We may not race for points at North Wilkesboro (yet), but the All-Star Race delivered some excellent action. Christopher Bell claimed the $1 million purse in a thrilling battle with Joey Logano. Next up for NASCAR, we head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the season’s longest race – the 2025 Coca-Cola 600.
The 600 represents one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, but this weekend also includes two other massive events. Across the pond, Formula One hits the streets of Southern Europe for the Monaco GP. Meanwhile, up in Indiana, IndyCar holds the biggest race of the season as drivers compete for the Indianapolis 500. We’ll talk a bit about all three, but first, let’s dive into NASCAR.
2025 Coca-Cola 600 Entry List
For the first time in a while, NASCAR will see a full field of 40 cars take the track on Sunday. In addition to the 36 charter entries, four open cars will also race in the 600. Most significantly, seven-time champ Jimmie Johnson returns to the track in the #84 for his team, Legacy Motor Club.
A full-throttle weekend of remembrance.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 20, 2025
This is the #CocaCola600. pic.twitter.com/w0QBV2hrIM
Another exciting entrant comes in the form of young phenom Connor Zilisch in the #87 for Trackhouse. Zilisch hasn’t taken the track in NASCAR since his injury at Talladega a few weeks back, but he will return to the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series this weekend.
Joining Johnson and Zilisch as open entries for the Coca-Cola 600 are Derek Kraus in the #44 and Josh Bilicki in the #66.
2025 Coca-Cola 600 Race Predictions
Last time NASCAR raced at a 1.5-mile circuit, Kyle Larson dominated en route to a victory at Kansas Speedway. Expect the #5 car to factor in once again, but one of the biggest stories of the weekend comes in the form of Larson once again attempting the double.
One day. 1,100 miles. Two completely different race cars. @KyleLarsonRacin walks us through the differences between a NASCAR Stock Car and an @IndyCar. pic.twitter.com/FlS8GRONDL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 22, 2025
Kyle Larson will take the green flag in the Indianapolis 500 and then fly to from Indy to Charlotte for the 600. While the double has been attempted multiple times, Tony Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles of both races.
Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, represented his biggest challenger at Kansas before getting mired back in the pack due to a slow pit stop. I expect Elliott, as well as William Byron, to be challengers on race day.
From the Ford camp, all the Penske cars will likely possess the speed to challenge for a win. At some point, it feels like Ryan Blaney’s luck will have to turn. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening this weekend.
Jimmie Johnson wins the 2005 Coca-Cola 600 by .027 seconds over Bobby Labonte, the closest finish in 600 history pic.twitter.com/pQa1vpzvQ0
— Real Racing (@alwaysrealracin) May 22, 2025
For my race winner pick, I’m heading to the Joe Gibbs Racing camp and looking at Christopher Bell to get another win streak started and remain hot after his All-Star victory.
Monaco GP
I did want to dive into the other races taking place on Sunday, as motorsports fans have a full docket of racing to keep them satisfied. The action kicks off with the Monaco Grand Prix.
While the racing at Monaco proves extremely challenging given the narrow streets and size of the cars that prevent any real overtake zones, this race remains a showcase for the series and all the glitz and glam that come along with Formula One.
🏁 END OF FP2 🏁
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 23, 2025
TOP 10
Leclerc 👏
Piastri
Hamilton
Norris
Lawson
Hadjar
Alonso
Albon
Antonelli
Verstappen#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/0V2Bx4k1LO
With how strong McLaren looks this season, I’m taking Oscar Piastri to finish atop the podium, though Max Verstappen likely factors in to the equation as well. Charles LeClerc ran fastest in practice on Friday and very well could claim another Monaco GP victory as well.
Indiapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 represents the pinnacle of North American Motorsports each year. The event draws massive crowds and delivers excellent on-track action as well. Drivers will use the slipstream of cars ahead of them to create passing opportunities heading into the corners, but if qualifying has been any indicator, the racing is going to be even more treacherous this year.
IT'S CARB DAY ‼️#Indy500 practice is live on FS1 for the drivers and teams' final practice before Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ZcGhKvVUyO
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 23, 2025
Josef Newgarden hits the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway looking for a third straight victory in the 500, but he’ll have his work cut out for him after both he and his Penske teammate, Will Power, were penalized and will start at the rear of the field.
Takuma Sato also hopes to win a third 500 this Sunday. The two-time winner starts from second and always factors into the finish of this race.
For my official race winner pick, however, I’m taking Scott Dixon. The cagey veteran is hungry for a second Indy 500 win and starts from inside the top ten on Sunday.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 05/23
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3:40 p.m. CT on FS2
General Tire 150 (ARCA Menards Series) – 5:00 p.m. CT on FS1
North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 05/24
Formula One Qualifying – 9:00 a.m. CT on ESPN
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 11:10 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 1:40 p.m. CT on Prime
BetMGM 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 3:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 05/25
Monaco Grand Prix (Formula One) – 8:00 a.m. CT on ESPN
Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar) – 11:45 a.m. CT on FOX
Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 5:00 p.m. CT on Prime and Max
Stay locked into Apollo for more NASCAR and F1 coverage throughout the racing season! Follow @CoachJayArnold and @ApolloHOU on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and check out our Instagram – Apollo NASCAR!
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