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Bell and Hamlin Challenge Larson’s Historic Win Quest

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Highlights

  • 2025 Coca-Cola 600 held Sunday, May 25, at Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Kyle Larson attempts historic “Double” with Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600
  • All cars honor fallen service members on Memorial Day weekend
  • Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin are key contenders again
  • William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and Ryan Blaney also strong contenders
  • Advanced predictions favor Larson, Byron, Bell, Reddick, and Hamlin

Charlotte’s Coca-Cola 600 is one of NASCAR’s longest and most challenging races, taking place on Sunday, May 25, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event covers 600 miles and tests drivers’ endurance and focus with its unique length and changing track conditions.

Every car in the field will have the name of a fallen service member on its windshield, adding special meaning to the race, especially as it falls on Memorial Day weekend. The schedule also features supporting races like the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 and the BetMGM 300 across the weekend.

This year, all eyes are on Kyle Larson as he attempts the historic “Double.” Larson is set to drive in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. For more details on the significance of this challenge, check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official page.

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The Indianapolis race kicks off almost six hours earlier, making it a huge day for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion. Larson missed a shot at this challenge last season and is determined for redemption.

Since joining Hendrick Motorsports, his No. 5 team has excelled on mile-and-a-half tracks, and the Coca-Cola 600 has an extra stage, giving him even more chances to lead and add to his points total.

However, Larson will have to battle two drivers who have made this race their own in recent years: Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin. Both have won the Coca-Cola 600 in the Next Gen car. For more on the evolution of NASCAR’s Next Gen car, visit NASCAR’s official technology hub.

Hamlin has finished in the top 10 here 12 times, which ties him for most among active drivers with Kyle Busch. Bell’s record is solid, too—three top 10s in just five starts, plus a win in last year’s rain-shortened race. Bell enters the race with momentum, having won the recent All-Star event. Several other drivers could play a big role.

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William Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, has finished fourth or better in three of the last four Coca-Cola 600s but is still searching for his first victory at his home track. Tyler Reddick has finished in the top 10 every time he’s run this race, improving each year, with a best finish of fourth last season.

Ryan Blaney broke a 59-race winless streak here two years ago and turned it into a championship run. He leads the field in passes and speed ratings this year, according to NASCAR Insights.

Ross Chastain has routinely finished higher than he starts and led over 150 laps in this race two years ago before losing his shot to a late-race incident. Ty Gibbs, who starts his 100th Cup race on Sunday, was the polesitter last year and finished sixth—but has struggled recently at similar tracks.

Advanced predictions for the event suggest Larson is the favorite, followed by William Byron, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, and Denny Hamlin. Other strong picks include Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, and Chris Buescher.

These projections consider recent performances, team strength, track type, and pit-crew efficiency, updated with practice and qualifying data on race day. Fans and teams know anything can happen over 600 miles.

Likely contenders include veterans going for another crown jewel, young drivers aiming for their first win, and past champions hoping to find their winning form again. With the combination of heavy competition, grueling race distance, and the pride of Memorial Day weekend, the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 promises a dramatic battle to the finish.

This race could decide momentum for the rest of the season and remains a special event for drivers and fans alike. For more historical context on the race’s significance, explore the Charlotte Motor Speedway archives.

* The featured image is not a real photograph — it was created using AI.
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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio's Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.

Articles: 1347

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