VIDEO: NASCAR Announces Addition of Fourth Stage To Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway

By  //  May 18, 2017

four stages will be uniformly 100 laps apiece

ABOVE VIDEO: NASCAR.com’s Jonathan Merryman brings you up to speed on NASCAR’s announcement that they will be adding a fourth stage to the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (NASCAR.com)

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – NASCAR announced the addition of a fourth stage to the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, an update that will provide fans with yet another opportunity for a memorable moment in a season already filled with them. 

The four stages in the 400-lap race will be uniformly set at 100 laps apiece.

The Coca-Cola 600 has a storied legacy of history-making moments, from career-first victories for the likes of David Pearson and Jeff Gordon, to record-setting runs like Martin Truex Jr.’s breathtaking performance in last year’s edition.

And now, there’s a distinct possibility for more.

“The stage racing format is delivering more dramatic moments over an entire race, fueling tremendous racing action this season,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer.

“With a fourth stage added to the Coca-Cola 600, the historic event will have another layer of strategy for teams, and even more excitement within the race for fans.”

ABOVE VIDEO: 2016 NASCAR Coca Cola 600 Finish. Martin Truex Jr. led 588 of the 600 miles. 

“For 58 years, the Coca-Cola 600 has been a crown jewel on the NASCAR circuit because it presents unique challenges that don’t exist in any other race. The distance is greater.”

“The test of endurance is greater. The challenge of adjusting to the track surface from hot to cool puts more pressure on crew chiefs and pit crews,” said Marcus Smith, president and chief operating officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.

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“It’s only fitting that teams have an opportunity to be rewarded for the extra effort required to win at the 600. An additional stage win and that extra playoff point in May could be critical for playoff success in the fall.”

Tune-in to Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 28, at 6 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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