Every Memorial Day Weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series runs a race in their backyard in Concord, North Carolina, which is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Coca-Cola 600 is the ultimate test of man and machine, and showcases true endurance after a grueling 400 laps on the 1.5-mile oval. The race will consist of a full field of 40 drivers, including NASCAR Hall of Famer, Jimmie Johnson, three-time Daytona 500 winner, Denny Hamlin, and one driver attempting 1,100 miles in one day, Kyle Larson. Here’s the scope on the second-biggest race of the season, after the Daytona 500.
Kyle Larson attempting the Double.
“The double” is a challenge many drivers have done over the years, which includes running the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the day, followed by the Coca-Cola 600 in the evening. The last driver to run the double was Kurt Busch in 2014, where he completed the 500, finishing sixth, but blew an engine in the 600, not completing that race. Kyle Larson looks to possibly win the Indy 500, after showing speed during practice and qualifying, and possibly winning the Coca-Cola 600, which he starts 10th in.
Will Ricky Stenhouse Jr. return the favor to Kyle Busch?
After being wrecked out of last Sunday’s All Star Race, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said he would “pay Kyle Busch back” during the Coca-Cola 600. However, on Wednesday, Stenhouse Jr. was fined $75,000 and Richard Childress warned him that he’s “older now and can’t fight how he used to” and would have something for him if he went to far. Since then, Stenhouse stated he has no intentions of wrecking Busch, as he likely understands that last week was not for points and he would be in much bigger trouble if he retaliates Sunday night.
Favorites to win the Coca-Cola 600.
Ty Gibbs will start on the pole (in first place) for Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600, with William Byron starting on his outside in second. Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, who they respectively drive for, have been the teams to beat, with their teammates, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, being the ones up front with the most side-by side battles. Look for these drivers to have a great night after showing speed. Not to mention William Byron has already won the first “crown-jewel” race of the year, being the Daytona 500, and he’d love to go 2-for-2 on the season. Martin Truex Jr., who starts fourth, showed speed in practice and qualifying last night and is still hunting for his first win of the season. His first Coca-Cola 600 win was in 2016, when he dominated the race by leasing 392 out of 400 laps. Keep an eye out for him tonight. For those tuning in for the first time tonight at 6:00PM EST on Fox, pay attention to the Spire Motorsports drivers of #7 Corey LaJoie and #77 Carson However, as both drivers showcased speed last night in practice. This team has picked the pace up drastically, while their teammate, #71 Zane Smith, has struggled to maintain pace and keep the car clean weekly. Hopefully, this team emerges with a few top-10’s tonight and can have a great race. The 2024 Coca-Cola 600 is going to be one for the ages, as the season has already seen a lot of action. Be sure to tune in tonight on Fox at 6:00PM EST.
Every Man on Every Crew 