TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Charlotte Motor Speedway May 22-24, 2026 |
| MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom |
| It’s a homecoming weekend for much of NASCAR’s drivers and teams as “America’s Home for Racing”, Charlotte Motor Speedway, will once again welcome all three national series for its traditional Memorial Day weekend event. The highly anticipated weekend will kick off Friday evening with the Craftsman Truck Series, a race that will feature a star-studded lineup including Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch, both of which are slated for a triple duty weekend and an attempt at logging 1,101 miles around the historic 1.5-mile oval. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage on Saturday with Chevrolet looking to make its fifth-straight trip to victory lane at the track in the second-level series. On Sunday, NASCAR’s premier series will wrap up one of the biggest days in motorsports with its longest and most grueling races of the season – the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600. |
| Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: In June 1960, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed NASCAR for the first time with the inaugural World 600 – kickstarting a 127-race and counting tenure for the sport’s top division. Within that time span, Chevrolet has built a legacy at “America’s Home for Racing” that features a series-leading 48 all-time Cup Series wins with 26 of those triumphs coming in the Coca-Cola 600. One year ago, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that earned the victory and his first career crown jewel event at NASCAR’s highest level. The Alva, Florida, native is one of just eight active Coca-Cola 600 winners with the elite list also featuring Kyle Larson’s crown in his first championship-earning season (2021); Austin Dillon’s win in 2017 that made him a first-time Cup Series winner; and Kyle Busch’s win in 2018. |
 DILLON, NO. 3 TEAM HEADING HOME WITH CONFIDENCEAustin Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team put together the ultimate rebound at Dover Motor Speedway to lead the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish in last weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The result marked Dillon’s second-consecutive top-six finish of the season, giving the North Carolina native a welcomed boost of confidence he will carry into the Charlotte race weekend. While it’s a true hometown race for the veteran driver, “America’s Home for Racing” has made a lasting impression in his NASCAR career. In his fourth full-time Cup Series season, Dillon conquered the sport’s most challenging crown jewel event, the Coca-Cola 600, to earn his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series. The feat made Dillon the 10th, and most recent, driver in history to become a first-time Cup Series winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon’s resume at his home track also features two O’Reilly Series wins, which were earned during a 2015 season sweep. |
 RACKING UP THE MILES Just two drivers will attempt to log 1,101 miles around Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, both of which come from the Chevrolet camp. The reigning Coca-Cola 600 winner, Ross Chastain, will look to not only defend his title in the 67th running of the crown jewel event but reunite with JR Motorsports and Niece Motorsports to run his third-straight triple duty weekend. One year ago, Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team executed the ultimate rebound, going from backup car and a last-place starting position to becoming first-time crown jewel winners in NASCAR’s premier series. Chastain’s tripleheader weekend will kick off behind the wheel of the No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in Friday’s Truck Series event – a pairing that already owns one trip to victory lane at the track (2022). On Saturday, Chastain will return to the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team for their third outing together of the season. The pair is coming off their best qualifying effort this season, capturing the pole position at Dover Motor Speedway last weekend. |
 Chastain’s teammate, Connor Zilisch, will also face a full slate of racing at his home track this weekend – pairing back up with JR Motorsports and Spire Motorsports to complete his tripleheader effort. While points weren’t up for grabs last weekend, Zilisch is coming off his season-best result when the 19-year-old turned his first NASCAR All-Star Race appearance into a top-five finish. Despite competing in his rookie Cup Series campaign, Zilisch already has one previous start in the 600-mile crown jewel event, which came one year ago under the Trackhouse Racing banner. Zilisch will make his sixth O’Reilly Series start of the season this weekend, all of which have come alongside veteran crew chief, Rodney Childers, and the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team. The combination has already translated into success this season, earning two trips to victory lane (Bristol and Watkins Glen) and one pole position (Circuit of The Americas). Zilisch has just one Truck Series start under his belt this season (Watkins Glen), but it was an effort that saw the young driver earn a top-five qualifying position and 28 laps led en route to a runner-up finish. |
| LEGGE SETTING UP FOR HISTORIC WEEKENDChevrolet holds the prestige as the only manufacturer that competes in two of motorsports biggest events – the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Katherine Legge will look to make a historic run this weekend as the only female in history to attempt the Memorial Day “Double” and complete 1,100 miles behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered machine. Her racing resume expands across a variety of racing disciplines, including 19 starts in the NTT INDYCAR Series – four of which have come in the Indianapolis 500. She has also made 92 starts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – earning four wins, 11 podium finishes and two poles. Legge will join an elite list of now six drivers who have attempted the challenging feat, coming off the heels of fellow Team Chevy driver Kyle Larson’s back-to-back efforts during the 2024-2025 seasons. |
| BOWTIE BULLETS:· Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ross Chastain – one win (2025)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020)Kyle Busch – one win (2018)Austin Dillon – one win (2017) · Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 26 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, most recently by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in last season’s race where he earned his first career crown jewel event in NASCAR’s premier series. · There have been 10 drivers in history that recorded their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, most recently by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600. · Shane van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win marked Chevrolet’s third consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series – an effort that matches the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer thus far this season. · The Bowtie brand is on a four-race streak of owning at least half of the top-10 finishing positions, with five drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations earning top-10 results in the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. · At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10. · With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history. · In 156 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 71 victories – a winning percentage of 45.5%. · Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. · With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 885 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history. |
| TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600Sunday, May 24, at 6 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesCharbroil 300Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. ETCW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesNorth Carolina Education Lottery 200Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 |
| QUOTABLE QUOTES:Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletLet’s go back to your first NASCAR Cup Series win. It was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You’re battling the great Jimmie Johnson. Describe that feeling coming off Turn 4 knowing that you’ve got enough fuel and you’re about to win your first race and it’s a Crown Jewel – the Coca-Cola 600… “I just remember the sense of relief, and thinking ‘wow, we won a race at the highest level of NASCAR. I remember tracking Jimmie Johnson and just knowing what we were battling, the chess game that we were playing on fuel. I had watched so many laps of Jimmie around Charlotte Motor Speedway, and how, you know, precise he was with his line in Turns 1 and 2. I just remember arching Turn 1 as late as possible, and coming off the corner, and Jimmy pulling to the side, out of gas. It was like ‘okay, here we go. Now, we just need to get to the checkered flag,’ and then we were able to do it.” You have won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, going back to a track where you’ve had success, does that give you a little extra confidence? “I sure hope so, you know. Charlotte’s been really good to me, I’ve won a couple times there in the O’Reilly Series, along with the Coke 600. Being from North Carolina, always trying to put a little bit more into that weekend. 600 miles, the longer races have been good to me, so yeah let’s go have some fun.” Talk about the pre-race ceremonies at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend and how that sets the tone for one of the toughest and longest races of the year… “It gets the adrenaline flowing, for sure. There’s no more patriotic scene than the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race ceremonies. The National Anthem, the prayer, everything that goes into that race is very special to be a part of.” With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year, how does the Coca-Cola 600 reflect on the bigger story of the weekend? “I think that with America celebrating its 250th year, the Coke 600 has to land in some of the most patriotic moments for our country. It’s so cool to see all the military branches represented at that race. It’s Americana.” With you carrying the name of a fallen hero on your car, how does that amplify the weekend for you when you’re meeting their families before the race starts? “Those families have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to have a hero on your car and to be out on the track representing them, it means a lot. You want to get them to Victory Lane. It just puts a little bit more emphasis on the race weekend.” When you go and do Mission 600 trips and cultivate relationships from each of those visits, then get to the racetrack and see some of the servicemembers that you met at the bases, does that amplify the race weekend for you? “We’ve gotten to do some very cool Mission 600 trips and have been able to meet service members from all the different branches of the military. I come away from every trip thankful for the military, and all the men and women we have in this country that allow us to do what we love to do on the weekends. That moment that we get to share with them and celebrate them at the Coca-Cola 600 is awesome.” Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat does the Coca-Cola 600 mean to you?“When it comes to traditions, my favorite is the Coca-Cola 600. It’s more than just a race because it happens on Memorial Day weekend, honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who served our country. The moment of silence in the middle of the race and hearing the crowd afterward gives me chills every time. This race is really exciting, fun, and something I truly enjoy. The Coca-Cola 600 is more than just a race to me — it’s a test of focus, endurance, and mentality. Fans see the speed and excitement, but they don’t always see the pressure that comes with competing for 600 miles under the lights. Racing is just as mental as it is physical, and every decision matters. Once my helmet goes on, fear disappears. It becomes all about staying locked.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat makes the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway such a challenging and meaningful race?“It’s one of the most grueling races of the season. 600 miles, sometimes four and a half hours behind the wheel inside a racecar. Hot temperatures, you start the day and go to night; a lot of change happens at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s probably one of the most temperature-sensitive racetracks that we have on the circuit, so sometimes when you’re not very good in the daytime, you can be really good at night, and vice versa. It’s very hard to be good there for the whole 600 miles with how long the event is. It’s a great race, a lot of fun. Memorial Day weekend, having the opportunity to give honor and thanks to those that have been able to go out there, make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to enjoy our freedom and for us to go out there and enjoy a 600-mile race to cap off our Memorial Day weekend.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletYou qualified fifth and finished fourth in the 600 last season, how do you feel about Charlotte this time around?“Charlotte Motor Speedway is a great track, and we had a strong race there last year. I feel like our mile-and-a-half program this season has been focused on learning the new body and more. We’ve still been confident heading to those types of tracks that aero-wise and package-wise hasn’t changed too much. Hopefully, we can unload with good speed right away and keep ourselves in the mix. It’s 600 miles and the racetrack changes a lot over the course of the race. I think we have a good shot to keep us in the game there and at least run inside the top 15.” It’s Memorial Day weekend, what does that mean to you?“It is the 600 at Charlotte, but most importantly, it’s 600 Miles of Remembrance on Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR does a great job of celebrating our U.S. Armed Forces throughout the season, and it’s especially meaningful to honor our fallen heroes every Memorial Day weekend. It’s special to see all of the drivers and teams honoring the military members on the windshield of their cars who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom. We’ll be carrying the name of Army Sgt. Zainah Caye Creamer along with us.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Anytime you head into the Coca-Cola 600, you know you’re in for a challenge. It’s one of the biggest races of the year and a race that really tests everyone from start to finish. We’re excited to have Three Finger Jack on board the No. 47 Chevrolet for the first time this weekend. Having a new partner join us for a race this big makes it even more special. Hopefully we can put together a strong run, be there when it counts, and at the end of the night have a reason to toast a glass of wine in Victory Lane.” Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“The Coke 600 is always blazing hot to start, and while it does get a little cooler as the sun goes down, it’s still a test of your car, your body, and your mind. The biggest thing is just keeping up with the track because it’s going to change a lot. You might have a great car on Saturday in practice and in qualifying, and you might even have a great car when you fire off on Sunday, but what your balance needs to be in the heat, in the daylight, with the sun beating down on the racetrack, versus when the lights come on and the sun goes down, and those track temps start going down, the grip starts going up and the lap times get faster. You have to be on. You have to be one step ahead on your adjustments. You want to be proactive versus reactive in how you work on your car and work on yourself in regard to the lines you want to run. Charlotte’s still a very tricky mile-and-a-half track. It has a very nasty bump over in turns three and four. The track has seen a lot of wear over the years. It’s definitely a driver’s track. If you make a mistake, you’re probably ending up in the wall. So it’s 600 miles of perfection.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWith four stages this weekend, there is an opportunity for some extra stage points. How do you look at Charlotte when it comes to points?“With four stages this weekend you look at the extra stage points for sure. You have to have the speed to do that and run up front. So I think qualifying well, being up front, and getting stage points is a really important thing for us, especially coming off of a rough stretch last month. We had some good speed during the (Coca-Cola) 600 last year and made a top-10 day out of it. I am hoping we can unload well and pick up some stage points in all three stages, but more than anything it is important to have a shot at it at the end. Stage points are important every weekend. It’s not just Charlotte, but if we can pick up some extra points this weekend with one more stage this weekend, it can be the difference to making “The Chase” this year.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’ve shown speed on the 1.5-mile tracks and were knocking on the door in last year’s Coca-Cola 600. What are your thoughts heading into the weekend?“Our team has been looking forward to this one. Last year we had to start in the back, but worked forward pretty quickly. When we lined up on the front row I was ready to go for it and race it out, but a mechanical issue ended our night right after we took the green. I am just excited to have another shot at it. We have been really fast on the mile-and-a-halves, especially when you look at what we did at Texas a couple weeks back – winning the pole and running up front all day. I think we are in for a really good weekend.” Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletHow does the track change as the day progresses into night? “The 600 at Charlotte is one of the coolest races of the year and it’s a crown jewel event of our sport. You start the race during the day and you end well into the night. All the fans are there, it’s Memorial Day and such a cool event, such a cool weekend and getting to race in front of so many awesome NASCAR fans. The track changes a lot as the race goes on as you go into the night and that’s something that you and the team must keep up with during the race. I’m really excited for that one and looking forward to getting into my second 600 at Charlotte.” How do you prepare mentally and physically for the longer Cup races like the 600?“That’s one of the toughest parts of racing on Sundays and the jump to the Cup Series is the length of races and just how long you must stay in the zone and stay locked in. Mental is a lot of it honestly. I think the physical aspect; a lot of drivers can get through the physical aspect of those long races but the mental aspect of having to stay focused three and half to four hours can be tough. I’m looking forward to the challenge and having to figure it out this season. The 600 is the longest race of the year and mentally taxing by the end of it.” What does it mean to race at Charlotte since it’s your home track?“I grew up in Charlotte so getting to race in Charlotte is really cool for me. My family and friends get to come and watch what I do each weekend. It’s cool to race where almost all the drivers and teams are based. It’s always special for the teams and drivers to have a bunch of friends and family to come watch them and Charlotte is a great place to be able to host a bunch of people.” The 600 at Charlotte is a crown jewel race. What does that mean to young driver like yourself? “The crown jewel races are certainly the ones you want to win, the big races that everyone wants to get throughout their career. The 600 is probably second biggest race of the year behind the Daytona 500 that we have all year long. To win that one would be pretty surreal. My teammate Ross Chastain won it last year. We’ve got a lot of good notes going into it. The crown jewels are definitely ones that we circle on the calendar saying that we want to win these.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAre you looking forward to 600 miles at Charlotte on Sunday?“Yeah, it’s a really cool race. I was competitive there last year and then obviously Ross (Chastain) won. So, should have some good stuff to build off of and apply for this year’s race. Just going to keep trying to score and maximize as many points as possible and not make mistakes. Then, running the Truck again on Friday night. It should be a fun weekend!” What do you think has been your biggest struggle on the ovals?“Getting up to speed on lap one or two. These guys do it on lap one or two, it’s really difficult for me. In practice sessions, it takes me a bit and then by the end of the session I’m decent. But I’ve been used to having a couple sets of tires a lot of times. I still struggle to just switch on and do those crazy laps at the start. The longer practice sessions help me because I’m able to practice techniques and learn a lot.” It’s been really neat to see the way fans have embraced you here in America. What has that been like for you to already have an allegiance of fan support here in NASCAR?“It’s overwhelming but it’s awesome at the same time (laughs)! Everyone is really nice and friendly, it’s really cool to have so much support here in America. Especially, I’ve noticed at tracks I’ve won at before and people coming back the next year. How many models they want signed and how stoked they are. It’s cool for them to share their memories that they’ve had from my wins with me. It’s really special! It’s cool the amount of people who take days off work on a Monday at home and watch the races, it’s epic!” |
TEAM CHEVY ADVANCECharlotte Motor SpeedwayMay 22-24, 2026 |
| MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom |
| It’s a homecoming weekend for much of NASCAR’s drivers and teams as “America’s Home for Racing”, Charlotte Motor Speedway, will once again welcome all three national series for its traditional Memorial Day weekend event. The highly anticipated weekend will kick off Friday evening with the Craftsman Truck Series, a race that will feature a star-studded lineup including Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch, both of which are slated for a triple duty weekend and an attempt at logging 1,101 miles around the historic 1.5-mile oval. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage on Saturday with Chevrolet looking to make its fifth-straight trip to victory lane at the track in the second-level series. On Sunday, NASCAR’s premier series will wrap up one of the biggest days in motorsports with its longest and most grueling races of the season – the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600. |
| Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: In June 1960, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed NASCAR for the first time with the inaugural World 600 – kickstarting a 127-race and counting tenure for the sport’s top division. Within that time span, Chevrolet has built a legacy at “America’s Home for Racing” that features a series-leading 48 all-time Cup Series wins with 26 of those triumphs coming in the Coca-Cola 600. One year ago, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that earned the victory and his first career crown jewel event at NASCAR’s highest level. The Alva, Florida, native is one of just eight active Coca-Cola 600 winners with the elite list also featuring Kyle Larson’s crown in his first championship-earning season (2021); Austin Dillon’s win in 2017 that made him a first-time Cup Series winner; and Kyle Busch’s win in 2018. |
| DILLON, NO. 3 TEAM HEADING HOME WITH CONFIDENCEAustin Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team put together the ultimate rebound at Dover Motor Speedway to lead the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish in last weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The result marked Dillon’s second-consecutive top-six finish of the season, giving the North Carolina native a welcomed boost of confidence he will carry into the Charlotte race weekend. While it’s a true hometown race for the veteran driver, “America’s Home for Racing” has made a lasting impression in his NASCAR career. In his fourth full-time Cup Series season, Dillon conquered the sport’s most challenging crown jewel event, the Coca-Cola 600, to earn his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series. The feat made Dillon the 10th, and most recent, driver in history to become a first-time Cup Series winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon’s resume at his home track also features two O’Reilly Series wins, which were earned during a 2015 season sweep. |
| RACKING UP THE MILES Just two drivers will attempt to log 1,101 miles around Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, both of which come from the Chevrolet camp. The reigning Coca-Cola 600 winner, Ross Chastain, will look to not only defend his title in the 67th running of the crown jewel event but reunite with JR Motorsports and Niece Motorsports to run his third-straight triple duty weekend. One year ago, Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team executed the ultimate rebound, going from backup car and a last-place starting position to becoming first-time crown jewel winners in NASCAR’s premier series. Chastain’s tripleheader weekend will kick off behind the wheel of the No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in Friday’s Truck Series event – a pairing that already owns one trip to victory lane at the track (2022). On Saturday, Chastain will return to the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team for their third outing together of the season. The pair is coming off their best qualifying effort this season, capturing the pole position at Dover Motor Speedway last weekend. |
| Chastain’s teammate, Connor Zilisch, will also face a full slate of racing at his home track this weekend – pairing back up with JR Motorsports and Spire Motorsports to complete his tripleheader effort. While points weren’t up for grabs last weekend, Zilisch is coming off his season-best result when the 19-year-old turned his first NASCAR All-Star Race appearance into a top-five finish. Despite competing in his rookie Cup Series campaign, Zilisch already has one previous start in the 600-mile crown jewel event, which came one year ago under the Trackhouse Racing banner. Zilisch will make his sixth O’Reilly Series start of the season this weekend, all of which have come alongside veteran crew chief, Rodney Childers, and the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team. The combination has already translated into success this season, earning two trips to victory lane (Bristol and Watkins Glen) and one pole position (Circuit of The Americas). Zilisch has just one Truck Series start under his belt this season (Watkins Glen), but it was an effort that saw the young driver earn a top-five qualifying position and 28 laps led en route to a runner-up finish. |
| LEGGE SETTING UP FOR HISTORIC WEEKENDChevrolet holds the prestige as the only manufacturer that competes in two of motorsports biggest events – the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Katherine Legge will look to make a historic run this weekend as the only female in history to attempt the Memorial Day “Double” and complete 1,100 miles behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered machine. Her racing resume expands across a variety of racing disciplines, including 19 starts in the NTT INDYCAR Series – four of which have come in the Indianapolis 500. She has also made 92 starts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – earning four wins, 11 podium finishes and two poles. Legge will join an elite list of now six drivers who have attempted the challenging feat, coming off the heels of fellow Team Chevy driver Kyle Larson’s back-to-back efforts during the 2024-2025 seasons. |
| BOWTIE BULLETS:· Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ross Chastain – one win (2025)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020)Kyle Busch – one win (2018)Austin Dillon – one win (2017) · Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 26 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, most recently by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in last season’s race where he earned his first career crown jewel event in NASCAR’s premier series. · There have been 10 drivers in history that recorded their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, most recently by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600. · Shane van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win marked Chevrolet’s third consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series – an effort that matches the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer thus far this season. · The Bowtie brand is on a four-race streak of owning at least half of the top-10 finishing positions, with five drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations earning top-10 results in the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. · At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10. · With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history. · In 156 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 71 victories – a winning percentage of 45.5%. · Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. · With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 885 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history. |
| TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600Sunday, May 24, at 6 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesCharbroil 300Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. ETCW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesNorth Carolina Education Lottery 200Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 |
| QUOTABLE QUOTES:Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletLet’s go back to your first NASCAR Cup Series win. It was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You’re battling the great Jimmie Johnson. Describe that feeling coming off Turn 4 knowing that you’ve got enough fuel and you’re about to win your first race and it’s a Crown Jewel – the Coca-Cola 600… “I just remember the sense of relief, and thinking ‘wow, we won a race at the highest level of NASCAR. I remember tracking Jimmie Johnson and just knowing what we were battling, the chess game that we were playing on fuel. I had watched so many laps of Jimmie around Charlotte Motor Speedway, and how, you know, precise he was with his line in Turns 1 and 2. I just remember arching Turn 1 as late as possible, and coming off the corner, and Jimmy pulling to the side, out of gas. It was like ‘okay, here we go. Now, we just need to get to the checkered flag,’ and then we were able to do it.” You have won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, going back to a track where you’ve had success, does that give you a little extra confidence? “I sure hope so, you know. Charlotte’s been really good to me, I’ve won a couple times there in the O’Reilly Series, along with the Coke 600. Being from North Carolina, always trying to put a little bit more into that weekend. 600 miles, the longer races have been good to me, so yeah let’s go have some fun.” Talk about the pre-race ceremonies at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend and how that sets the tone for one of the toughest and longest races of the year… “It gets the adrenaline flowing, for sure. There’s no more patriotic scene than the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race ceremonies. The National Anthem, the prayer, everything that goes into that race is very special to be a part of.” With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year, how does the Coca-Cola 600 reflect on the bigger story of the weekend? “I think that with America celebrating its 250th year, the Coke 600 has to land in some of the most patriotic moments for our country. It’s so cool to see all the military branches represented at that race. It’s Americana.” With you carrying the name of a fallen hero on your car, how does that amplify the weekend for you when you’re meeting their families before the race starts? “Those families have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to have a hero on your car and to be out on the track representing them, it means a lot. You want to get them to Victory Lane. It just puts a little bit more emphasis on the race weekend.” When you go and do Mission 600 trips and cultivate relationships from each of those visits, then get to the racetrack and see some of the servicemembers that you met at the bases, does that amplify the race weekend for you? “We’ve gotten to do some very cool Mission 600 trips and have been able to meet service members from all the different branches of the military. I come away from every trip thankful for the military, and all the men and women we have in this country that allow us to do what we love to do on the weekends. That moment that we get to share with them and celebrate them at the Coca-Cola 600 is awesome.” Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat does the Coca-Cola 600 mean to you?“When it comes to traditions, my favorite is the Coca-Cola 600. It’s more than just a race because it happens on Memorial Day weekend, honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who served our country. The moment of silence in the middle of the race and hearing the crowd afterward gives me chills every time. This race is really exciting, fun, and something I truly enjoy. The Coca-Cola 600 is more than just a race to me — it’s a test of focus, endurance, and mentality. Fans see the speed and excitement, but they don’t always see the pressure that comes with competing for 600 miles under the lights. Racing is just as mental as it is physical, and every decision matters. Once my helmet goes on, fear disappears. It becomes all about staying locked.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat makes the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway such a challenging and meaningful race?“It’s one of the most grueling races of the season. 600 miles, sometimes four and a half hours behind the wheel inside a racecar. Hot temperatures, you start the day and go to night; a lot of change happens at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s probably one of the most temperature-sensitive racetracks that we have on the circuit, so sometimes when you’re not very good in the daytime, you can be really good at night, and vice versa. It’s very hard to be good there for the whole 600 miles with how long the event is. It’s a great race, a lot of fun. Memorial Day weekend, having the opportunity to give honor and thanks to those that have been able to go out there, make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to enjoy our freedom and for us to go out there and enjoy a 600-mile race to cap off our Memorial Day weekend.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletYou qualified fifth and finished fourth in the 600 last season, how do you feel about Charlotte this time around?“Charlotte Motor Speedway is a great track, and we had a strong race there last year. I feel like our mile-and-a-half program this season has been focused on learning the new body and more. We’ve still been confident heading to those types of tracks that aero-wise and package-wise hasn’t changed too much. Hopefully, we can unload with good speed right away and keep ourselves in the mix. It’s 600 miles and the racetrack changes a lot over the course of the race. I think we have a good shot to keep us in the game there and at least run inside the top 15.” It’s Memorial Day weekend, what does that mean to you?“It is the 600 at Charlotte, but most importantly, it’s 600 Miles of Remembrance on Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR does a great job of celebrating our U.S. Armed Forces throughout the season, and it’s especially meaningful to honor our fallen heroes every Memorial Day weekend. It’s special to see all of the drivers and teams honoring the military members on the windshield of their cars who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom. We’ll be carrying the name of Army Sgt. Zainah Caye Creamer along with us.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Anytime you head into the Coca-Cola 600, you know you’re in for a challenge. It’s one of the biggest races of the year and a race that really tests everyone from start to finish. We’re excited to have Three Finger Jack on board the No. 47 Chevrolet for the first time this weekend. Having a new partner join us for a race this big makes it even more special. Hopefully we can put together a strong run, be there when it counts, and at the end of the night have a reason to toast a glass of wine in Victory Lane.” Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“The Coke 600 is always blazing hot to start, and while it does get a little cooler as the sun goes down, it’s still a test of your car, your body, and your mind. The biggest thing is just keeping up with the track because it’s going to change a lot. You might have a great car on Saturday in practice and in qualifying, and you might even have a great car when you fire off on Sunday, but what your balance needs to be in the heat, in the daylight, with the sun beating down on the racetrack, versus when the lights come on and the sun goes down, and those track temps start going down, the grip starts going up and the lap times get faster. You have to be on. You have to be one step ahead on your adjustments. You want to be proactive versus reactive in how you work on your car and work on yourself in regard to the lines you want to run. Charlotte’s still a very tricky mile-and-a-half track. It has a very nasty bump over in turns three and four. The track has seen a lot of wear over the years. It’s definitely a driver’s track. If you make a mistake, you’re probably ending up in the wall. So it’s 600 miles of perfection.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWith four stages this weekend, there is an opportunity for some extra stage points. How do you look at Charlotte when it comes to points?“With four stages this weekend you look at the extra stage points for sure. You have to have the speed to do that and run up front. So I think qualifying well, being up front, and getting stage points is a really important thing for us, especially coming off of a rough stretch last month. We had some good speed during the (Coca-Cola) 600 last year and made a top-10 day out of it. I am hoping we can unload well and pick up some stage points in all three stages, but more than anything it is important to have a shot at it at the end. Stage points are important every weekend. It’s not just Charlotte, but if we can pick up some extra points this weekend with one more stage this weekend, it can be the difference to making “The Chase” this year.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’ve shown speed on the 1.5-mile tracks and were knocking on the door in last year’s Coca-Cola 600. What are your thoughts heading into the weekend?“Our team has been looking forward to this one. Last year we had to start in the back, but worked forward pretty quickly. When we lined up on the front row I was ready to go for it and race it out, but a mechanical issue ended our night right after we took the green. I am just excited to have another shot at it. We have been really fast on the mile-and-a-halves, especially when you look at what we did at Texas a couple weeks back – winning the pole and running up front all day. I think we are in for a really good weekend.” Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletHow does the track change as the day progresses into night? “The 600 at Charlotte is one of the coolest races of the year and it’s a crown jewel event of our sport. You start the race during the day and you end well into the night. All the fans are there, it’s Memorial Day and such a cool event, such a cool weekend and getting to race in front of so many awesome NASCAR fans. The track changes a lot as the race goes on as you go into the night and that’s something that you and the team must keep up with during the race. I’m really excited for that one and looking forward to getting into my second 600 at Charlotte.” How do you prepare mentally and physically for the longer Cup races like the 600?“That’s one of the toughest parts of racing on Sundays and the jump to the Cup Series is the length of races and just how long you must stay in the zone and stay locked in. Mental is a lot of it honestly. I think the physical aspect; a lot of drivers can get through the physical aspect of those long races but the mental aspect of having to stay focused three and half to four hours can be tough. I’m looking forward to the challenge and having to figure it out this season. The 600 is the longest race of the year and mentally taxing by the end of it.” What does it mean to race at Charlotte since it’s your home track?“I grew up in Charlotte so getting to race in Charlotte is really cool for me. My family and friends get to come and watch what I do each weekend. It’s cool to race where almost all the drivers and teams are based. It’s always special for the teams and drivers to have a bunch of friends and family to come watch them and Charlotte is a great place to be able to host a bunch of people.” The 600 at Charlotte is a crown jewel race. What does that mean to young driver like yourself? “The crown jewel races are certainly the ones you want to win, the big races that everyone wants to get throughout their career. The 600 is probably second biggest race of the year behind the Daytona 500 that we have all year long. To win that one would be pretty surreal. My teammate Ross Chastain won it last year. We’ve got a lot of good notes going into it. The crown jewels are definitely ones that we circle on the calendar saying that we want to win these.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAre you looking forward to 600 miles at Charlotte on Sunday?“Yeah, it’s a really cool race. I was competitive there last year and then obviously Ross (Chastain) won. So, should have some good stuff to build off of and apply for this year’s race. Just going to keep trying to score and maximize as many points as possible and not make mistakes. Then, running the Truck again on Friday night. It should be a fun weekend!” What do you think has been your biggest struggle on the ovals?“Getting up to speed on lap one or two. These guys do it on lap one or two, it’s really difficult for me. In practice sessions, it takes me a bit and then by the end of the session I’m decent. But I’ve been used to having a couple sets of tires a lot of times. I still struggle to just switch on and do those crazy laps at the start. The longer practice sessions help me because I’m able to practice techniques and learn a lot.” It’s been really neat to see the way fans have embraced you here in America. What has that been like for you to already have an allegiance of fan support here in NASCAR?“It’s overwhelming but it’s awesome at the same time (laughs)! Everyone is really nice and friendly, it’s really cool to have so much support here in America. Especially, I’ve noticed at tracks I’ve won at before and people coming back the next year. How many models they want signed and how stoked they are. It’s cool for them to share their memories that they’ve had from my wins with me. It’s really special! It’s cool the amount of people who take days off work on a Monday at home and watch the races, it’s epic!” |
| Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series StatisticsManufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007) 2026 STATISTICS: Wins: 4Poles: 3Laps Led: 999Top-Fives: 22Top-10s: 44Stage Wins: 9 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 885 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 769Laps led to date: 257,733Top-fives to date: 4,458Top-10s to date: 9,195 Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date: General Motors: 1,219 Chevrolet: 885 Pontiac: 154 Oldsmobile: 115 Buick: 65 Ford: 848 Ford: 748 Mercury: 96 Lincoln: 4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467 Dodge: 217 Plymouth: 191 Chrysler: 59 Toyota: 210 |