NASCAR’s Epic Coke 600 Features Full 40-Car Lineup

NASCAR’s longest race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will host a full grid of 40 drivers for its 66th running on Memorial Day Weekend. This marks the first time since the season-opening Daytona 500 that the NASCAR Cup Series has reached a complete field.

The lineup includes 36 teams with guaranteed spots and four extra open entries, adding excitement for fans and teams alike as they prepare for this classic endurance event.

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and four-time winner of the Coke 600, is among the special entries this year. Johnson is set to drive the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, making it his 700th career start in the Cup Series. For more on Johnson’s legendary career, check out his Hall of Fame profile at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Trackhouse Racing will also field an extra car for talented newcomer Connor Zilisch, who will drive the No. 87 Chevrolet. This marks Zilisch’s second Cup start, but it will be his first race on an oval track.

He recently missed a race in Kansas due to a back injury but has received clearance to compete this weekend.

Josh Bilicki will pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Garage 66, and NY Racing Team enters the No. 44 Chevrolet, though the driver is still to be officially announced. J.J. Yeley is the likely candidate for that seat.

Among the regulars and open entries, fans will see some of the series’ biggest stars including Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano aiming for one of the most challenging wins in the sport.

Beyond the Cup Series, race weekend at Charlotte features busy lineups in NASCAR’s other top divisions. The Xfinity Series will also see 40 competitors, including Cup regulars William Byron, Austin Dillon, and Chase Briscoe.

Katherine Legge makes her return after skipping the Indy 500, opting instead to build more experience in stock cars. The NASCAR Truck Series will have 34 entries, bringing the combined total across all three national series to 114 drivers racing during this marquee weekend.

Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain, both full-time Cup contenders, will be on the track in multiple series, along with B.J. McLeod joining via an agreement with Spire Motorsport. The complete Cup Series entry list boasts a mix of past champions, former race winners, and promising rookies, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.

Notable entrants include Ross Chastain for Trackhouse Racing, Austin Cindric for Team Penske, and Chase Elliott for Hendrick Motorsports.

The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 entry list highlights the strength and diversity of NASCAR teams, with manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota all represented. For more details on NASCAR’s manufacturer involvement, visit the official NASCAR website. With veterans like Johnson reaching career milestones and young talents making their oval debuts, expectations run high for dramatic moments and tight competition.

The race is a staple of Memorial Day Weekend and often features special tributes and celebrations. Fans and teams are eager to watch how strategies play out over 600 miles, testing both driver skill and car durability.

As NASCAR prepares for its longest contest of the year, anticipation continues to build around who will come out on top at Charlotte. For historical context on the Coca-Cola 600, explore its Wikipedia page.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.