History of Coca-Cola 600 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

The Coca-Cola 600 is a 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, during Memorial Day weekend. Inaugurated in 1960, it marked the speedway's debut. As NASCAR's longest race, it presents unique challenges due to its day-to-night transition. Starting in the late afternoon, the race unfolds under changing track conditions as sunlight fades, transitioning through dusk, and culminating under the stadium lights, affecting car handling and strategy.

1959: Turner's Vision

In the spring of 1959, Curtis Turner envisioned building a racetrack near Charlotte, North Carolina, inspired by Daytona International Speedway. He initially planned a $750,000 track with 45,000 seats on his property.

June 19, 1960: First Event at Charlotte Motor Speedway

On June 19, 1960, the first event was held at the newly completed Charlotte Motor Speedway, following a tumultuous construction period.

1960: Race Name: World 600

From 1960, the race was known as the World 600.

1960: Inaugural Race

In 1960, the first race, known as the World 600, was held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marking the venue's inaugural event and the beginning of what would become NASCAR's longest race.

1960: Construction Challenges

In the spring of 1960, construction delays due to granite and a snowstorm led Turner to request a six-week postponement of the inaugural race, as costs ballooned from $750,000 to nearly $2 million.

1961: David Pearson's First Win

In 1961, David Pearson achieved his first career win at the Coca-Cola 600, marking a milestone in his championship career.

1974: Head-to-Head Competition

In 1974, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 competed head-to-head on the same day for the first time, due to Indianapolis changing its policy on Sunday racing.

1984: Race Name: World 600

Until 1984, the race was known as the World 600.

1985: Race Name Change to Coca-Cola World 600

In 1985, the race's name was changed to Coca-Cola World 600.

1986: Race Name Shortened to Coca-Cola 600

In 1986, the race name was shortened to the Coca-Cola 600, also referred to as Coke 600.

1992: Lights Installation

In 1992, after lights were installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway, fans requested a later start time for the race due to the heat, seeking a nighttime finish similar to The Winston.

1994: Jeff Gordon's First Win

In 1994, Jeff Gordon secured his first career win at the Coca-Cola 600, launching his successful career.

1995: Bobby Labonte's First Win

In 1995, Bobby Labonte achieved his first career win at the Coca-Cola 600.

2000: Matt Kenseth's First Win

In 2000, Matt Kenseth celebrated his first career win at the Coca-Cola 600.

2001: Start Time Adjustment

In 2001, the Coca-Cola 600's start time was set at 5:30 pm ET, aiming for a 10 pm finish to align with local news broadcasts on Fox affiliates.

2002: Race Name: Coca-Cola Racing Family 600

In 2002, the race was renamed the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600, highlighting Coca-Cola-sponsored drivers.

2003: Race Name Returns to Coca-Cola 600

In 2003, the race name reverted to the Coca-Cola 600.

2005: Daylight Saving Time Impact

In 2005, Indiana's implementation of daylight saving time reduced the interval between the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, impacting drivers attempting 'Double Duty'.

2007: Casey Mears' First Win

In 2007, the Coca-Cola 600 marked Casey Mears' first career win in the NASCAR Cup Series.

2009: David Reutimann's First Win

In 2009, David Reutimann secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win at the Coca-Cola 600.

2009: Memorial Day Race

In 2009, the Coca-Cola 600, originally scheduled for May 24, was postponed due to rain and became the first race to occur on Memorial Day itself.

2010: Daylight Saving Time Impact

By 2010, daylight saving time in Indiana continued to affect the 'Double Duty' challenge, as the interval between the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 remained short.

2011: Indianapolis 500 Start Time Change

In 2011, the Indianapolis 500 start time was moved back to noon Eastern, further impacting drivers attempting the 'Double Duty' challenge.

2017: Austin Dillon's First Win

In 2017, Austin Dillon secured his first career win at the Coca-Cola 600.

2017: Adoption of Stage Racing Format

In 2017, NASCAR adopted the stage-racing format, and the Coca-Cola 600 was divided into four uniform stages of 100 laps each, making it the only race on the schedule with four stages.