Racing Insights: Bell, Hamlin stand in Larson’s way of history

The Coca-Cola 600 is NASCAR’s toughest test — 600 miles of strategy, stamina and focus under ever-changing conditions. It’s a marathon that demands more than speed and rewards only the strongest (Sun., 6 p.m. ET, Prime Video, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

With Memorial Day weekend honoring our military, the event carries an added layer of meaning. Every car bears the name of a fallen soldier on its windshield, giving Victory Lane a legacy beyond the checkered flag.

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This Sunday, one of the biggest names in the sport is eyeing a second attempt at the historic “Double.”

Kyle Larson will have a 500-mile precursor in Indianapolis that starts nearly six hours before Charlotte’s nightcap gets underway. He didn’t get to run this race last year, so he is probably double-circling it looking for redemption and a chance to make history as the only driver to win after competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coke 600 on the same day. (Update: Larson’s Indy 500 day came to an end on the 92nd lap following a wreck.) The No. 5 team has been superior on mile-and-a-half tracks since he came to Hendrick Motorsports, and with the extra stage, Larson at the very least has the chance to run up his numbers and extend his points lead.

However, two multi-time winners who also have a vintage Coke machine at their houses stand in Larson’s way: Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin.

Both of their wins in the 600 came in the Next Gen car, and both excel on 1.5-mile tracks. Hamlin is tied with Kyle Busch at 12 top 10s in this event, which is the most among active drivers. As for Bell, while he did win a rain-shortened race last year, don’t discount the fact that he has three top 10s in the 600 in five starts and is coming off a thrilling All-Star win.

In a race that demands everything, only the most complete driver will survive 600 miles and rise to the moment. Whether it’s Larson chasing history or Bell and Hamlin adding to their legacies, Sunday night promises to be an unforgiving battle between heavyweights.

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OTHER DRIVERS TO WATCH

WILLIAM BYRON: The two-time Daytona 500 champ has come close to winning his home race several times, but no cigar. Byron has three finishes of fourth or better in the last four Coke 600s. He’s no stranger to stepping up in crunch time and closing out major races, perhaps he can do just that on Sunday.

TYLER REDDICK: All five times Reddick has entered NASCAR’s longest race, he’s walked away with a top 10. The more impressive thing, though, is that he’s improved his finish over the last three years, with the most recent two being top fives (fifth in 2023, fourth in 2024).

RYAN BLANEY: Two years ago, Blaney erupted for a masterclass performance in this race that broke a 59-winless streak and springboarded him to his first championship. Despite the season woes, the No. 12 driver still ranks first in both passing and speed rating on the year, per NASCAR Insights. He is certainly capable of producing another valiant drive.

ROSS CHASTAIN: The No. 1 driver has been wheeling strong performances all season, given his average finish is nearly 10 spots higher than his average start. He just needs to find a way to navigate the hornet’s nest. He led 153 laps in this race in 2022, but overtime tomfoolery cost him a chance at a crown-jewel win.

TY GIBBS: Last year’s polesitter will be making his 100th Cup start on Sunday. For reference, Larson and Chase Elliott won in their 99th start, meaning Gibbs has been in the “sweet spot” to earn his first win for some time now. His last two trips to 1.5-mile tracks have resulted in finishes out of the top 20; however, Gibbs did finish sixth in the 600 last year.

RACING INSIGHTS’ PROJECTIONS FOR THE Coca-Cola 600

Racing Insights’ advanced statistical formula includes current track, current track type, recent performance, team data and pit-crew data to arrive at a projected winner and full race results. Updated on race day with practice and qualifying factored in.