How William Byron lost the Coke 600 after dominant performance
William Byron led 283 of 400 laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday. He started from third position, winning Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. But on the final run of the race, Ross Chastain completed his last-to-first charge, coming from the very back of the field in a backup car to snatch the […]
William Byron led 283 of 400 laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday. He started from third position, winning Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. But on the final run of the race, Ross Chastain completed his last-to-first charge, coming from the very back of the field in a backup car to snatch the win away from Byron.
The final pass for the lead came after 591 of the 600-mile event was complete. But what led up to that pivotal moment? Let’s take a look…
The final round of green-flag stops
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Logan Riely / Getty Images
On Lap 349, Byron pitted from the race lead. Denny Hamlin followed him down pit road, but Chastain did not. He stayed out, leading his first laps of the night as he pushed the run further by two crucial laps. When Byron cycled back to the front, Chastain was almost three seconds behind, but he quietly made his march forward as the focus turned to Hamlin, who had been the only driver to challenge Byron consistently throughout the race.
However, the No. 11 team failed to get Hamlin’s car full of fuel during the final stop, taking him out of contention for the race win as he was forced to make an extra pit stop. Chastain made a critical pass on Hamlin with 27 laps remaining, and at the same time, Byron had to take evasive maneuvers up the road, giving up a lot of time.
Reddick’s mistake
Tyler Reddick, who was at the tail-end of the lead lap after a speeding penalty, lost control and nearly crashed directly in front of Byron. The Hendrick Motorsports turned hard to the left as Reddick slapped the wall, going all the way to the apron and giving up almost a second of his advantage.
Chastain was now in the runner-up position with just one second between himself and Byron — and 25 laps still to go. He quickly caught Byron, but struggled to fight through the dirty air as Byron aggressively defended the top spot. Falling back to cool down the tires, Chastain made another charge as the lapped car of Joey Logano started taking clean air away from Byron as well. The car wasn’t running terribly slow either with Logano able to maintain his position ahead of the leaders.
Struggling with traffic
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
As they raced through Turns 3 and 4, Byron got loose in the wake of Logano’s car, allowing Chastain to rapidly close. However, he had Hamlin, who had just pitted again (now a lap down), to his inside. Byron crossed the line with six laps to go and Chastain was glued to his rear bumper, but with Hamlin to his inside, Chastain appeared to be trapped.
Despite that, he still made a bold move to the inside of Byron at the entry of Turn 1, helped by the fact that Hamlin gave him plenty of room. Chastain performed a slide job, throwing his No. 1 Chevrolet deep into the corner before sliding up directly in front of the No. 24 Chevrolet. Byron lifted, hitting the wall at the exit of Turn 2 as Hamlin overtook both cars and disappeared into the distance.
Byron had five laps to respond and while he got close, he was never able to get fully back alongside, even hitting the wall a second time on the final lap. That was the end of it, allowing Chastain to claim an impressive victory, utilizing those two-lap fresher tires to hold back the dominant driver of the night.
Byron explains Coke 600 loss
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images
“It’s just frustrating,” said Byron after the race. “I don’t really have many words for it. I wish I won. [Chastain] was catching me, I was trying to defend, I put a couple good defensive moves on but I got loose in (Turns) 3 and 4, and that was really it. He got that run down the frontstretch and I tried to protect the inside, but it wasn’t enough.”
Revealing more about what he was battling inside the car, Byron said he was “getting a little bit tight,” partly due to the awkward aero spot he was in with the traffic ahead of him as he tried to fend off Chastain.
“Then the scenario there with the cars we were around, it was tough. So, yeah, he got a run on me and was able to get to the bottom and clear me off of (Turn) 2. Disappointing just to lead that many laps and such a great effort by our whole team. Yeah, I guess just could have anticipated that last run a little better. I ran in dirty air for a long time and heated my tires up.
“Then we lost a chunk of time, and the 45 [Reddick] about crashed in front of us. Yeah, sucks.”
Byron won the first crown jewel of the year, claiming victory in the season-opening Daytona 500. While he was hoping to add another major win to resume this weekend, he did manage to secure a four-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports.
Photos from Charlotte – Race
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Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City | Sports
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend.
Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he’d read and heard about Mexico City.
“I am embarrassed by my comments,” he posted in a lengthy apology.
Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training.
Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities:
— Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
— Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.
— Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.
“These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,” the team said in a statement. “Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we ‘walk the walk’ in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.
“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.”
Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar’s penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body’s requirements.
“Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,” Spire said.
“We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.”
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Judge expresses concern over suit vs. NASCAR, asks what 23XI, Front Row want
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the moment 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports collectively filed an antitrust lawsuit last fall against NASCAR and NASCAR CEO and chairman Jim France, the most-asked question has been, what exactly do 23XI and Front Row want if they prevail in federal court? On Tuesday, after receiving that question from U.S. […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the moment 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports collectively filed an antitrust lawsuit last fall against NASCAR and NASCAR CEO and chairman Jim France, the most-asked question has been, what exactly do 23XI and Front Row want if they prevail in federal court?
On Tuesday, after receiving that question from U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell, attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who represents 23XI and Front Row, laid out what his clients seek.
Among the possibilities, Kessler explained, was forcing NASCAR to divest itself of the racetracks it owns, 11 of which host premier Cup Series races. The plaintiffs also want any financial damages to be tripled, and the ability to compete in non-NASCAR-sanctioned races using the NASCAR-exclusive Next Gen car.
The goals of 23XI and Front Row were among the highlights from a nearly two-hour hearing centered around NASCAR’s counterclaim that 23XI, Front Row and 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk “agreed to a scheme to pressure NASCAR to accept their collusive terms, including by engaging in media campaigns, interfering with NASCAR’s broadcast agreement negotiations, threatening boycotts of NASCAR events and engaging in a group boycott of a NASCAR Team Owner Council Meeting.”
In its counterclaim filed in March, NASCAR alleged that Polk operated as the ringleader in conspiring against NASCAR as the league and the 15 teams that hold charters — the equivalent of a franchise in other sports, which includes assurances of certain monetary gains — negotiated a new charter agreement.
In court on Tuesday, NASCAR’s attorneys argued that the fact that the teams boycotted a planned meeting with NASCAR demonstrated a willingness to boycott a race. NASCAR has previously argued that the teams discussed boycotting the 2024 Daytona qualifying races. On Tuesday, Kessler rebutted that claim, saying there was no conspiracy by the teams and that boycotting a meeting is merely part of the negotiating process.
Bell did not render a verdict Tuesday, but with a trial date set for Dec. 1 and both sides far apart, he did issue a warning at the conclusion of the hearing. “Hard to picture a real winner if this goes to the mat, or the flag, in this case,” Bell said.
Afterward, Kessler told reporters his side was open to a settlement, but that NASCAR was uninterested in doing so.
“We’ve always indicated that if there could be a fair settlement breach, that we could come to something that’s good for everybody, I’m a lawyer, I am always open to settlement,” Kessler said. “I think my clients are always open to settlement.
“(If) they’re not going to agree to anything, we’ll see them at trial. We are very much open to what all the judges are saying … this is a case that should be settled and worked out so that everyone could go forward racing. The fans don’t have to read and hear about all of this, and could have a better system for everyone.”
Kessler also said 23XI and Front Row would seek a rehearing before the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals as they attempt to maintain their charter status for the 2025 season. Three judges earlier this month overturned an injunction the teams had been granted to maintain their charter status, after NASCAR won its appeal.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think the three judges, if you read their opinion, actually dealt with the hard issues, and that’s what the circuit will need to do,” Kessler said.
Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City | Sports
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend.
Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he’d read and heard about Mexico City.
“I am embarrassed by my comments,” he posted in a lengthy apology.
Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training.
Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities:
— Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
— Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.
— Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.
“These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,” the team said in a statement. “Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we ‘walk the walk’ in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.
“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.”
Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar’s penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body’s requirements.
“Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,” Spire said.
“We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.”
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
NASCAR driver averages: It’s Tricky! Hendrick Motorsports and its proficiency at Pocono
CONCORD, N.C. – The triangular-shaped Pocono Raceway may be, “tricky”, but no organization in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series has figured it out more often than Hendrick Motorsports. The team enters this weekend’s race in Pennsylvania with the most wins (19), poles (14), top fives (78), top 10s (140) and laps led (3,456) in the […]
CONCORD, N.C. – The triangular-shaped Pocono Raceway may be, “tricky”, but no organization in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series has figured it out more often than Hendrick Motorsports.
The team enters this weekend’s race in Pennsylvania with the most wins (19), poles (14), top fives (78), top 10s (140) and laps led (3,456) in the circuit’s history.
Chase Elliott is the most recent driver in the company’s stable to visit victory lane at Pocono, registering a win in July of 2022. He’s one of only seven active drivers with 10 or more top-10 finishes at the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
Alex Bowman also has a victory at Pocono, rolling to a win in 2021. He’s coming off a third-place finish at the Tricky Triangle last season.
Kyle Larson’s career average finish of 11.6 is fourth-best among all active drivers at Pocono. William Byron has two pole awards in 11 starts.
Here’s a look at how all four drivers stack up as well as a little Hendrick Motorsports history lesson:
Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City | Auto Racing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend.
Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he’d read and heard about Mexico City.
“I am embarrassed by my comments,” he posted in a lengthy apology.
Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training.
Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities:
— Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
— Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.
— Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.
“These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,” the team said in a statement. “Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we ‘walk the walk’ in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.
“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.”
Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar’s penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body’s requirements.
“Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,” Spire said.
“We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.”
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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