Ross Chastain’s iconic ‘Hail Melon’ NASCAR maneuver at Martinsville Speedway on October 30, 2022, remains one of the most thrilling moments in recent racing history. Facing elimination in the Round of 8, Chastain executed a daring move that propelled him into the Championship 4, forever marking his name in NASCAR lore. Recently, Chastain combined his racing fame with a heartfelt tribute to his military heritage during a visit to the Pentagon where he smashed watermelons in celebration.
The Unforgettable ‘Hail Melon’ Move at Martinsville
In a tense showdown at Martinsville Speedway, Chastain needed to gain at least two positions in the final laps to advance in the playoffs. Drawing on skills he honed in virtual racing, he shifted his No. 1 Chevy into fifth gear and deliberately rode the outside wall, using it as leverage to surge past five competitors. Completing the lap in a record-breaking 18.845 seconds, he secured a spot in the Championship 4 while knocking out his rival, Denny Hamlin.
The audacity of the move left fans and drivers stunned. Chastain himself only realized the significance hours later during a casual stop at a Waffle House. He later returned to Martinsville to collect a fragment of the wall he had used for his spectacular ride, placing it in his team’s trophy case. Chastain’s rival Hamlin expressed frustration about being ‘Hail-Meloned,’ while driver Kyle Larson admitted it was a brilliant tactic. Despite its dramatic impact, NASCAR banned the wall-ride afterward, citing safety concerns. Nevertheless, the ‘Hail Melon’ remains a symbol of Chastain’s boldness and ingenuity on the track.
The Origin of the ‘Hail Melon’ Celebration
Chastain’s watermelon-themed celebrations stem from his roots as an eighth-generation watermelon farmer in Florida. After winning his first Xfinity Series race in Las Vegas in 2018, he spontaneously smashed a watermelon in Victory Lane, coining a unique tradition that fans eagerly anticipate at his wins. Reflecting on that moment, Chastain joked,
“I’m just a watermelon farmer from Florida—I’m not supposed to do that,”
highlighting the natural connection between his heritage and racing persona. Since then, a padded watermelon has become a staple in his race hauler, always ready for a victory celebration.
Honoring the Military Through a Watermelon Smash at the Pentagon
Following his triumph at the Coca-Cola 600 in May 2025, Chastain took his signature watermelon celebration beyond the racetrack. Visiting the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters on June 20, he joined active service members, staff, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to pay tribute to the military. The event was deeply personal for Chastain, whose great-grandfathers, great aunt, and grandfather proudly served in the U.S. Army.
“This was just an unbelievable day. I can’t even put it into words—what this city, the Pentagon, and what it all means to our country,”
Chastain expressed.
At the Pentagon’s Parade Field, with the Washington Monument in the background, Chastain led a watermelon smash ritual joined by Secretary Hegseth, his wife Jenny, and their seven children, including one dressed in a watermelon-themed outfit. The melons originated from Chastain’s farm in Alva, Florida, intertwining his family legacy with the patriotic setting.
“To see all of the Secretary’s kids… and to be able to smash watermelons here near the front steps of the Pentagon is something my family will talk about for the rest of time,”
Chastain shared, recalling the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Chastain also carried the 65-pound Bruton Smith Coca-Cola 600 trophy throughout the visit, posing with service members and Pentagon staff. The race itself was viewed by 2.7 million Prime Video subscribers and marked the fourth consecutive sellout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The connection between NASCAR’s military appreciation and Chastain’s farming heritage was a strong theme of the day.
“When we talked to Secretary Hegseth, it was incredible to hear their view of how NASCAR… helps them present a positive image of the military,”
Chastain noted, highlighting the broader significance of the celebration.
Chastain’s Upcoming Challenges and Quest for Redemption at Pocono
Although Chastain’s memorable victory at the Coca-Cola 600 was a career highlight, his season has seen ups and downs since then. Now, he is preparing for the upcoming Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, a track where he has experienced mixed success in the NASCAR Cup Series. His 2019 win in the Truck Series at Pocono remains a cherished memory, complete with a watermelon smash and lively fan interactions.
“Sweeping the watermelon out of Victory Lane to help the track crew clean up… just an incredible memory,”
Chastain recalled during media day at Henryville, reflecting on his desire to replicate that success.
Despite his efforts, Pocono has proven challenging in Cup competition. His best finish was 13th in 2023, with no other top-24 placements in his nine starts there. He candidly admitted the need for improvement in the final laps, acknowledging the demands of Pocono’s unique triangular layout, which tests a driver’s precision through three distinct corners.
“We’ve led laps… but it’s the last 10 percent of the race that I’ve struggled in,”
said Chastain, underscoring his focus on closing races stronger.
Locked into the playoffs most likely due to the Coca-Cola 600 win, Chastain remains determined not to let up. Emphasizing the relentless pace of the sport, he remarked,
“We celebrated winning the Coca-Cola 600 a lot and we’ll continue to… but there’s a new race every seven days.”
He aims to claim another watermelon smash moment to elevate Trackhouse Racing’s 2025 performance and become the only driver to win twice during Prime Video’s NASCAR broadcast tenure.
The Lasting Impact of Chastain’s Bold Racing and Personal Legacy
Ross Chastain’s ‘Hail Melon’ maneuver did more than secure him a playoff spot—it redefined how daring and strategic moves are viewed within NASCAR. While some question the move’s safety, its creativity and execution have won lasting admiration from fans and peers alike. The blend of his farming roots with his competitive spirit offers a unique narrative uncommon in motorsports.
His recent tribute at the Pentagon extends this narrative, linking his racing achievements with a deep respect for military service and family heritage. This fusion of personal history and public performance elevates Chastain beyond just a driver, showcasing resilience, passion, and the ability to inspire off the track as much as on it.
Looking ahead, Chastain’s pursuit of further victories and memorable celebrations at venues like Pocono next offers fans much to anticipate. His determination to balance intense competition with meaningful traditions ensures his place as a compelling figure in the evolving face of NASCAR.
