The Coca-Cola 600 isn’t just another race—it’s a true test of endurance and strategy for drivers. On May 25, NASCAR Cup Series drivers will take on 600 miles under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While no easy task, the thrill of crossing the finish line makes it one of the most rewarding victories of the season.

From hydration routines and workout regimens to mental preparation and in-car adjustments, every driver has their own way of getting ready for this ultimate test of stamina. Here’s how some of NASCAR’s best prepare for one of the most anticipated nights on the schedule:

Ross Chastain, No. 1, Trackhouse Racing

“Preparing for a 600-mile race like the Coca-Cola 600 is really about just being able to do the same thing, 400 laps, 400 times. So, running long distances and cycling long distances, getting more than an hour doing either of those is where you really find the pain cave. So, just more time, doing the same exercises, and I’m always trying to build up those times to be longer, but to be honest, there’s no way to prepare for 600 miles in a cup car around Charlotte (Motor Speedway).”

Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske

“I think what makes the Coke 600 difficult to prepare for is obviously the length of the race, longer than any other race we do, but all of the stages being equal lengths, it’s really easy to separate it out as you’re going through the race. No different than running on the treadmill, you get down, you look down, you see that a quarter mile, it’s like, all right, I got three more of those to go. It’s the same way you get on with the first stage. It’s 100 laps, so tell yourself, ‘just got to do that three more times.’”

Brad Keselowski, No. 6, RFK Racing

“I don’t know, at some point, you either got it or, you know, you know, some people prepare all the time. Some people are just ready.”

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing

“Hydrate during the week and at the end of the day, you just hope you get a good setup and you get in that rhythm. Charlotte (Motor Speedway) is a racetrack that, if you’re struggling, it’s going to last forever, but just getting mentally in that rhythm of hitting your marks lap after lap and just knowing you’re going to be there for a while. It’s a race that, as a driver, it’s a grind to be out there for that long. Mentally and physically, it’s taxing. So, when you win that race, I think it adds to that as a driver, you’ve really accomplished something because it’s not an easy race. Forget about winning, but just to get yourself through, on top of it, being 39 of the best in the world is what makes, for many reasons, the Coke 600, one of the biggest races, I think that’s in motorsports.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47, Hyak Motorsports

“Preparing for the Coke 600, it’s just another race for us. Once we’re in the race, we’re all pretty focused, really, the whole time. So, physically, I work out nonstop. I work out with no air conditioning. Make sure you hydrate. Hydration is probably the biggest key to that long race, and you’re in there sweating for five hours or so, and that can get pretty taxing.”

Shane Van Ginsbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing

“That’s one of the toughest races. I’ll be prepared and start it up as much as possible, and then physically hydrate it as much as I can before the race, because that’s the longest race I’ve ever done.”

TICKETS:

Fans can purchase Coca-Cola 600 weekend tickets, online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

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The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will be back for a third year in July, and Chicago Police and NASCAR representatives met with South Loop neighbors Wednesday to hear their concerns when it comes to safety.

While the revving of engines in Grant Park is welcomed by some, many who live in the area are not fans of the congestion the event ushers their way.

Paul Wasserman has called the South Loop home for 30 years, but in recent years, he has dreaded the NASCAR Street Race due to the lack of access.

“It’s really tough on the neighborhood during NASCAR,” Wasserman said.

As NASCAR plans to descend over several streets surrounding Grant Park for the third year in a row, many like Wasserman are fed up with what comes with the race.

“Occasionally when there’s an event going on down here, you get like a bad day or maybe a bad night for like a Beyoncé concert [at Soldier Field] or something, but this is like that, but for however long NSACAR goes on,” Wasserman said.

At the community meeting Wednesday night, Wasserman’s South Loop neighbors came together to voice their concerns directly to the Chicago Police Department — and specifically to NASCAR Chicago.

“I understand it’s a lot of people live down here, and they’re not interested in their front yard being a party every weekend,” said Central (1st) District police Cmdr. David Harris.

NASCAR said it is heeding neighbors’ concerns.

“We have been working very hard to minimize those disruptions,” said Julie Giese of NASCAR Chicago.

NASCAR said there will be a total of 25 days from setup to clearing the course and blocked roads, albeit for only two days of racing.

“We’re going to continue to get better at this,” Giese said.

Residents are waiting to see how the new changes will play out, but Wasserman stands by his opinion.

“I understand that we might have to live with it, but if it were elsewhere, I’d be happier,” he said.

The city entered into a three-year contract with NASCAR under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. This year is the third for the race.

Giese was asked if NASCAR plans to return again for a street race in 2026.

“Again, right now, our focus is on this year’s event,” she said. “We have those option years. We’ll have those conversations.”

The race is set for July 5 and 6..

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

AdventHealth 400

Site: Kansas City, Kansas.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 4:30 p.m., qualifying, 5:40 p.m.; Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (FS1).

Track: Kansas Speedway.

Race distance: 267 laps, 400.5 miles.

Last year: Kyle Larson edged Chris Buescher by .0001 seconds in a photo finish win that broke the record for closest finish in Cup Series history.

Last race: Reigning Cup champion Joey Logano earned his first win of the season in overtime at Texas after passing Michael McDowell with seven to go.

Next race: May 18, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Last race: Kyle Larson earned his second series win this season after a late pass of Sam Mayer in a double-overtime finish at Texas.

Next race: May 24, Concord, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

Heart of America 200

Site: Kansas City, Kansas.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 2:05 p.m., qualifying, 3:10 p.m., race, 7:30 p.m. (FS1).

Track: Kansas Speedway.

Race distance: 134 laps, 201 miles.

Last year: Dominating with a race-high 79 laps, Corey Heim survived a late surge from Zane Smith earning him his second win of the season.

Last race: Corey Heim battled Rhodes and Hemric three wide on the final lap in double overtime to hang on for the win in Texas.

Next race: May 17, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: Oscar Piastri took control away from Verstappen with over 40 laps to go in Miami, earning the championship leader his third-straight win and fourth of the season.

Next race: May 18, Imola, Italy.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Sonsio Grand Prix

Site: Indianapolis.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 9:30 a.m., practice, 1 p.m., qualifications, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, warmup, 11:30 a.m., race, 4:30 p.m. (FOX).

Track: IMS Road Course.

Race distance: 85 laps, 207.32 miles.

Last year: Out of the pole position Alex Palou scored his first victory of the year after taking the lead mid-race and sending him to the top of the standings.

Last race: Palou captured his third win of the year in Birmingham, dominating nearly the entire race and leading 81 of 90 laps.

Next race: May 25, Indianapolis.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Next race: May 18, Elwood, Illinois.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Gettysburg Clash

Site: Abbottstown, Pennsylvania.

Track: Lincoln Speedway (Pa.).

HVAC Distributors Morgan Cup

Site: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Track: Williams Grove Speedway.

Next events: May 14 – 15, Ohsweken, Ontario, Conneaut, Ohio, Marion Center, Pennsylvania, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Cornwall, Ontario.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem is the site of a special race happening on Saturday, May 10 in partnership with Advance Auto Parts and NASCAR.

“Advance Auto Parts Night at the Races” is a new program to bolster local support in 17 NASCAR track markets across the United States and Canada to ramp up excitement and support for local tracks, drivers and communities.

According to Advance Auto Parts, the partnership is aimed to show appreciation to race fans who cheer on their favorite drivers each week, as well as support some of the best venues and racing in NASCAR.

Scott Bradford, District manager for Advance Auto Parts joined the Local Vibe team for a preview on what fans can expect on Saturday.

Click the video player above for the full segment.

Bowman Gray is NASCAR’S first and longest running weekly track. Click here for tickets and to stay updated all year long.

Spire Motorsports, Michael McDowell partners with Carolina Handling for Cup Series race

Updated: 10:18 PM EDT May 7, 2025

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 6, 2025) – A four-tire stop can be completed in under nine seconds, showcasing speed and teamwork from NASCAR’s top athletes. Likewise, Carolina Handling’s 1.1-hour average response time for breakdown calls outperforms the competition, highlighting its exceptional commitment to service and reliability.Carolina Handling, an industry leader in integrated material handling solutions and a cornerstone for Raymond Solutions’ support center in the Southeast, will partner with Michael McDowell, driver of Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1 for the Oct. 19 NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. “Carolina Handling is thrilled to partner with Spire Motorsports, an organization that shares our core values of respect, teamwork and innovation, and aligns with our drive to be elite in service to each other, our customers and our community,” said Brent Hillabrand, President and CEO of Carolina Handling. “Our affiliation with Spire Motorsports and winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell gives the Carolina Handling brand significant visibility and offers us the opportunity for dynamic customer, associate and consumer engagement.”Talladega Superspeedway is a cornerstone on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule and a playoff venue known for its high-speed, nose-to-tail action where the difference between winning and losing almost always comes down to fractions of a second.The 2021 Daytona 500 champion joined Spire Motorsports for the 2025 season, bringing with him a background of leadership and proven track experience throughout his 18 years competing in NASCAR’s premier division. Under the guidance of crew chief Travis Peterson, McDowell is always one to watch on superspeedways. In his most recent appearance at the high-banked 2.66-mile oval, McDowell turned in an impressive 11th-place finish. What started in a North Carolina gas station with just five associates in 1966, Carolina Handling has developed into a one-stop shop for all integrated logistics across the southeast. Carolina Handling, headquartered in Charlotte, has been the leading provider of innovative warehouse solutions, including forklifts, automation systems, and fleet management services. The company’s commitment to integrating automation solutions with confidence paired with the high-performance standards of NASCAR and Spire Motorsports creates a seamless partnership for both teams.”I think this is the perfect opportunity to showcase how our industries can continue to integrate technology into our workforce with confidence,” said McDowell. “Being able to represent a company that has such a strong tie to the Carolinas is important for not only our industry, but our community as well. I am excited to represent the hardworking men and women of Carolina Handling. It should be a great race at Talladega this fall, and we are looking forward to having them join the Spire team.”The YellaWood 500 from Talladega Superspeedway will be televised live on NBC Sunday, October 19 beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 34th of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.About Carolina HandlingFounded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides forklifts and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Greensboro, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina; and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 800 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.About Spire Motorsports Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on March 21, 2025, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

The 2026 Clash will remain in the United States

The 2025 NASCAR season opened with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. NASCAR has explored international options for the race.

However, for 2026, the race will remain in the United States.

“I think as far as next year goes, more than likely it will stay domestic here in the United States,” Ben Kennedy told NBC Sports.

“I wouldn’t ever rule out international in the future, though. We have thoughts about a lot of it being prior to the season, in the off-season, an exhibition race. It’s a great opportunity for us to bring NASCAR racing to other parts of the world.”

The 2026 NASCAR schedule is likely to be released soon.

On June 15th, the NASCAR Cup Series will race in Mexico for the first time. Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City will host the event.

Kyle Busch will be allowed to race in Mexico City

Links

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