When it comes to iconic NASCAR races, the 2005 running of NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 is up there as one of the wilded and most bizarre. It was May 29th, 2005, a few hours after Dan Wheldon had won his first Indianapolis 500 earlier in the day.
43 drivers took part in NASCAR’s longest race and through 5+ hours of chaos, it came down to an aging champion searching for one last moment of glory and a new superstar on the cusp of greatness.
The race kicked off in the daylight with Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon leading the field to the green flag. Seven laps were run before the caution flew and the safety vehicles were deployed in what would be a very busy night for them. Martin Truex Jr. rubbed the wall and while it was nothing major, it was the beginning of the most caution-filled race in NASCAR history.
The first 100 laps were fairly subdued and nothing peculiar occurred. But as Kyle Busch defended the lead against then-teammate Gordon, a multi-car pileup ensued on the backstretch. No big names collected, but the free pass did go to 2000 NASCAR Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte, who had started back in 34th. And you’re going to want to remember that name for later.
Chaos reigns
Things began to unravel from that point onward. The race could hardly go 20 laps without an incident. Ten cautions flew between lap 115 and 240. Perhaps the most notable incident happened on the 247th lap, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. and then-teammate Michael Waltrip were battling for position. A misjudged crossover move by Earnhardt sent Waltrip spinning wildly down the frontstretch, destroying both cars in the process. Former Cup champions Matt Kenseth and Terry Labonte also got swept up in the mess and had their nights ended prematurely. Terry’s brother Bobby was able to weave through the chaos and just barely avoid the out-of-control race cars.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Photo by: George Tiedemann via Getty Images
When the race returned to green flag conditions, the carnage began to subside (for the moment) and everyone finally got the chance to take a breath after 375 miles of almost non-stop destruction. The cautions continued to trickle in, but they were for minor things such as a piece of debris or oil on the track. But when Kasey Kahne blew a right front tire and threw debris all over the track, NASCAR was forced to display the yellow once more. How was this yellow more significant than the others? Well, it happened in the middle of green flag pit stops and just like that, the running order was turned upside down.
The race-altering yellow
All four Hendrick cars were trapped deep in the running order, as were many other top contenders. One driver was told to pit by his crew chief seconds before the caution was displayed, but that driver called an audible and decided to wait after seeing Kahne limping around on the apron. That driver would be veteran Bobby Labonte, who now ran second to Carl Edwards. With the rules as they were back then, cars that stayed out to get a lap back weren’t waved around the pace car. Instead, they restarted just ahead of the leaders at the tail-end of the lead lap, putting Edwards and Labonte in the middle of the field — and the eye of the storm.
On lap 364, Joe Nemehcek fought his way through the traffic and took over the race lead. With the drivers tired and the race running incredibly late, tempers began to flare. Under caution, Edwards and Dale Jarrett got into a shoving match with their cars over some earlier contact.
Another massive pileup took place with just twenty laps remaining. Seven cars in total received damage including notables such as Gordon, Brian Vickers, Kevin Harvick, and Mark Martin. Jimmie Johnson was lucky to be directly in front of the accident as few behind it made it through. That wreck officially broke the old NASCAR record for cautions in a single Cup race, and they weren’t even done tearing up equipment yet.
Brian Vickers, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet damage
Photo by: Getty Images
As for Johnson, he had been quietly avoiding drama throughout the race. He entered the event as the favorite, and not just because the track was called Lowe’s Motor Speedway at the time, which was also his primary sponsor. Johnson was the defending winner of the Coke 600 and swept both races at Charlotte the previous year. He was now one of the few drivers left standing in the closing laps.
And this race wasn’t done surprising us just yet. As the laps ticked down to under ten laps remaining, race leader Nemechek lost control and backed it into the wall due to a tire failure. His mangled No. 01 machine slid down the track and directly into the path of Johnson. The No. 48 somehow made it through the blinding smoke, inches away from what would have been a terrible impact.
Joe Nemechek crashes from the lead
Photo by: Getty Images
The lead was put into the hands of none other than Bobby Labonte. That weekend was weird for him, even before the green flag flew. His bright green Interstate Batteries car was replaced with FedEx colors for this race because his teammate Jason Leffler, who had originally carried the scheme, failed to qualify for the event. The company then made an unusual deal with Gibbs to be placed on the No. 18 car. Labonte was also facing a winless streak that dated back to the end of the 2003 season and he was eager to return to Victory Lane.
Labonte fights to the bitter end
The race was red-flagged with nine laps to go and the commentators decided to speak with Labonte, but as they quickly found out, he wasn’t in the mood for chatting.
“You got me Bobby?” … “Yeah.” … “Do you think you can hold him off?”… “I’m gonna try.” … “How good is your car? As good as it’s been all night I guess?” … “Yeah.”
He was so focused on the mission ahead of him, knowing he had the inferior car. But he was not about to bow down in the face of such odds. That weekend was also the tenth anniversary of Labonte’s first win at the Cup level, which came at this same race in 1995. He knew that behind him, he had a hungry rookie in Edwards and Johnson’s Hendrick-powered No. 48. Johnson also had slightly fresher tires than those ahead of him.
The race resumed with just six laps left. Johnson quickly moved forward, taking second with four laps and six miles left to run Labonte down. Well, he was on him in a single lap.
Labonte fought with everything he had, but he also had a reputation as one of the cleanest drivers in the field. He wasn’t about to get physical in this tense battle for the win. Johnson sent it to the inside of Labonte in Turn 1 on the final lap, but he got too tight and had to lift. It looked as if the battle was over, but Johnson was not finished yet. He sent it deep into the final set of corners on the outside, sparks flying out from under his No. 48 Chevrolet. He clawed forward, pulling alongside Labonte out of Turn 4 as the stands erupted with camera flashes.
At the line, just 0.027s separated them in the closest finish in the entire 65-year history of the Coke 600. Johnson enjoyed the sweet taste of Victory Lane champagne that night, while Labonte endured the bitter agony of defeat, kicking the side of his car in disgust. It was not the celebration he had hoped for to commemorate his first NASCAR Cup win from ten years prior. And as fate would have it, Labonte raced on for another decade, and never won again.
The 46th running of the Coca Cola 600 was a riveting, but bizarre event that lasted five hours and 13 minutes. It featured a record number of cautions at 22, which has yet to be beat. 21 of the 43 drivers that started the race led at one point and the driver who led the most laps [Vickers] never even made it to the finish. And when the smoke cleared, only 36 inches stood between the first and second place cars. It signified the clashing of two eras with Labonte, one of the last stars of the Winston Cup era losing to the man who would turn the newly introduced NASCAR playoffs into his personal playground.
And while there have been plenty of weird and wild Coke 600s, nothing compares to what went on this Sunday evening in 2005.
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Kyle Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports protégé, Corey Day, put NASCAR on notice following a standout debut in Australia in the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza ahead of the 2025 High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex. The 20-year-old is enjoying the NASCAR offseason ahead of his first full-time season in stock car racing at Hendrick Motorsports in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Day, dubbed 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion Larson’s protégé, enjoys competing on dirt and did so Down Under, making his debut in Australia. The California-born motorsport star started the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza from 28th and managed to fight his way all the way up to second, finishing behind race winner Buddy Kofoid in the 30-lap affair.
Day will return to action in Perth on Sunday when High Limit kicks into gear. “First night in the books down under, and it was a wild one. P28 to P2 in a non-stop feature. Ready to go with High Limit starting Sunday,” Day said on X.
Day will be hoping to stake a big claim in NASCAR’s second-string national series, following in the footsteps of Connor Zilisch, who has made the jump up to a full-time Cup Series seat. HMS have high hopes for Day, who could be a Cup driver in the near future.
“That was what I was working towards this year,” Day told NASCAR.com. “It wasn’t announced or anything, but my contract was written as next year was an option if this year went well. I guess I did a good enough job to get that option picked up. To say I’m going to run a NASCAR series full-time next year is something I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a little kid. It’s really cool.”
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“I’m ready, I’m excited,” Day added. “This year, I ran a lot of different race cars, which is really challenging to be able to progress a lot in all of them.
“I learned a lot in each and every one of them. It’s hard to be really good at one of them when you only get to do it a certain amount of times per year.”
Day can also lean on the experience of Larson, who claimed a second Cup title last month in Phoenix. Larson was left impressed by Day’s early exploits in the Truck Series this year.
At Nashville and Indianapolis Raceway Park, Day finished fifth and second, prompting praise from Larson. “It was good to see him have a strong run there. It was a track that I thought may, you know, suit his style, being able to move around and search for grip and things,” Larson said.
“He was probably one of the first, if not the first, running below the apron that night and found some speed that way. So, it just lends itself to a dirt guy’s background, probably. But yeah, he’s been slowly getting better here lately in the stock car stuff, and I’m sure gaining confidence. So yeah, I’m hopeful and excited to see how he keeps going in the #17 car,” he added.
This weekend’s action Down Under will pit Day against Larson, who won the $100,000 High Limit International at Perth Motorplex last year.
A historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, is set to make its return to the motorsports calendar after being acquired by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
The IHRA is launching a new stock car series, set to rival NASCAR, with substantial prizes available for competitors. The IHRA Stock Series will offer a $2 million purse for the winner of eight races set for next year, starting in March.
The announcement was made while NASCAR was embroiled in a lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, and the new Tennessee facility will host two events next year. The track, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, will return.
The location has hosted major drag race events, while also staging touring series races. The property is now officially owned by the IHRA and will be used by the organization next year, reviving the location after it was opened in the late 1980s.
“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”
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Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government, added, “As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park. This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come.
“Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.” Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community.
“This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”
Members of the IHRA also spoke about the excitement ahead of a big year. “This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future.
“We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
Leah Martin, President of IHRA, added, “This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
After years of racing out of residential garages, take a look inside Ricky Thornton Jr’s new race shop
Ricky Thornton Jr won 31 races in the 2025 season. He went on to finish 2nd in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings.
He’s has been racing since 2005. And until now, he has only used residential garages outside of other teams he’s raced for.
400+ wins and 30+ championships later, he has opened a new shop in Iowa. Koehler Motorsports will continue to use their shop in Mount Airy, NC. But, the Iowa shop will also be used when the team is in the area.
Take a look at the photos of the Ricky Thornton Jr Racing shop below.
Ricky Thornton Jr Racing comments
The team shared the following update:
“After a career of racing out of residential garages, (and some beautiful shops of others) Ricky finally has his very own personal race shop. A true dream come true,” the team opened via social media.
“Graystone Companies- thank you Troy for the time you put into this project. Deadlines & expectations were heavily exceeded! If you’re looking to build anything in the Des Moines metro, Graystone Companies is what you’re looking for! Thank you to Ganoe Excavating, Inc. for the dirt work, D and E Outside Services for the tree removal, and Matt Allen for the floor finish!”
“Our Koehler Motorsports team will continue to race out of their Mount Airy, NC shop, but our Iowa shop will be a frequent stopping point throughout the summer!”
The 2026 season is set to begin. Thornton Jr is heading to Central Arizona Raceway for the Wild West Shootout beginning on January 10th.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series removes playoff format for 2026
Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop (Photos)
Ricky Thornton Jr Race ShopBathroom – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaRicky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaFormer Shop – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – Iowa
The 2026 season will be a special one for Team Penske, which made its first foray into the racing scene in 1966. Whether it’s NASCAR, IndyCar or IMSA, Team Penske has enjoyed plenty of success and plans to savor many more victories in the future.
Team Penske cars in all three major series will sport special retro livery at select races, while the team will also introduce an anniversary identity that will appear across its race cars, uniforms, digital platforms and merchandise, with the first items available online and in the team store beginning in January.
“Our 60th anniversary is a tremendous milestone for our organization,” Roger Penske said in a team release. “The 2026 season will give us the opportunity to celebrate the people, partners and fans who have helped shape Team Penske since 1966, while also looking ahead to the future. This year ahead is a meaningful one with many terrific moments for our team and story still to come.”
Few teams can match the Penske programs when it comes to success on the track. The team has 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 wins and has won at least one major championship for the past 14 years, including last season’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship sweep of the team, drivers and manufacturers titles. It was the second straight season Porsche Penske swept the awards and last season saw the team become the first since 2017 to win Daytona and Sebring in the same season.
With the team not competing in the World Endurance Championship in 2026, Team Penske will focus all of its sportscar racing attention on IMSA. Despite winning the GTP title the past two seasons, there will be some new faces on the team in 2026.
The team will see Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor move from the WEC to drive the No. 6 Porsche 963, while the No. 7 will be in the hands of Felipe Nasr and Julien Andlauer. Matt Campbell, one of the championship drivers this season, will serve as the endurance driver for the No. 6 car at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta, while Laurin Heinrich will serve in the same role for the No. 7 Porsche. All six are Porsche factory drivers.
Porsche Penske will begin its 2026 season in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 16-18. The Rolex 24 At Daytona begins Saturday, Jan. 24.
MANAMA: The director of the Kuwaiti Motor Sports Club, Sheikh Sabah Dawood Al-Sabah, praised the outstanding results achieved by the club’s racers in the second round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship on Saturday, emphasizing that they reflect the advanced level reached by Kuwaiti champions in this sport. The team director stated that the racers delivered a remarkable performance in the competitions held at the Bahrain International Circuit’s drag strip.
Abdullah Ali Al-Aqab secured first place in the Pro 29.5 category, while Ahmed Zaman took second place in the 8.5 Index category, and Fawaz Al-Awadhi finished third in the same category. The remaining members of the participating delegation also achieved high rankings in the eight rounds.
Al-Sabah affirmed that these achievements are the fruit of the continuous efforts exerted by the racers and the technical and administrative staff.
He noted the club’s commitment to providing all means of support and care to raise Kuwait’s flag high in regional and international events, wishing them continued success in future competitions.
The second round of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship, the most popular drag racing championship in the region, kicked off over the past two days at the Bahrain International Circuit’s drag strip. The new season of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship is scheduled to run until March, with the third and fourth rounds taking place in January and the championship concluding in March. — KUNA
It’s the biggest motorcycle drag racing grudge race of the year, Kings of Grudge Grinchmas from Orlando Speedworld Dragway and we cover this shocker as a fast mini bike calls out a stretched Suzuki Hayabusa grudge bike on the opening day of this event. We also see some motorcycle drag racing gone wrong as a fast Suzuki Hayabusa and GSXR 1000 suffer engine damage. Enjoy some thrilling motorcycle drag racing from Kings of Grudge
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