Back to points racing after an All-Star excursion in North Wilkesboro. It was a rejuvenation of old school racing at an old school track as we come into one of NASCAR’s Crown Jewel races, the famed Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.
Here’s what to look for:
-By virtue of rain, William Byron will start 1st. He doesn’t need any help getting to the front in 2023, he’s already got three Wins in 13 weeks! Charlotte is a different story though, a 19.3 average finish in six attempts with one Top 5. Is today the day for Willie B?
–Denny Hamlin won last year’s race from Pole, but only led 15 of 413 laps. How the heck did he manage that? In any event, he’s officially a Coca-Cola 600 winner, and will have to be taken seriously today. He’ll roll off 4th.
–Martin Truex Jr. has the best average finish among active drivers over the last ten races, a stunning 7.7. That speaks to his driving prowess as well as the equipment beneath him. He’s got three Charlotte (not ROVAL) Wins in that time frame, and will look to add another today. Truex launches from the 18th position.
-In four attempts, Tyler Reddick has a worst of 14th with three Top 10s and a 9.3 average finish. He’s yet to crack the Top 5, but these numbers have a way of adding up to success. Reddick will start 15th, but he’ll have plenty of time to work his way to the front. He’s got Michael Jordan on the hood today in North Carolina blue.
–Jimmie Johnson is back in the Coca-Cola 600 for the first time since 2020. In that race he started 40th and finished 11th — he’ll be starting 40th today, too! In 37 career starts, Johnson has eight Wins at Charlotte.
Coverage of the race today starts on FOX at 6:00pm, green flag scheduled for 6:21pm.
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