The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday 24 May 2026 for the 67th running of the longest race on the Cup Series calendar. Held every year on Memorial Day weekend, the 600-mile endurance test is one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, challenging drivers across four stages as conditions shift from afternoon sunlight to nighttime racing under the lights.
What is the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600?
The Coca-Cola 600 is a NASCAR Cup Series race and one of the sport’s four crown jewel events, alongside the Daytona 500, the Southern 500, and the Brickyard 400. At 600 miles (400 laps), it is the longest scheduled race on the NASCAR calendar and a gruelling test of both driver endurance and mechanical reliability. The race is divided into four stages of 100 laps each, with stage breaks offering teams the chance to make strategic pit stops and adjustments.
What sets the Coca-Cola 600 apart is the transition from daylight to darkness. The green flag drops at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, meaning the opening stages unfold in full sunlight, the middle portion takes place at dusk, and the final laps are run under floodlights. This shift dramatically alters track conditions and tyre grip, adding an extra layer of complexity that few other races can match.
When is the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600?
The 2026 Coca-Cola 600 takes place on Sunday 24 May, with the green flag scheduled for 6:00 PM ET. The race forms the centrepiece of a full NASCAR Spring Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which also features the NC Education Lottery 200 (Truck Series) on Friday 22 May and the Charbroil 300 (Xfinity Series) on Saturday 23 May. Pre-race festivities on Sunday include military appreciation ceremonies and a Brad Paisley concert before the main event.
Where is the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600?
The race is held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, roughly 20 minutes northeast of downtown Charlotte. The 1.5-mile quad-oval features 24-degree banking in the turns and 5-degree banking on the straights, producing high speeds and close racing. The facility has a capacity of approximately 95,000 spectators and sits on a nearly 2,000-acre complex that also includes a 2.25-mile road course and a quarter-mile oval. Charlotte Motor Speedway opened in 1960 and has been the permanent home of the Coca-Cola 600 since its inception.
Key Contenders
Ross Chastain is the defending champion after a remarkable victory in 2025, when he drove from last to first in a backup car, overtaking William Byron in the closing laps to win by 0.673 seconds. Byron, who led 283 laps and swept all three stage wins before being passed, will be determined to go one better. Other strong contenders include Kyle Larson, the 2021 winner who thrives on 1.5-mile tracks, Christopher Bell (2024 winner), and Denny Hamlin (2022 winner), all of whom have recent form at Charlotte. Hendrick Motorsports remains the most successful team in race history with 12 victories.
How to Watch
In the United States, the Coca-Cola 600 will be broadcast live on Fox, as the race falls within the first half of the 2026 Cup Series season covered by Fox Sports. Streaming is available through the Fox Sports app, as well as live TV services including Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM. In the United Kingdom, Premier Sports carries live NASCAR Cup Series coverage throughout the season, accessible as an add-on through Sky Sports and Amazon Prime. In Australia, Fox Sports covers the Cup Series, while fans in other markets should check local listings or consider a NASCAR TrackPass subscription for international streaming.
History and Records
First run as the World 600 on 19 June 1960, the race was created to rival the Indianapolis 500 on the Memorial Day calendar. It has been sponsored by Coca-Cola since 1985 and renamed the Coca-Cola 600 in 1986. Darrell Waltrip holds the all-time record with five victories (1978, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1989), while Jimmie Johnson is the only driver to win three consecutive editions (2003, 2004, 2005), finishing with four wins in total. Martin Truex Jr. set the record for laps led in 2016, dominating 392 of 400 laps en route to victory at a record average speed of 160.655 mph. Chevrolet is the most successful manufacturer with 26 wins. The race has produced some of NASCAR’s most memorable moments, with the daylight-to-darkness format regularly creating dramatic finishes.
Tickets and Attendance
Sunday race tickets for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 are officially sold out through Charlotte Motor Speedway, reflecting the event’s enduring popularity. Tickets on the secondary market are available through platforms such as Vivid Seats and StubHub, with prices starting from around $78 and averaging approximately $155 depending on seating location. Premium options including Club Suites are available for those seeking a hospitality experience. Camping is also available at the Turn 4 Campground, though some tent sites are already sold out. For ticket enquiries, fans can contact Charlotte Motor Speedway directly on 800-455-FANS.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 start?
The 2026 Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for Sunday 24 May at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Where is the Coca-Cola 600 held?
Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, United States.
How can I watch the Coca-Cola 600?
In the US, the race airs live on Fox. In the UK, it is available on Premier Sports. Streaming options include the Fox Sports app, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Who won the Coca-Cola 600 last year?
Ross Chastain won the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, overtaking William Byron in the final laps after starting from the back of the field in a backup car.