Hey there, race fans!
Bryan here, and this week weāre gearing up for the most demanding and legendary race on the NASCAR calendarāthe Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Itās Memorial Day weekend, and while most people are firing up their BBQs, weāre dialing in fantasy lineups and watching 600 miles of pure racing endurance.
Charlotte isnāt just a test of speed, itās a test of patience, strategy, and survival. Itās the longest race of the year, which means bonus points are up for grabs with stage wins, lead changes, and late-race drama all on the menu.
This race separates the hopefuls from the heavy-hitters. If your lineup can survive Charlotte, youāve got a real shot at jumping up in the standings. So grab your sweet tea, get comfortable, and letās dive into my fantasy picks for NASCARās marathon of motorsports.
Top 12 Picks:
When it comes to tackling a race as grueling as the Coca-Cola 600, you need drivers who not only have speed but can also go the distance. These top-12 guys are here because theyāve shown the pace, stamina, and strategic smarts to survive 600 miles and still be fighting at the end. If you want reliability mixed with serious point potential, look no further.
Main Driver (Locked): Tyler Reddick (#45 ā 23XI Racing)
Tyler Reddick remains my locked-in main driver. His consistency on intermediate tracks has been impressive this season.
While he hasn’t clinched a win yet, his ability to stay competitive throughout long races makes him a solid anchor for my fantasy team.
Kyle Larson (#5 ā Hendrick Motorsports)
Recent Performance: Larson is attempting the ambitious Indy-Charlotte Double, racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Season Standing: Currently leading the standings with 469 points.
Track Record: Larson has shown strong performances at Charlotte in the past.
Given his current form and determination, Larson is a must-have in my lineup.
William Byron (#24 ā Hendrick Motorsports)
Recent Performance: Byron has been consistently finishing in the top positions this season.
Season Standing: Second in the standings with 434 points.
Track Record: Byron has a solid history at Charlotte, making him a reliable pick.
Byron’s consistency and track record make him a valuable addition to my team.
Outside the Top 12 Picks:
These might not be the headline-makers, but theyāre exactly the kind of picks that win fantasy leagues. Each of these drivers sits outside the top 12 in the standings, but they bring either track success, recent speed, or breakout potential to the table. If youāre looking to get creative and gain ground on your competition, these are the names to watch.
Kyle Busch (#8 ā Richard Childress Racing)
Recent Performance: Busch has been showing competitive pace in recent races.
Track Record: With two career wins at Charlotte, his experience could pay off.
Busch’s experience and past success at Charlotte suggest potential for high fantasy points.
Ty Gibbs (#54 ā Joe Gibbs Racing)
Recent Performance: Gibbs has been showing upward momentum and speed in practice sessions.
Season Standing: While outside the top 12, his recent form indicates potential.
Gibbs’ speed and recent performances make him a sleeper pick with high upside.
Austin Cindric (#2 ā Team Penske)
Recent Performance: Cindric has shown competitiveness in early race stages.
Season Standing: Currently 14th in points with 273.
Cindric’s recent form and stage performance suggest he could be a valuable fantasy pick.
Final Thoughts:
This lineup combines proven performers with drivers showing strong recent form and track-specific success. By selecting Larson and Byron from the top 12, I secure high-scoring potential, while Busch, Gibbs, and Cindric offer upside from outside the top 12. I’ll be monitoring any updates before the race to make informed adjustments.
Catch the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET, streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
Letās enjoy the race and hope for a high-scoring fantasy weekend!
ā Bryan
