NASCAR Coca-Cola 600

Every year motor racing enthusiasts gather to watch one of the best Memorial Day races around: The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600. Formerly known as the World 600, this great stock car race has the distinction of being the longest race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It is has also been in existence longer than any other regularly-scheduled oval track automobile race in the world.

Every year motor racing enthusiasts gather to watch one of the best Memorial Day races around: The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600. Formerly known as the World 600, this great stock car race has the distinction of being the longest race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It is has also been in existence longer than any other regularly-scheduled oval track automobile race in the world.

The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 was originally started as part of an attempt to create an auto racing event that would be able to generate just as much fan interest as the Indianapolis 500 does. Over the years the Coca-Cola 600 has certainly achieved that goal. In fact, it actually had larger TV ratings than its chief competitor between 2002 and 2004. Originally the races were held on different days during the course of the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend but since 1974 the races have been held on exactly the same day. Some drivers attempt to challenge both races in one day but this often proves virtually impossible for most. Fortunately fans can have the best of both worlds from the comfort of their own homes because both races are fully broadcast on national television.

There are several unique challenges that face drivers when racing the Coca-Cola 600. Since having the starting time for the race moved to 17:30 in 2001, drivers find that they not only have to cope with the searing Carolina heat, but they also have to face a radical drop in temperature after night fall. This makes for very different track conditions and also means that drivers have to drive both in daylight and under spotlights. The race usually ends by 22:00.

This year’s NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 will take place on Sunday, 25 May 2008 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Officials have already lined up some additional entertainment so fans can make the most of this great event. Country music fans will be delighted to know that artist Darryl Worley to participate in the pre-race ceremony. Tickets are selling out fast so make sure you get yours as soon as you can!