NASCAR driver Ross Chastain kicked off the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 from the back of the pack but made waves by being the first to cross the finish line after 400 intense laps. Following his incredible victory, he celebrated in style atop his No. 1 Chevrolet, smashing a watermelon onto the Charlotte Motor Speedway as fireworks lit up the night sky.

This watermelon, a centerpiece of his celebratory tradition, hails from Chastain’s family farm in Fort Myers, Florida, symbolizing years of dedication and hard work.

Watch Our Interview

Meet Ross Chastain

Chastain has roots deeply embedded in farming, having grown up alongside his father, grandfather, and brother on their watermelon farm. He often found himself at a nearby racetrack, first watching his father race, and eventually taking the wheel himself. His racing career took off when he won his first local race as a teenager, leading him to pursue racing full-time.

Although Chastain now spends his days behind the wheel rather than on a tractor, the invaluable lessons learned on the farm continue to guide him.

“In agriculture, you have to rise each day to solve problems,” he remarked. “Racing is no different. Every day presents new challenges, but you tackle them head-on. Consistency and hard work often lead to luck.”

Promoting Agriculture and Watermelon Farming

Ross Chastain is leveraging his fame to champion the watermelon industry and agriculture at large. In 2023, he unveiled “Ag to Asphalt,” a video series featuring farm visits near race locations.

“As a race car driver, I attract attention that allows me to highlight farms,” he noted. “It’s a chance to educate the public about where their food comes from and to showcase the families that cultivate these crops.”

Episode Highlights

• Chastain’s family has been farming since migrating from France to the U.S. in the 1700s. The family moved their watermelon farm to Florida in the 1950s to take advantage of an earlier growing season.
• Despite years of professional racing without a win, his celebratory watermelon smash has become a beloved tradition.
• Through “Ag to Asphalt,” Chastain interviews farmers across the nation as he travels from race to race, promoting farm life.
• While he helps on the family farm during his downtime, he focuses on watermelon advocacy.
• His advice to aspiring young farmers? “Keep showing up and doing the work.”
• As for his favorite watermelon-eating method, he prefers it fresh off the vine on hot days, enjoying it right off the truck tailgate – “There’s nothing like it.”

Links and Resources

• Explore Ross Chastain’s Ag to Asphalt video series.
• Stay updated with more from Agriculture.com.

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