There’s just something about Memorial Day weekend that makes racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway feel extra special. The energy is off the charts, and the challenge is brutal for any driver who’s ever tried to muscle through 600 miles in one night.
This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Charlotte for the Coca Cola 600, and below are some of the names who have dominated this track.
The Kings of Charlotte: Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports
When you talk about domination at Charlotte, one name immediately jumps out — Jimmie Johnson. He didn’t just win races at Charlotte, he basically set up camp in Victory Lane. With eight Cup Series wins at this track and four Coca-Cola 600 trophies on his shelf (including a ridiculous three in a row from 2003 to 2005), Johnson’s legacy here is legendary.
Jimmie Johnson won the 2014 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte ten years ago today. 🏁
It was his record 7th Cup series win at Charlotte. #CocaCola600 🏁 pic.twitter.com/hLbnYZIgPR
— NASCAR Legends (@LegendsNascar)
And he’s back this year to race at the Coca Cola 600. Johnson returns to the 600 this year, piloting the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, the team he co-owns. And this’ll also be his 700th career Cup Series start. The man’s a living highlight reel, and Charlotte just brings out the best in him.
But Johnson didn’t do it all alone. His team, Hendrick Motorsports, is basically the boss when it comes to this track. They’ve racked up 12 Coca-Cola 600 wins, the most by any team, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. From Jeff Gordon to Chase Elliott, Hendrick drivers have turned Charlotte into their personal playground for years.
The NASCAR Race That Pushes Everyone to Their Limit
The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race in NASCAR — 400 laps, 600 miles, and a whole lot of fast paced racing. Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina, isn’t just a fast track, but a part of NASCAR’s soul. Built in 1959 by Bruton Smith and Curtis Turner, this place has seen it all — wild finishes, rising stars, and those heart warming Memorial Day tributes.
The 2025 edition marks the 13th points race of the season, and last year’s winner, Christopher Bell, is back looking to go two-for-two. He’s fresh off a win at the All-Star Race, so don’t count him out yet. Also in the mix is young gun Connor Zilisch, back from a back injury and making his second Cup oval start, and U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who’ll serve as Grand Marshal.
All told, 40 drivers are set to roll off for one of the most iconic events in all of sports. Chevrolet leads the way with 25 wins at Charlotte, while 56 different drivers have taken the chequered flag here over the decades.
So, buckle up. The Coca-Cola 600 isn’t just a race — it’s a full-blown battle. And as always, Charlotte will crown those who can outlast the rest, whether they’re chasing their first win or adding to a dynasty.