It’s Memorial Day weekend, and in North Carolina, that means the
Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway! Sure, we know there’s another race
happening somewhere in the Midwest, but the real action is right here at home.
Richard Petty knows it, too, bucking his tradition of splitting his team and attending the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend, and instead putting both his cars in the Coca-Cola 600.
Explaining his decision, Petty said, ““Winning the Charlotte 600 is right up there with the Daytona or Indy race (NASCAR’s Brickyard 400). Those are the big three that NASCAR has. It would be great to win Darlington or win Martinsville or any other, but this is the longest race that anybody runs in the world—a 600-mile race.”
However, he couldn’t let it all go to the drivers’ heads, saying “… We used to run here five to five-and-a-half hours. These guys got it made. They’ve got air-conditioning, power-steering, all the kind of stuff, so it’s just a Sunday afternoon drive for them.”
And what a drive it will be. The 53rd running of the Coca-Cola 600 will be a patriotic tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces, including a pre-race military “salute to the troops” that promises to be unforgettable. Engines start at 6:10 p.m. on Sunday, but you won't want to miss the festivities leading up to race time. Check with Charlotte Motor Speedway for a schedule of events.
Toyota of Concord is a proud supporter of car and racing culture and is excited to be in the heart of the action in nearby Charlotte! To all the drivers and fans, have a safe and happy weekend!
Richard Petty knows it, too, bucking his tradition of splitting his team and attending the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend, and instead putting both his cars in the Coca-Cola 600.
Explaining his decision, Petty said, ““Winning the Charlotte 600 is right up there with the Daytona or Indy race (NASCAR’s Brickyard 400). Those are the big three that NASCAR has. It would be great to win Darlington or win Martinsville or any other, but this is the longest race that anybody runs in the world—a 600-mile race.”
However, he couldn’t let it all go to the drivers’ heads, saying “… We used to run here five to five-and-a-half hours. These guys got it made. They’ve got air-conditioning, power-steering, all the kind of stuff, so it’s just a Sunday afternoon drive for them.”
And what a drive it will be. The 53rd running of the Coca-Cola 600 will be a patriotic tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces, including a pre-race military “salute to the troops” that promises to be unforgettable. Engines start at 6:10 p.m. on Sunday, but you won't want to miss the festivities leading up to race time. Check with Charlotte Motor Speedway for a schedule of events.
Toyota of Concord is a proud supporter of car and racing culture and is excited to be in the heart of the action in nearby Charlotte! To all the drivers and fans, have a safe and happy weekend!
