NASCAR hits the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600. The best in the series will compete for the win, but it’s hard to write this preview given the tragic news out of the NASCAR world this week. Last night, we lost Kyle Busch – a titan of the sport.
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
“Rowdy” was a pivotal part of my own personal journey in the sport of NASCAR. I grew up a die-hard fan of Jeff Gordon. I can’t quite remember a prospect in those early days of NASCAR fandom quite like Kyle Busch. The hyped driver out of Las Vegas arrived on the scene in 2001 as a 16-year-old in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
In 2004, he competed for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series, where his battles against Martin Truex Jr. mark some of my most vivid memories of the developmental series in my own developmental years. After finishing as Rookie of the Year in the series, Busch made the jump to the Cup Series in 2005, where he repeated the ROTY feat and became an instant superstar in the sport.
Busch was a fiery competitor, brash at times – never under any circumstances afraid to give his honest opinion. Whether you loved him or hated him, his talent was undeniable. He went on to win two Cup Series Championships and over 200 races across the top three series in the sport. Kyle grew and developed and matured throughout his career without ever losing who he was as a driver. He was also an incredible family man, and my thoughts are with his family in this terrible time.
The Busch Family and the entire world of motorsports have a vast hole now. The racing will continue, but the sense of emptiness this weekend will loom large for a competitor that inspired incredible emotion every time he showed up to the track.
2026 Coca-Cola 600 Entry List
39 drivers will vie for the checkered flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, including Katherine Legge in the #78, who will attempt to run both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. Joining Legge as open entries on Sunday are Corey Heim in the #67 and Timmy Hill in the #66. Austin Hill pilots the #8 for Richard Childress Racing this week, an incredibly heavy role given the tragic circumstances surrounding his entry.
When the sun goes down, the action picks up. pic.twitter.com/TsXlzk3Ln9
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race in NASCAR by mileage, putting drivers, teams, and cars to the test. Track conditions will change as the sun goes down, meaning teams will have to adjust to stay competitive. Charlotte has featured some fantastic racing in the NextGen car, including last year’s thrilling race. Weather will likely play a role as well, something to keep an eye on.
2026 Coca-Cola 600 Predictions
The most recent race at a 1.5-mile circuit was Chase Elliott’s victory at Texas Motor Speedway. The #9 was thoroughly impressive in holding off a hard-charging Denny Hamlin towards the end of the race. I expect the #9 to run near the front on Sunday once again, as well as Hamlin in the #11.
Ross Chastain in the #1 was the winner of this race last year, but Trackhouse simply hasn’t had the speed this year for me to believe he can compete for the win.
Another smashing #CocaCola600 victory on Sunday for @RossChastain would be just what the No. 1 team needs. pic.twitter.com/0ZoYd9CAZx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 20, 2026
I’d expect Tyler Reddick to factor into this race given how quick the #45 team has been basically everywhere, but I’m going to go with Carson Hocevar for my race winner pick. The #77 showed speed last year at Charlotte before a blown engine ended his day. I think the Spire Motorsports driver is primed for his first non-drafting win in the Cup Series.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend, and be sure to keep an eye out for any weather-related changes.
Friday 05/22
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – 2:30 p.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3:35 p.m. CT on FS2
North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 05/23
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 10:00 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 11:05 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 12:30 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 1:40 p.m. CT on Prime
Charbroil 300 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 4:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 05/23
Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 5:00 p.m. CT on Prime and HBO Max
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