Note: PRN has the radio coverage of the Coca-Cola 600.
Starting Lineup | Pit Stall Assignments | Paint Schemes
Stories to follow in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Endurance Factor
The longest race of the season brings with it a variety of challenges not in the least is the added 100 miles to any race currently on the Cup Series schedule. While the days of “man versus machine,” as was the selling point in the 600’s early years, are over thanks to the durability of today’s Cup cars there is still a fatigue factor behind the wheel to consider.
Stage Racing
The 600 also is unique in the number of stages that make up the event. There is an extra stage built into the race with four comprised of 100 laps each adding up to the 400 total around the 1.5-mile track. That means there are more points of both the regular season and playoff variety available, adding more importance to the unique race. 2018 Stage Points
Long Climb for Harvick
The hottest driver in the series will have his work cut out on Sunday. Kevin Harvick, who has won five of the season’s first twelve races as well as last week’s All-Star Race, will take the green flag from the 39th starting spot. His car failed pre-qualifying inspection three times on Thursday and Harvick did not take a lap thus relegating him to the back of the field. Since all drivers now start on fresh tires rather than those qualified on, a new policy going into effect this weekend, there is no benefit to Harvick’s plight.
Rules Package
Speaking of the All-Star Race, last weekend’s popular rules package featuring a restrictor plate and aerodynamic modifications, will not be in use on Sunday. The “regular” 2018 Cup Series rules package is in play meaning the three and sometimes four-wide racing seen at times last Saturday night will be difficult. What kind of racing will Sunday’s race generate and how will fans react?
New Winner?
The first 11 starting spots are occupied by drivers who have never scored a Coca-Cola 600 win, including pole sitter Kyle Busch still looking to score a Cup Series points-paying win at CMS. Among that group Denny Hamlin, Erik Jones, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Blaney, Aric Almirola, Daniel Suarez and Kyle Larson are all also winless in 2018. Read More
Strategy Play
Fuel mileage has decided the winner of the Coca-Cola 600 many times including last year when Austin Dillon raced by Jimmie Johnson, who ran out of gas, on the final lap to win the race. Look for creativity from crew chiefs and the possibility a similar situation unfolds on Sunday night.
