A Tribute at Charlotte
The 2026 Coca‑Cola 600 is set to light up Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, as NASCAR’s premier 600‑mile event returns to the 1.5‑mile track for its annual 400‑lap showdown. The race will carry added emotional weight after the sudden passing of Kyle Busch, the 41‑year‑old driver who died from complications of severe pneumonia.
In Busch’s absence, Austin Hill will take the wheel of the Richard Childress Racing No. 33 car, lining up 13th on the grid. Hill, a rising talent, inherits a seat steeped in history and will look to honor his predecessor’s legacy while making his own mark.
Tyler Reddick, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season, will start from the pole position, aiming to translate his early momentum into another victory. He will be joined on the front row by Ty Gibbs, who will start in the No. 54 Toyota, positioned just outside the pole.
The event will be broadcast live on Prime Video at 6:00 p.m. ET, with veteran analysts Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte providing commentary throughout the 600‑mile marathon. Their insights will help frame the on‑track battles and the broader storylines surrounding the tribute.
Beyond the racing action, the Coca‑Cola 600 underscores the deep connections between drivers, teams, and sponsors, highlighting how the sport blends tradition with new talent. As the field of 40 drivers takes the green flag, the race promises both a celebration of Kyle Busch’s career and a fresh chapter for the next generation of NASCAR stars.