A somber weekend for NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for its annual Coca‑Cola 600 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with practice and qualifying slated for May 23. The event comes just days after the sudden death of veteran driver Kyle Busch, a two‑time champion whose passing has left the sport in mourning.
In honor of Busch, Richard Childress Racing announced that it will suspend the No. 8 car for the upcoming race, a move that underscores the deep respect the organization holds for the driver who claimed 60 victories in the series. Austin Hill, who has been selected to take the wheel of Busch’s car this week, will carry the weight of that legacy as he steps into the cockpit.
Tributes and schedule details
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell confirmed that the series plans a series of tributes to Busch throughout the weekend, though specific details have yet to be released. Qualifying is scheduled for 2:40 p.m. Eastern, following practice that begins at 1:30 p.m., both of which will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video.
Fans can also catch radio coverage on SiriusXM and PRN, while additional audio streams will be available through NASCAR.com and SiriusXM. The weekend’s schedule reflects a blend of competition and remembrance, as the series seeks to celebrate Busch’s contributions while supporting his family and teammates.
Broadcast and coverage details
The qualifying session and the Coca‑Cola 600 itself will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with the race itself set for later in the weekend. The broadcast will be complemented by live radio feeds on SiriusXM and PRN, ensuring that viewers and listeners across the country can follow the action in real time.