On October 5, 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series held a critical playoff elimination race at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval layout. This event reduced the playoff contenders from 12 to 8, with every position fiercely contested. Ross Chastain entered the final lap just one point below the playoff cutoff, making the battle for advancement tense and high stakes.
As he approached the last corner, Chastain targeted Denny Hamlin, running directly ahead of him in a position that could have allowed him to move past the cutoff line. In an aggressive attempt to secure a spot in the next playoff round, Chastain drove deep into the final corner and collided with Hamlin. The impact caused both drivers to spin and cross the finish line moving backwards. While both recovered somewhat, Chastain was overtaken by multiple cars in the closing moments, resulting in his elimination from the championships.
Final Lap Collision Key Details and Aftermath
The collision between Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin occurred in the final moments of the Charlotte Roval race, a crucial playoff elimination event where points and positions were paramount. Chastain, desperate to advance, intentionally made contact with Hamlin in the final corner, but the move backfired as both lost forward momentum. Chastain’s spin and subsequent passing by other drivers ultimately ended his playoff run.
After the race, both drivers maneuvered their cars backward across the finish line, highlighting the chaotic finish. The dramatic crash has become a defining moment of the playoff weekend, drawing intense scrutiny and reflections by those involved.
Denny Hamlin Reflects on the Crash and Race Circumstances
Denny Hamlin expressed that he was unaware of how critical the situation was for Chastain during the final lap.
“I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t know if I was racing for 10th or 30th. I didn’t know anything about anything on that last run,”
Hamlin shared, revealing his lack of clarity about the stakes involved. He also commented on the communication from his spotter, stating,
“Because, I didn’t even hear the spotter about closing or anything. Obviously, the No. 1 was in a position there and we got caught in it.”
Hamlin admitted he wished he had more information before the crash, reflecting,
“I wish I would have known. The No. 1 was slipping, I was not great. But, I was like, ‘This is another spot. It will move me up in the metric for qualifying.’ I guess I was racing for 18th or so.”
Despite the collision, Hamlin absolved Chastain of blame:
“I don’t fault Ross at all. I just wish I knew so I could have either been prepared or made a different decision.”
Ross Chastain’s Own Assessment of His Playoff Exit
Ross Chastain openly acknowledged his errors throughout the day and the critical mistake on the final lap. Reflecting on his performance, Chastain said, “I’d restart the whole day,” admitting to missteps that contributed to the disappointing outcome. Specifically, he noted earlier issues:
“I went off the end of pit road and didn’t turn. Just unforced errors, just terrible.”
Chastain also recognized the broader impact of his mistakes, especially on his team:
“It’s heartbreaking for almost 200 employees at Trackhouse. Justin hired me to drive this No. 1 car and be a leader and I completely unraveled our day.”
When discussing the final corner, Chastain took full responsibility:
“On the last lap, yeah, I missed turn 7, slid the rear tires and let the No. 11 by. Yeah, not acceptable.”
He further reflected on the collision itself, acknowledging,
“Knowing no one else had a hand in it but me. I’ve got to make those right decisions in those moments. It’s terrible to get to this level and not perform.”
Despite the setback, Chastain emphasized his determination to continue improving:
“When you watch, learn and study for half your life, to get here and fail, it’s a terrible feeling right now. I will wake up tomorrow and go right back to work.”
Chastain also addressed his on-track interaction with the No. 11 car, stating,
“I know the No. 11’s mad and I’m sure I would be too. He got by me clean and was giving me room. He got by me clean and I wiped him out.”
Post-Race Conversation and Points Update
Following the dramatic final lap, Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain briefly spoke on pit lane, signaling a moment of sportsmanship amid the intense competition. This interaction was captured and shared publicly, highlighting the tension and mutual respect between the drivers after such a pivotal incident.
The Charlotte Roval race reshaped the NASCAR playoffs by eliminating Chastain and narrowing the field to eight remaining drivers. As the postseason advances, the ramifications of Chastain’s final corner challenge will resonate, serving as a reminder of how split-second decisions carry monumental consequences.
Denny Hamlin takes Ross Chastain for a chat.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/7v3fe3a4yC
— RJ Starcevic (@RJStarcevic) October 5, 2025
