Coca-Cola 600 Start Time: Schedule & How to Watch

As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, motorsports fans around the globe prepare for one of the most prestigious spectacles in auto racing. The annual Coca-Cola 600, held at the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate test of endurance, machine, and strategy on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. At a grueling 600 miles, it is the longest race of the season.

Knowing the exact Coca-Cola 600 start time and understanding the event's unique schedule transitions are key to catching every moment of this crown-jewel event.

What Time Does the Coca-Cola 600 Start?

The official start time for the Coca-Cola 600 is traditionally scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).

Pre-race ceremonies, featuring stunning military tributes and driver introductions, typically begin around 5:00 PM ET. The green flag is scheduled to wave shortly after 6:00 PM ET. Here is how the start time translates across major United States time zones:

Eastern Standard Time (EST): 6:00 PM
Central Standard Time (CST): 5:00 PM
Mountain Standard Time (MST): 4:00 PM
Pacific Standard Time (PST): 3:00 PM

For international viewers, the race starts late Sunday evening or early Monday morning depending on location. For precise local timetables and official scheduling updates, check the NASCAR Official Schedule.

Why the Evening Start Time Matters: The Track Transition

The 6:00 PM start time is not arbitrary; it is a critical strategic component of NASCAR's longest race. Starting in the late afternoon sun and ending under the stadium lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway forces crew chiefs to anticipate dramatic changes in track conditions.

During the first stage, track temperatures are high, which reduces overall grip and can cause cars to handle poorly or "slip and slide." As night falls and the ambient temperature drops, the track gains grip, and speeds pick up dramatically. Teams that setup their vehicles to run fast in the daylight often find themselves falling backward as the track cools down, making adjustability during pit stops the key to winning.

According to coverage and analysis on ESPN NASCAR, this dynamic daylight-to-darkness transition makes the Coca-Cola 600 one of the most mentally taxing events for engineers and drivers alike.

Full Memorial Day Weekend Schedule

The Coca-Cola 600 is the anchor of a jam-packed weekend of racing action at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The weekend features practice, qualifying, and support series races.

Friday: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice, Qualifying, and Race.
Saturday: NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice, Qualifying, and Race; NASCAR Cup Series Practice and Qualifying.
Sunday: The 65th Annual Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR Cup Series).

To ensure you do not miss qualifying, keep a close eye on real-time timing reports on Fox Sports leading up to Sunday's main event.

How to Watch and Stream the Coca-Cola 600

Whether you plan to watch on a big-screen television or stream on a mobile device, there are several convenient options available:

Television Broadcast

In the United States, the Coca-Cola 600 is broadcast live on FOX. Coverage begins with a special pre-race show honoring active-duty military members and veterans, a hallmark of Charlotte Motor Speedway's Memorial Day Weekend celebrations.

Live Streaming

Cable subscribers can stream the race live via the Fox Sports App or FoxSports.com by logging in with their television provider credentials. Cord-cutters can stream the event on subscription platforms that carry FOX, including Sling TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.

Radio Broadcast

If you are on the road, you can listen to live flag-to-flag radio coverage on the Performance Racing Network (PRN) or on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

The Legend of "Double Duty"

The evening start time of the Coca-Cola 600 also makes one of motorsports' most legendary feats possible: "Double Duty."

Historically, daring drivers like Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Kyle Larson have attempted to race in both the Indianapolis 500 (held at noon in Indianapolis, Indiana) and the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, North Carolina on the exact same day. Racing 1,100 miles in a single day requires meticulous planning, helicopter transfers, and extreme physical conditioning. For more historical context on previous Double Duty runs, check out NBC Sports NASCAR.

Final Preparations for Race Day

Make sure to synchronize your clocks for Sunday afternoon. Whether you are rooting for seasoned veterans or rising stars, the Coca-Cola 600 promises high drama, complex strategy, and a beautiful tribute to our nation's heroes. Set your DVRs, prepare your viewing parties, and get ready for 600 miles of intense action.