Ross Chastain wins at COTA in overtime for first Cup victory

After coming close multiple times this season, Ross Chastain scored his first career Cup win Sunday at Circuit of the Americas.

Chastain, who had finished in the top three in each of the last three races, gave Trackhouse Racing its first career victory in an overtime finish that featured plenty of beating and banging.

“Oh my God Justin, we did it,” Chastain screamed to car owner Justin Marks on the team’s radio after taking the checkered flag.

Chastain led at the start of the last lap on the 3.41-mile road course. Allmendinger was second. Allmendinger bumped Chastain in Turn 15 on the 20-turn course and took the lead as Chastain swung wide in the left-hand turn.

Chastain bumped Allmendinger in Turn 17, as Bowman moved by both to briefly lead. Chastain hit Allmendinger again in Turn 18 and the contact sent Allmendinger’s car up the track and into Bowman’s car. Allmendinger spun and Bowman was forced wide. Chastain regained the lead and pulled away.

“I know he’s going to be upset with me,” Chastain told Fox Sports, referring to Allmendinger. “We race hard, both of us and. He owes me one. When it comes to a Cup win, I can’t let that go down without a fight.”

Allmendinger, who finished 33rd, told Fox Sports: “At the end of the day, we all have to look ourselves in the mirror. If you are okay with it, you’re okay with it. Each person is different.”

Bowman finished second and was followed by Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick. Ryan Blaney was sixth and followed by Martin Truex Jr., Austin Cindric, Erik Jones and Austin Dillon.

The victory by the 29-year-old Chastain marked the 12th consecutive points race a Cup driver 30 or under has won.

STAGE 1 WINNER: Daniel Suarez

STAGE 2 WINNER: Denny Hamlin

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