A tribute in the infield grass
The 2026 Coca‑Cola 600 is set for May 24 at 6 p.m. Eastern at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marking the first night race of the season and the centerpiece of a busy motorsport weekend that also includes the Indianapolis 500 and Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix.
The event will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video under NASCAR’s new media rights agreement, giving viewers a direct digital experience of the 400‑lap endurance test that is known for its shifting daylight and nighttime conditions.
Kyle Busch, the two‑time Cup Series champion who passed away earlier this week at age 41, will be honored throughout the weekend. Richard Childress Racing will not field his iconic No. 8 car; instead Austin Hill will drive the No. 33, and the team has painted Busch’s number into the infield grass as a permanent visual tribute.
Qualifying was canceled because of inclement weather, promoting Tyler Reddick to the pole position. He will lead a field that includes Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, all of whom are expected to contend for the victory.
The race’s unique format, which blends daylight and artificial lighting over 400 laps, tests drivers’ adaptability and adds a strategic layer that fans often cite as one of the most demanding in motorsport.
Beyond the on‑track action, the tribute reflects a broader cultural moment for NASCAR, as the sport pauses to remember a driver whose impact stretched across generations and who remains a reference point for current competitors.