The Coca-Cola 600 isn’t just another race—it’s a true test of endurance and strategy for drivers. On May 25, NASCAR Cup Series drivers will take on 600 miles under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While no easy task, the thrill of crossing the finish line makes it one of the most rewarding victories of the season.
From hydration routines and workout regimens to mental preparation and in-car adjustments, every driver has their own way of getting ready for this ultimate test of stamina. Here’s how some of NASCAR’s best prepare for one of the most anticipated nights on the schedule:
Ross Chastain, No. 1, Trackhouse Racing
“Preparing for a 600-mile race like the Coca-Cola 600 is really about just being able to do the same thing, 400 laps, 400 times. So, running long distances and cycling long distances, getting more than an hour doing either of those is where you really find the pain cave. So, just more time, doing the same exercises, and I'm always trying to build up those times to be longer, but to be honest, there's no way to prepare for 600 miles in a cup car around Charlotte (Motor Speedway).”
Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske
“I think what makes the Coke 600 difficult to prepare for is obviously the length of the race, longer than any other race we do, but all of the stages being equal lengths, it’s really easy to separate it out as you're going through the race. No different than running on the treadmill, you get down, you look down, you see that a quarter mile, it's like, all right, I got three more of those to go. It's the same way you get on with the first stage. It's 100 laps, so tell yourself, ‘just got to do that three more times.’”
Brad Keselowski, No. 6, RFK Racing
“I don't know, at some point, you either got it or, you know, you know, some people prepare all the time. Some people are just ready.”
AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing
“Hydrate during the week and at the end of the day, you just hope you get a good setup and you get in that rhythm. Charlotte (Motor Speedway) is a racetrack that, if you're struggling, it's going to last forever, but just getting mentally in that rhythm of hitting your marks lap after lap and just knowing you're going to be there for a while. It's a race that, as a driver, it's a grind to be out there for that long. Mentally and physically, it's taxing. So, when you win that race, I think it adds to that as a driver, you've really accomplished something because it's not an easy race. Forget about winning, but just to get yourself through, on top of it, being 39 of the best in the world is what makes, for many reasons, the Coke 600, one of the biggest races, I think that's in motorsports.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47, Hyak Motorsports
“Preparing for the Coke 600, it's just another race for us. Once we're in the race, we're all pretty focused, really, the whole time. So, physically, I work out nonstop. I work out with no air conditioning. Make sure you hydrate. Hydration is probably the biggest key to that long race, and you're in there sweating for five hours or so, and that can get pretty taxing.”
Shane Van Ginsbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing
“That's one of the toughest races. I'll be prepared and start it up as much as possible, and then physically hydrate it as much as I can before the race, because that's the longest race I've ever done.”
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:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
