Multicar Crash Involving Larson, Blaney Shakes Up Stage 3

A dramatic multi-car crash changed the course of the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025. The incident occurred on Lap 246 and brought an abrupt end to the races of several leading drivers, including Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Daniel Suárez.

The event happened during Stage 3, when each lap carries extra pressure and the stakes are high for everyone on the track. Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, was involved as he clipped Ryan Blaney while exiting Turn 4.

The contact caused Briscoe to bounce into Daniel Suárez, sending both cars spinning across the frontstretch. While Blaney struck the outside wall, Suárez spun sideways into the path of Kyle Larson.

Larson, who had recently regained the lead lap after a separate Lap 42 incident, became another casualty of the accident. The crash was particularly disappointing for Larson, who had hoped to complete the “Double”—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and Charlotte NASCAR Cup races on the same day.

Instead, his day ended with a DNF in both events, ending his major attempt for the year. Suárez, Larson, and Blaney were officially scored 36th, 37th, and 38th in the final results, respectively.

All three drivers visited the infield care center after the wreck but were cleared and released soon afterwards, confirming that nobody suffered serious injury.

Justin Haley, who also got caught up in the incident, managed to repair his No. 7 Chevrolet and eventually returned to the track.

Though his chance at a strong finish was limited by the earlier damage. Fans and viewers had the chance to watch replays of the incident, which highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of the race at Charlotte.

Large wrecks like this one serve as reminders of the sudden changes that can take place in NASCAR, even for drivers who seem in control. The rest of the race included several other memorable moments.

A close call for Ty Gibbs kept fans watching, as contact with another car nearly sent him spinning. Before the main event began, the crowd observed a moment of silence, marking Memorial Day weekend and honoring fallen service members with a tribute seen in the Earnhardt film.

William Byron secured a Stage 2 victory as the race continued to shift between dramatic wrecks and impressive saves by drivers throughout the pack. The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the longest races on the NASCAR calendar, testing the endurance and focus of every team and driver.

While some competitors like Chase Briscoe and William Byron managed to avoid trouble and keep their cars on track, the crash that took out Larson, Blaney, and Suárez was a major talking point among fans, analysts, and the race teams themselves.

These unexpected events highlight the importance of strategy, split-second decisions, and sometimes sheer luck when it comes to finishing well in NASCAR’s premier series. As the season moves forward, teams will be analyzing every detail from Charlotte to adjust their approach for upcoming races.

For drivers like Larson and Blaney, the focus will shift to the next challenge, looking for better outcomes and hoping for cleaner races as the Cup Series schedule continues.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.