Memorial Day weekend is upon us. That is music to the ears of any motorsport fan because of three crown jewels ran on the same day (weather permitting): F1’s Monaco Grand Prix, IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500, and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. There is a lot of buzz around NASCAR’s longest race around the 1.5-mile oval in Concord, North Carolina. While a former president is expected to be in attendance, all eyes on the NASCAR world will look to Kyle Larson for pulling off an ultra-marathon by doubling down with the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600. A race lasting over 4 hours will test any driver both physically and mentally. Winning at Charlotte Motor Speedway solidifies you as a true championship contender. Ask 2023 NASCAR Champion Ryan Blaney.
Driver to Fade:
Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Champion and has the most experience in the field of performing at the highest level at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jimmie put the #48 in victory lane three years in a row from 2003-2005, and again in 2014. Make no mistake though, ol’ seven time is struggling with the Next Generation car since returning to part-time status in the #84 car. He has finished outside of the top 25 in all four of his starts in 2024. Make it a fifth straight finish outside of the top 25 for Jimmie.
Dark Horse:
Noah Gragson seems to have found himself some speed in the #10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford. The talented young driver has finished in the top 10 five times this season already. No track is the same in NASCAR, but Gragson registered top 10’s at other 1.5-mile tracks of Las Vegas and Kansas. Perhaps not as bold as predicting a top 10, but we expect the #10 to finish solidly inside the top 20 for the day.
Top 10:
Weather may have ruined something special. With this pick, we would love to take Kyle Larson, but there is a lot of uncertainty in if/when he will arrive to Charlotte Motor Speedway following a rain-delayed Indianapolis 500. Regardless, one fact remains clear: the Hendrick Motorsports Camaro’s are bad fast this weekend. All four qualified in the Top 10. Larson’s HMS teammate Chase Elliott is celebrating his 300th start this evening and has a top five starting position. Look for a solid run from the #9 car, where we expect him to contend for a Top Ten or better in tonight’s race.
Winner:
William Byron has won at a superspeedway, a road course, and a short track already this season. The one-track type left for the #24 driver to conquer is the bread and butter of NASCAR: the 1.5-mile circuit. Byron will start from the front row for tonight’s race. Expect a battle of epic proportions to play out on the track and in the pits. Rudy Fugle and Byron will get the last laugh and take home the Coca-Cola 600.
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