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This year’s Coca-Cola 600 will have a decidedly somber tone. On Thursday, Kyle Busch, NASCAR’s all-time winningest driver across its three national series, died after being hospitalized with a severe illness. He was 41 years old.
Busch’s death sent shockwaves across the racing world. Nicknamed “Rowdy” for his aggressive on-track persona, the two-time Cup Series champion was one of the sport’s finest talents. Among the most impressive accomplishments across his glittering career was his capture of the 2018 Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.
Austin Hill will take Busch’s place in Richard Childress Racing’s equipment. He’ll do so in a new colorway — Busch’s No. 8 car was retired following his untimely passing. The field will attempt to find solace on the track, the place Busch felt most at home at.
WATCH: Stream the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 on Prime Video
Nearly every driver in the field shared a memory or two with Busch. Wisps of those images are likely to loom as they take the cockpit of their rides, all attempting to do the thing Busch did so effectively across his 24-year NASCAR career: win.
Tyler Reddick will start the race on poll after Saturday;’s qualifying was cancelled due to rain in the area.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from the 2026 Coca-Cola 600. Follow below for highlights, live results and more as 36 jockeys attempt to overcome dreary conditions — and grief — to lay claim to one of racing’s most cherished prizes, the Bruton Smith Trophy.
MORE ON KYLE BUSCH’S TRAGIC PASSING:
Coca-Cola 600 results 2026
This section will be updated.
NASCAR at Charlotte live updates, highlights from 2026 Coca-Cola 600
(All times Eastern)
6:33 p.m.: Reddick leads things off from Charlotte. We’re live for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600!
6:24 p.m.: Busch’s No. 8 lies on the infield grass at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
In loving memory of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/UvcB5C0oMn
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
6:20 p.m.: Driver instructions have been delivered. Engines are fired! We’re moments away from the start of the Coca-Cola 600.
6:15 p.m.: NASCAR holds a moment of silence to honor Busch. Emotional scenes here at Charlotte.
This was the moment that truly encapsulated how much Kyle Busch meant to NASCAR.
The strength of Samantha and Brexton. They will always have a massive extended family to lift them up.
Well done, @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/UMoCDYlmSY
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) May 24, 2026
5:45 p.m.: More tributes have rolled in for Busch, with 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace — another Busch acolyte — offering his memories of the former JGR and RCR standout.
A meaningful story from @BubbaWallace about Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/KQlzpW2s86
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
5:35 p.m.: Each driver’s car is outfitted with a sticker displaying Busch’s No. 8.
5:00 p.m.: Busch’s memory still lingers at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His nameplate can be seen at the driver’s meeting.
As we prepare for the Driver’s Meeting, one seat will remain empty in remembrance…#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/CRBZ64MPJ6
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) May 24, 2026
A seat that simply cannot be filled. pic.twitter.com/b5KsGZL0lD
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
4:30 p.m.: Tyler Reddick sits at the top of the field following qualifying, which was determined via coefficient after Saturday’s session was rained out.
4:00 p.m.: Here’s a look at how IndyCar honored Kyle Busch during Lap 18 of the Indy 500.
The memory of Kyle Busch is honored and recognized in Indianapolis on Lap 18. pic.twitter.com/3F2mI0Uc0m
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
How to watch NASCAR at Charlotte
What channel is NASCAR on today?
Sunday’s race will be aired exclusively on Prime Video.
Veteran broadcaster Adam Alexander will lead the telecast as the race’s lap-by-lap announcer. He’ll be joined in the booth by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and two-time Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte.
NASCAR start time today
- Date: Sunday, May 24
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
The Coca-Cola 600 is set to start at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, although pre-race festivities are expected to push the green flag back a little. Expect the race to kick off closer to 6:30 p.m. ET.
Coca-Cola 600 starting lineup
| Starting pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
| 1. | Tyler Reddick | 45 | Toyota |
| 2. | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Toyota |
| 3. | Shane van Gisbergen | 97 | Chevrolet |
| 4. | Michael McDowell | 71 | Chevrolet |
| 5. | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Toyota |
| 6. | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Ford |
| 7. | Chris Buescher | 17 | Ford |
| 8. | Austin Cindric | 2 | Ford |
| 9. | Austin Dillon | 3 | Chevrolet |
| 10. | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Chevrolet |
| 11. | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Toyota |
| 12. | Ryan Preece | 60 | Ford |
| 13. | Austin Hill | 33 | Chevrolet |
| 14. | Daniel Suarez | 7 | Chevrolet |
| 15. | John Hunter Nemecheck | 42 | Toyota |
| 16. | Chase Elliott | 9 | Chevrolet |
| 17. | Christopher Bell | 20 | Toyota |
| 18. | Kyle Larson | 5 | Chevrolet |
| 19. | Zane Smith | 38 | Ford |
| 20. | Todd Gilliland | 34 | Ford |
| 21. | Erik Jones | 43 | Toyota |
| 22. | Cole Custer | 41 | Chevrolet |
| 23. | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Chevrolet |
| 24. | Bubba Wallace | 23 | Toyota |
| 25. | Connor Zilisch | 88 | Chevrolet |
| 26. | Brad Keselowski | 6 | Ford |
| 27. | Ross Chastain | 1 | Chevrolet |
| 28. | Noah Gragson | 4 | Ford |
| 29. | Alex Bowman | 48 | Chevrolet |
| 30. | Riley Herbst | 35 | Toyota |
| 31. | William Byron | 24 | Chevrolet |
| 32. | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | Chevrolet |
| 33. | Joey Logano | 22 | Ford |
| 34. | Josh Berry | 21 | Ford |
| 35. | Ty Dillon | 10 | Chevrolet |
| 36. | Timmy Hill | 66 | Ford |
| 37. | Katherine Legge | 78 | Chevrolet |
| 37. | Cody Ware | 51 | Chevrolet |
| 37. | Corey Heim | 67 | Toyota |