gray.

Corey Heim swept the first two stages but was taken out on Lap 99, when Dean Thompson lost control underneath him exiting Turn 2. After a dominate performance, Heim finished a very disappointing 28^th.

There were 12 lead changes among six drivers. Heim led a race high of 77 laps.

The caution flew on seven occasions for 37 laps.

Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in series history had an awful first Truck Series start at Darlington Raceway. The Spire Motorsports lost control exiting Turn 2 on Lap 3 and slammed into the inside wall on the backstretch. Ten laps later, he was in the wall again. Busch retired from the event in 32^nd.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will visit North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday May 18 for the Wright Brand 250. Live coverage will broadcast on FS1 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Greyson Johnson/TheFourthTurn.com