The Coca-Cola 600 is a 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on Memorial Day weekend. First held in 1960, it is the longest race on NASCAR's schedule and is known for its unique day-to-night transition, with track conditions changing significantly throughout the race. The race begins in the late afternoon and continues into the night, providing drivers with a challenging and dynamic racing experience.
1959: Conception of Charlotte Motor Speedway
In 1959, Curtis Turner was inspired to build a race track in North Carolina after seeing Bill France Sr.'s Daytona International Speedway. He partnered with Bruton Smith, who had a similar idea, to make this vision a reality.
June 19, 1960: Charlotte Motor Speedway Opening
The Charlotte Motor Speedway officially opened on June 19, 1960, marking a significant milestone in motorsports history.
1960: Construction Challenges and Delays
The construction of the Charlotte Motor Speedway faced unexpected challenges in 1960. Unforeseen granite under the topsoil and a snowstorm caused significant delays and budget overruns.
1960: Inaugural World 600
The first World 600 race, marking the beginning of this prestigious NASCAR tradition, took place in 1960 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
1960: World 600 Era Begins
The race was christened the World 600 in 1960, a name that would stick for over two decades.
1961: Pearson's Early Triumph
Future NASCAR legend David Pearson secured his first win at the 1961 World 600, foreshadowing a career filled with victories.
1974: Head-to-Head Competition with Indianapolis 500
In 1974, the Coca-Cola 600, then the World 600, and the Indianapolis 500 were held on the same day for the first time, creating a debate about drivers participating in both.
1984: World 600 Era Ends
The era of the World 600 concluded in 1984, making way for a new chapter in the race's naming history.
1985: Coca-Cola Enters the Picture
The year 1985 saw Coca-Cola becoming the title sponsor, leading to the race's name changing to the Coca-Cola World 600.
1986: Name Shortened
The race's name was streamlined to the Coca-Cola 600 in 1986, a moniker that has largely endured.
1992: Introduction of Night Racing
Lights were installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1992. In response to fan requests, the race start time was gradually shifted later to offer cooler temperatures during the event.
2001: Standardized Start Time
By 2001, the Coca-Cola 600 start time settled at 5:30 p.m., aiming for a 10 p.m. ET finish to accommodate local news schedules on Fox affiliates.
2002: Honoring the Coca-Cola Racing Family
Reflecting the involvement of Coca-Cola-sponsored drivers, the race was renamed the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 in 2002.
2003: Return to Coca-Cola 600
The race reverted to its previous name, the Coca-Cola 600, in 2003, solidifying its identity under the Coca-Cola brand.
2009: First Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day
The Coca-Cola 600 was held on Memorial Day itself for the first time in 2009, following a rain postponement from its original May 24 date.
2011: Return to Noon Start Time
The Indianapolis 500 reverted to a noon Eastern start time in 2011, reintroducing the possibility of "Double Duty." However, only one attempt has been made since.
2014: Kurt Busch Attempts "Double Duty"
In 2014, Kurt Busch attempted "Double Duty," participating in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. This was the first such attempt since the Indianapolis 500's start time shifted.
2017: Austin Dillon's Inaugural Win
Austin Dillon became the latest driver to date to secure his first NASCAR Cup Series win at the Coca-Cola 600, achieving this feat in the 2017 race.
2018: Kyle Busch's Perfect Score
In 2018, Kyle Busch achieved a rare feat by winning all four stages and the race itself, earning a maximum 70 points, a record made possible by the four-stage format.
2021: Larson Matches Busch's Feat
Kyle Larson replicated Kyle Busch's 2018 accomplishment in 2021, sweeping all four stages and the Coca-Cola 600 to earn a perfect 70 points.