The upcoming Coca-Cola 600, set for Sunday, May 25 at 6 p.m. ET at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marks one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and grueling events. As the longest race on the NASCAR calendar, it’s a Memorial Day weekend tradition steeped in legacy and endurance. This year, it carries even greater significance as it coincides with Prime Video’s debut as a NASCAR broadcaster, introducing a new wave of digital viewership.
This year’s 600-mile race shares the day with the Indianapolis 500, a crown jewel of American motorsport. That overlap has intensified interest in a rare feat known as “The Double,” where a driver competes in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s top drivers and the 2021 Cup Series Champion, is attempting this historic challenge in 2025. He will race in the Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren and fly to Charlotte for the 600—assuming no weather or logistical hiccups.
This attempt has drawn significant media attention and fan interest. But the current schedule, with both races occurring back-to-back on the same day, leaves no room for delays or complications. Should the Indy 500 face even minor weather disruptions—as it has in years past—Larson’s Coca-Cola 600 start could be in jeopardy.
Rather than having the Coca-Cola 600 begin at 6 p.m. ET, NASCAR should consider moving the start to 7:30 or even 8:00 p.m. ET. This would:
- Provide a buffer for any Indy 500 weather or timing delays, increasing the chance Larson completes the Double.
- Boost primetime viewership, especially on a streaming platform like Prime Video, which caters to late-evening audiences.
- Preserve fan enthusiasm, keeping them tuned in to see whether history will be made.
- Respect tradition while showing flexibility—a hallmark of modern sports scheduling.
This scheduling conflict isn’t just about one driver. It’s about capitalizing on a rare moment when NASCAR, IndyCar, and fans across motorsports unite around a shared storyline. By slightly delaying the start of the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR could show that it’s responsive to its audience and willing to make bold decisions that serve the sport’s long-term growth.
Additionally, a rescheduled start could draw crossover audiences from the Indy 500, allowing fans who typically follow open-wheel racing to transition directly into the NASCAR broadcast without overlap or fatigue.
In a sport built on speed and timing, the Coca-Cola 600’s current schedule is a missed opportunity for alignment. NASCAR prides itself on tradition, but tradition should never outweigh innovation or adaptability. A modest rescheduling could make a significant impact—supporting one of the sport’s top stars, maximizing fan engagement, and leveraging a historic moment to draw in a broader audience.
Now is the time for NASCAR to shift gears and consider a later start time. The fans—and the future—deserve it.
