Hat Theft Incident Mars Ross Chastain’s Historic Coca-Cola 600 Victory

From last to first: Chastain makes history, then faces unexpected post-race drama.

Ross Chastain made NASCAR history by becoming the first driver to win the Coca-Cola 600 — NASCAR’s longest race — from 40th position. Even more impressively, the victory came while driving a backup car, edging out William Byron in a thrilling finish.

Watermelon smash followed by hat snatch

After his trademark watermelon smash celebration, things took an unexpected turn. As Chastain returned to pit road, a fan wearing a blue hoodie suddenly grabbed his hat during a high-five moment.

“A guy on pit road was super excited. I high-fived him without knowing him, then he suddenly grabbed my head. I thought he was just congratulating me, but then he pulled my hat and danced around saying ‘I got your hat,’” said Chastain.

A sentimental item tied to tradition

The hat wasn’t just any piece of merchandise — it held deep meaning for the eighth-generation driver. Chastain keeps it in the transmission tunnel of his car at every race as part of his personal racing ritual.

“I was a bit harsh with my words, but I wanted that hat back. He ran away like he knew what he was doing, and I didn’t like him taking it off my head like that,” Chastain added.

Security ensures happy ending for Chastain

Thanks to the efforts of NASCAR security and Tony Lunders, the Trackhouse Racing competition director, the cherished hat was safely returned — making the Coca-Cola 600 win even more memorable for Ross Chastain, who now owns a crown jewel in his NASCAR trophy collection.