Winning the Coca-Cola 600 is about more than a checkered flag. It’s about endurance, legacy, patriotism and pride. For drivers who conquer NASCAR’s longest and most grueling race, the rewards go far beyond the trophy, including a trip to Arlington National Cemetery, a fully functional Coca-Cola vending machine and a permanent place in racing history.
For those who’ve done it, it’s a career highlight; for those still chasing it, it’s the ultimate goal. Here’s what some of the past Coca-Cola 600 winners had to say about the special parts of their winner’s experience:
Austin Dillon, No. 3, Richard Childress Racing
“The Coke 600 trophy is actually at RCR right now on display at the museum. The Coke machine is also on display at the museum. Yep, it's in the museum in Welcome, North Carolina. Come visit it.”
Kyle Larson, No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports
“It was an honor to get to go to Arlington. It definitely puts in perspective, even more so, what the military means. That experience is something that I'll never forget, and it was definitely an honor to get to go there, and it's really what makes me want to win the (Coca-Cola) 600 again to go experience it, another time.”
Brad Keselowski, No. 6, RFK Racing
“My Coca-Cola machine is sitting at my mom's house on the floor so we can use it anytime. I love it. It's one of my favorite trophies.”
Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing
“It was really great to do the champagne toast afterwards in the suite. You've got members there that have been part of the Speedway Club for decades, probably. To have that moment with them after they just watched you do some work, and obviously come out on top, is a special moment.”
Ryan Blaney, No. 12, Team Penske
“I got the extreme honor to go to Arlington last year, prior to the Coke 600, and it was my first time in Arlington. I think just the experience itself was something that I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't expect the scale of Arlington, of how many men and women are laid to rest there, and it really put things into perspective. It'll put things into perspective of just, no matter what is going on with your job, if you're having a good day, a bad day, there are a lot of people who have laid down their lives for this country to be able to do what you're doing currently. So, it was just an eye-opener for me. It was incredibly special to visit and I really hope to go back one day because I would love to tour it even more and then see the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and be a part of the wreath-laying ceremony, that was just incredibly special to see how that whole process is, and, it really shows you, the support that people give, to the men and women who have served.”
AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing
“To win at Charlotte, I'll be honest, I didn't know that we did all that after the race. It was special. Every time I thought we were done, we went to the next thing, and to be able to go through all that and do the champagne toast and have the fans up there to celebrate, that was honestly unexpected.”
Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing
“Visiting Arlington is just a reminder that we have Memorial Day for a reason. We have this amazing country for a reason and it just makes you so thankful and puts everything in perspective.”
TICKETS:
Fans can purchase Coca-Cola 600 weekend tickets, online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10.
MORE INFO:
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