The 1995 Coca Cola 600

Bobby Labonte bests brother Terry to win Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, N.C. (May 28, 1995)

If it had to be anyone crossing the finish line ahead of him, Terry Labonte was glad that it was his little brother.

Bobby Labonte grabbed the lead on lap 358 and then cruised to the checkered flag 42 laps later, beating his older brother by 6.28 seconds while earning his first career NASCAR Winston Cup victory, in the 1995 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was the first time that brothers finished first and second since Bobby and Donnie Allison ran 1-2 in the 1971 Coca-Cola 600.

Bobby Labonte became the second consecutive first-time winner in the Coca-Cola 600, following Jeff Gordon's initial triumph at the 1.5-mile quad-oval in 1994.

The race was highlighted by 32 lead changes among 12 drivers. It was the fastest Coca-Cola 600 in the 36-year history of the event.

The first half of the event (200 laps) featured 21 lead changes among 10 drivers, including NASCAR Winston Cup points leader Dale Earnhardt, who came from 34th to take the lead on lap 165. Others who battled to the front included Todd Bodine, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Sterling Marlin, Morgan Shepherd and Ken Schrader.

The race was dominated throughout by Schrader, who had victory in his sights only to be sidelined with engine failure with 42 laps remaining. The driver of the No. 25 Budweiser Chevrolet led nine times for 169 laps.

Gordon won the Bud Pole Award with an event record speed of 183.861 mph. It was his third pole in only five starts at Charlotte. Gordon had been very strong in the first portion of the season with three victories and five poles and was the favorite to win before being sidelined for repairs. He lost a wheel and finished 33rd.