Let’s find out by previewing the top three front-runners in terms of the odds, as well as a sleeper and long shot who could drive their way up to Victory Lane. Meanwhile, check out some expert picks and the prize money breakdown for the Coca-Cola 600.
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Coca-Cola 600 Preview
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Kyle Busch
Reigning Sprint Cup champ Kyle Busch is coming off one of his worst performances of the season with a 30th-place finish at Dover. But don’t let that deter you from picking Busch to win in Charlotte. For one, Kyle has been excellent on intermediate tracks this season. Two of his series-leading three wins have been on intermediate tracks.
Busch is also pretty adept at bouncing back from bad outings. He went first and second in the races immediately following the two times he’s finished 25th or worse this year.
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick also had a less than stellar run last time out, finishing 15th at Dover. But he’s still just ahead of Busch atop the Sprint Cup points standings thanks to his consistency. He has yet to finish lower than 17th in any race this season.
Look for Harvick to continue that impressive streak (and then some) in Charlotte, where he’s had a lot of success in recent years. He’s got two wins and two runner-up finishes in his last six starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway for an average finishing position of 3.5.
Jimmy Johnson
Recent history isn’t in Jimmie Johnson’s favor. He’s finished 17th or lower in four of his last five races. He also finished just 39th and 40th in two races in Charlotte last season.
Count the No. 48 out at your own risk, though. Johnson leads all active drivers with seven wins in 29 career races at the track. That’s one win every four starts! Johnson has also excelled on intermediate tracks this season, owning the series-best average finishing position on such tracks. If there’s a track that can get JJ out of his current funk, it’s Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Sleeper
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott is getting closer to that first career win – one that will finally qualify him for the Chase. The rookie finished third last time out at Dover, and has now finished inside the top five in four of his last six races. His car has not had any durability issues all year long, and it’s that durability that could turn out to be crucial in a 600-mile race.
Long Shot
Kyle Larson
It’s been a disappointing season thus far for Kyle Larson. He’s way down in 21st in the points standings, and has finished 26th or worse in half of the races this season.
However, his fortunes look as if they’re finally turning a bit. He was the runner-up at Dover and was actually leading the NASCAR All-Star Race before getting overtaken in the final few laps by Joey Logano and crashing down to 16th. He’s a long shot for sure, but he’s one that could pay off in a big way if his recent hot streak is any indication.
Writer’s Prediction
Johnson regains his mojo and earns his eighth career win in Charlotte.
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