Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina
Track type: Oval
It was now time for the longest race of the NASCAR Cup Series season: The Coca-Cola 600 at the 1.5 mile track of Charlotte Motor Speedway. A special race that takes place every Memorial Day weekend to celebrate those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the USA. Al will be driving the #51 as Codi Gizmodi will drive the #38 this week. Charger decided to take this week off and Katie will drive the #84 to make her 3rd start of the 2023 season. Also, Mayor Humdinger will return to drive the #48 after he was sidelined with an injury.
SATURDAY (PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING)
Mother Nature was not kind to Charlotte Motor Speedway to start the weekend as practice and qualifying would be canceled, meaning Arrby would start on the pole with Zuma, Shade, Marshall, and Rocky as the top 5.
SUNDAY (RACE DAY)
STARTING LINEUP
#24 2. #4 3. #6 4. #11 5. #8 6. #9 7. #23 8. #12 9. #20 10. #47
11. #17 12. #5 13. #21 14. #1 15. #45 16. #31 17. #22 18. #19. 19. #54 20. #14
21. #2 22. 23. #10 24. #99 25. #7 26. #43 27. #16 28. #42 29. #38 30. #41
31. #48 32. #77 33. #3 34. #78 35. #51 36. #15 37. #84
STAGES: 100/100/100/100
The race was supposed to take place, but it was pouring so badly even the drivers knew there was no way they were going racing tonight.
"THE RACE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 3:00 PM TOMORROW AFTERNOON."
MONDAY
#24 Radio: You got the #4 alongside you. And… green flag good luck Arrby!
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: And the Coca-Cola 600 is finally underway! Arrby gets clear of Zuma and he'll secure the lead for now!
LAP 8/400 Leader: Arrby
Commentary: Off of turn 4, Marshall is on the outside of Zuma and takes second place with Rocky behind him! Rocky goes to 3rd and Zuma drops to 4th.
#11 Radio: Nice job. Chase down the #24.
"Copy that team." The Dalmatian replied.
LAP 11/400 Leader: Arrby Meanwhile, Liberty was gaining places every lap, she started 18th, and was already up to 5th.
#19 Radio: You're doing an amazing job Liberty. You are currently the fastest car on the track.
"I got this guys." Liberty told her team.
LAP 14/400 Leader: Arrby
Commentary: Marshall has been chasing down Arrby and he'll clear him! Marshall now leads the Coca-Cola 600!
#11 Radio: Great work. Drive away now.
LAP 25/400 Leader: Marshall
Zuma, who started on the front row, was already down outside the top 20, and it was not getting better for the Labrador.
"How has it gone this bad guys?!" Zuma asked in frustration.
#4 Radio: We will try and fix the car in the competition caution
LAP 33/400 Leader: Marshall
Marshall had the lead, and was building a gap, but once Skye got around for 2nd, she was a rocket ship.
Commentary: Skye looks to the inside of Marshall for the race lead! She looked crazy fast chasing down Marshall, and now Skye leads at Charlotte!
"Yes! Let's go!" Skye exclaimed.
#20 Radio: Excellent job Skye
LAP 36/400 Leader: Skye
CAUTION
NASCAR Officials: This is the competition caution.
#20 Radio: Caution's out Skye. You've done a great job so far.
LAP 37/400 Leader: Skye
Everyone came down pit road for 4 fresh tires and fuel and it would Arrby with the number one pit stall taking the lead of the race.
LAP 42/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Arrby didn't get the best restart and it's Ella on the outside and she'll take the top spot away from Arrby! One half of the Mighty Twins now lead the Coca-Cola 600!
#12 Radio: Great jump on the restart Ella! That was epic! "Thanks guys!" Ella happily exclaimed.
LAP 63/400 Leader: Ella
#20 Radio: Get by the #12. You are better than her.
"Copy team." Skye answered.
Commentary: Skye is trying to do what she did earlier. Chase down the leader and pass them, and she gets it done off of turn 4! Skye goes back to the lead at Charlotte!
#20 Radio: Nice work girl! Drive away now.
LAP 75/400 Leader: Skye
Commentary: Trouble off of turn 2! Katie has spun out and she'll hit the wall on the left side of the car and the caution is out here at Charlotte!
CAUTION
#84 Radio: What happened Katie?
"I just lost it. I think something broke on the car when I hit the wall." Katie said.
#84 Radio: We'll try and fix it.
LAP 76/400 Leader: Skye
All the lead lap cars came to pit road again, and once again, Arrby would win the race off pit road.
The #34 and #16 would get equipment interference penalties for accidentally messing up other teams' pit stops.
"I'm sorry, WHAT?!" Hubcap shouted.
#34 Radio: Equipment Interference.
"Ha! That's bullshit." Hubcap scoffed.
LAP 80/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Arrby this time would keep the top spot with Ella and Skye behind him.
LAP 100/400 Leader: Arrby
The top 3 were all close to each other as they started the final lap of stage 1. Skye was getting around Ella for 2nd and chasing down Arrby for the stage win.
#20 Radio: You'll have one chance here.
Commentary: Skye has a run on the outside, but not enough to catch Arrby who will win stage 1!
LAP 101/400 Leader: Arrby
CAUTION
#24 Radio: Nice job Arrby. Keep it up
"Pit crew, make sure you get me out first again." Arrby told his team.
LAP 103/400 Leader: Arrby
Everyone came down pit road except for Hubcap who stayed out to claim the race lead. Arrby would win the race off pit road. However, everything fell apart within 2 laps of one team.
#84 Radio: The car is so off pace. Take it to the garage so we can possibly fix it.
"Copy." Katie replied.
"Something's wrong with the radiator!" Rex complained.
"I ran over something! Car feels broken!" Moby panicked.
#43 Radio: Take it to the garage.
#42 Radio: Go behind the wall so we can look at it.
Commentary: I can't believe it. All 3 cars from the same team are going to the garage. I can't say I've seen this before.
LAP 108/400 Leader: Hubcap
GREEN FLAG
Hubcap on old tires fell back like a rock, giving Arrby the race lead on the outside.
#24 Radio: #34 is falling back. #20 is now in second.
LAP 117/400 Leader: Arrby
Arrby's lead would fade away as Skye would once again challenge for the top spot.
Commentary: She's been the quickest on the track and she'll breeze by Arrby on the front stretch and take back the race lead.
#20 Radio: Good job Skye. Get back in your rhythm now.
LAP 147/400 Leader: Skye
Green flag pit stops were occurring and Everest, who was running in 2nd decided to try to beat Skye by pitting before her.
#45 Radio: We're ready for you Everest.
Commentary: It's gotta be a near perfect stop for Everest. Right side looks good and the left side is almost perfect! 9.4 seconds for Everest! What a fantastic stop for the #45 team!
LAP 148/400 Leader: Skye
Skye had decided it was time to come into the pits for her pit stop.
Commentary: Skye stops in her pit box. Right side looks decent and the left side- Wait, they didn't get the lug nut tightened! Now the crew gets it tightened! It's a 13 second pit stop, and it will more than likely cost her the race lead!
#20 Radio: Son of a- ughhh! That's on us Skye.
"It's fine guys. Still a long way to go." Skye told her team.
LAP 157/400 Leader: Everest
NASCAR Officials: Sir, we're noticing some drops in 3 and 4. Some of the teams have reported it as well.
"Put it out! Put it out! Raining in turns 3 and 4!" The director ordered.
CAUTION
#45 Radio: Caution's out Everest. It's for rain.
"Good call for NASCAR. Looks like a drizzle, but it doesn't hurt to be safe." Everest replied.
#45 Radio: Ok, they are gonna red flag the race. Come down pit road and you can get out of your car.
LAP 158/400 Leader: Everest
RED FLAG
Everyone came down pit road and they waited for the rain to hopefully clear up. Everest got out of her car and she was greeted by some of the front runners of the race.
"Hey Everest, how's your car?" Skye asked.
"It's a little slow on the short runs, but it comes to life on the long runs, Skye." Everest answered.
"Hey Eve. You definitely have a car that could win this race." Marshall told his girlfriend.
"Thanks Marshall!" Everest exclaimed.
(30 MINUTES LATER)
CAUTION
Everyone had gotten back into their cars to get the race resumed and hopefully finished. Everyone pitted except for Everest, Ella, Liberty, Tracker, and Chase to keep their track position.
LAP 164/400 Leader: Everest
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: We're back under racing! Everest leads them into turn 1 ahead of Ella, and the husky leads the way out of turn 2 and they'll fan out on the backstretch- WE GOT A CAR SPINNING! It's the #84 of Katie! She came back on the track 49 laps down, and she cannot catch a break. It looks like she got spun by Moby, who's also multiple laps down.
CAUTION
#84 Radio: Are you okay Katie?
"I'm fine. There's no use in trying anymore." Katie spoke as she drove her car to the garage.
#42 Radio: Can you continue Moby?
"Nope. I'm done." Moby said sternly.
LAP 170/400 Leader: Everest
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Everest and Ella are side by side going it on turn 1, but Everest will hold the lead on the outside!
LAP 176/400 Leader: Everest
Commentary: OH TROUBLE TURN 2! Rocky spins and Tracker hits him nose first! Rocky will spin and not hit anything else, and that'll put us back under caution!
CAUTION
#8 Radio: How's the car Rocky?
"It's fine. Tracker hit the side, and the car is still going straight." Rocky told his team.
"I've got nose damage!" Tracker worriedly said.
#99 Radio: It looks bad, but we'll try to fix it.
LAP 182/400 Leader: Everest
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Everest and Ella! Side by side going into turn 1, Ella gets the advantage and goes to the race lead!
#12 Radio: #45 one (car length) back, you're clear. Hit your marks Ella.
LAP 186/400 Leader: Ella
There was a great battle going on for 6th between Marshall and Chase, but going into turn 4, everything changed.
Commentary: Marshall and Chase are battling for 6th. Side by side, Marshall slides up the track, and Chase got into the wall! AND HE TURNED HIM! MARSHALL HARD INTO THE OUTSIDE WALL! CHASE TURNED INTO HIM AND BOTH CARS ARE DESTROYED!
CAUTION
#11 Radio: The #9 just dumped us. You okay Marshall?
"I-I don't even know what to say. I'm fine by the way." The Dalmatian said in disbelief and shock as he began to climb out of his car.
#11 Radio: It's alright Marshall. He's an asshole for that. We're happy that you're okay. Your safety comes first before anything.
Marshall suddenly froze with fear with the mention of the word "asshole". He never thought of Chase as anything like that.
#9 Radio: What was that Chase?
"I'm not putting up with it." Chase said before cutting his radio off and driving his car to the garage.
#20 Radio: The #9 absolutely destroyed the #11 Skye.
"I'm very disappointed in Chase right now." Skye sternly said.
"Is Marshall okay?" Everest asked.
#45 Radio: Yeah, he's fine. He got out of the car.
Commentary: We're happy to see Marshall climb out of the car after a vicious hit. Chase and Marshall are best friends and you just wonder, did that just destroy their friendship?
LAP 192/400 Leader: Ella
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Ella got a good jump over Everest, but here comes Rory! She wants to lead for the first time tonight and she'll do it on the outside! The #17 to the lead at Charlotte!
#17 Radio: That'll do Rory. Nice job.
LAP 200/400 Leader: Rory
Commentary: Trouble on the front stretch! The #78 of Ladybird has stopped on the track and that will end the stage.
CAUTION
#17 Radio: Caution Rory. Good job. Stage 2 winner.
"Let's go guys! Let's keep pushing!" Rory exclaimed.
LAP 204/400 Leader: Rory
Everyone came to pit road with the exception of Wheeler and Rocky for track position. Zuma would actually win the race on pit road putting him in 3rd and Rory in 4th.
LAP 208/400 Leader: Wheeler
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Wheeler gets a decent start, and here comes Zuma passing Rocky on the inside and he's up to 2nd!
#4 Radio: Great job Zuma. Next car is the #47.
LAP 209/400 Leader: Wheeler
Within a lap, Zuma was breezing by Wheeler and took the race lead.
#4 Radio: Clear of the #47, you got it Zuma!
"Yes boys! Let's go!" Zuma exclaimed.
LAP 212/400 Leader: Zuma
Commentary: Ella with the fresh tries pulls up to Wheeler and easily passes him
#12 Radio: Next target is the #4. You can do it.
LAP 226/400 Leader: Zuma
Ella had been chasing down Zuma ever since she got past Wheeler, and she was finally on the back bumper of him.
Commentary: Ella dives to the inside of Zuma into turn 3 and she now leads the race! #12 Radio: Great job Ella. Build a gap between you and the #4.
LAP 232/400 Leader: Ella
Commentary: Trouble turn 4! Skye has gone around all by herself! She was running in the 5th position, and the cockapoo has a long way to go now if she wants to win!
CAUTION
#20 Radio: Good save Skye. Still a long way to go. "I'm sorry guys. I got loose on the outside and lost it." Skye told her team.
LAP 233/400 Leader: Ella
Everyone came to pit road, and Arrby's team had a phenomenal pit stop and because of having the number one pit stall, he was able to take the lead of the race.
"That's how you do it team, let's go!" Arrby exclaimed to his team.
LAP 237/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Arrby gets a decent start but Ella on the inside and she'll take back the lead. Arrby will follow in 2nd.
LAP 275/400 Leader: Ella
Ella would lead for 38 laps straight leaving the field in the dust, until one car brought everyone back into play.
Commentary: We got trouble off of turn 2! The #51 of Al and the #6 of Shade have both spun out, and the caution is back out!
CAUTION
"Al just ran me up the track!" Shade complained.
"Tell Shade I'm sorry. I slid up the track." Al apologized.
#51 Radio: Just take it to the garage Al, we're done.
LAP 277/400 Leader: Ella
Once again, the cars came down pit road and once again, Arrby would win the race off pit road with Ella in 2nd place
"Man, you guys are on fire today!" Arrby complimented his team.
LAP 281/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: It's Arrby and Ella on the restart again, but this time Arrby will keep the lead and Ella is hot on his tail!
#12 Radio: You can get the #24 Ella. Just be patient.
LAP 282/400 Leader: Arrby
Commentary: Ella was hot on Arrby's tail since the last lap, and she goes to the inside, Ella goes back to the lead at Charlotte!
#12 Radio: You are smoking him every time Ella. Great job.
LAP 300/400 Leader: Ella
Ella would not run away with the race lead because Everest and Liberty would be hot on her tail, challenging for the stage win.
#19 Radio: Get around the #45 Liberty. "I'm trying team!" Liberty said.
#45 Radio: #19 is trying to pass you, try and focus on the #12 Everest.
"I can't do both at once!" Everest protested.
Commentary: Out of turn 4, Ella will win stage 3, and it's a drag race between Everest and Liberty- Everest barely holds on for 2nd!
LAP 301/400 Leader: Ella
CAUTION
#12 Radio: Stage 3 winner! Good job Ella. Go finish this race off.
"Thanks guys! I won't let you down!" Ella proudly told her team.
LAP 302/400 Leader: Ella
Commentary: Here comes the field down pit road. Ella leads them down with Everest, Liberty, and Arrby right behind her. Ella has a decent stop and Arrby's team is finishing up, and he'll get ahead of her! 4th to 1st on the pit stop for the #24! This pit crew has been phenomenal!
"Guys, you have been absolutely phenomenal today in the pits, I can't thank you guys enough for how you have performed today." Arrby told his team.
"Only reason he's leading is because of that number one pit stall." Ella said, growling a little.
#12 Radio: Ella, don't let it get to you. You have been better than him all day. Go show him why.
LAP 308/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Arrby on the outside, but it's Ella once again on the inside taking the lead of the race!
#12 Radio: And that's how you do it Ella!
#24 Radio: I don't understand Arrby. You've been bad on these restarts today.
"I'm trying guys." The pirate pup told his team.
LAP 325/400 Leader: Ella
Everest was chasing down Ella for the lead of the race until one moment nearly ended her race.
Commentary: Trouble off of turn 4! Everest is sideways, she goes through the grass, keeps it straight somehow, and we stay green!
#45 Radio: Good job Everest. Nice save.
"Thanks, but my car is wicked loose!" Everest complained.
LAP 344/400 Leader: Ella
Commentary: There's a loose wheel on the backstretch, it might be from the #34 of Hubcap, and yes he's going slow!
CAUTION
#34 Radio: Hubcap, the tire came off completely. You need to come into the pits.
"Do you damn job next time team!" Hubcap shouted.
LAP 345/400 Leader: Ella
Once again, pit stops would take place, and once again; Arrby with his pit stall advantage, would claim back the race lead.
#24 Radio: We got you in this position, now finish this Arrby. "Copy team." The pirate pup replied.
LAP 350/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Back under green! Arrby gets the jump over Ella and Rocky has a great run behind him! Rocky went from 4th to 2nd on that restart!
#8 Radio: You're chasing the #24 now, you can do it Rocky.
"I got this guys." The mix said to his crew.
LAP 352/400 Leader: Arrby
Unfortunately, Rocky wouldn't chase him down and was now being pressured by Ryder who hasn't been at the front much, challenging for 2nd place.
Commentary: Ryder wants to take 2nd place away, and he'll do it! It's a Hendrick 1-2 now at Charlotte!
#5 Radio: Good job Ryder. Go get the #24 now.
LAP 358/400 Leader: Arrby
Commentary: Trouble turn 4! Zuma who was running 7th has gone around! He won't hit anything, but the caution will come back out!
"I'm sorry guys. I lost it trying to accelerate the car." Zuma apologized.
#4 Radio: Keep your head up Zuma. There's still about 40 laps left.
LAP 359/400 Leader: Arrby
Everyone would come into the pits for possibly their final pit stop and once again, Arrby would win the race off pit road
#24 Radio: You know what to do Arrby. "I will try my best guys." Arrby replied.
The only driver who would stay out would be Codi Gizmodi, possibly a last ditch effort to win her first career race.
#38 Radio: Codi, I'm not sure this is the best idea. "I'm a part time driver guys. I have nothing to lose." Codi reminded her team.
LAP 363/400 Leader: Codi Gizmodi
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Codi on the outside gets a decent start, but Arrby with the 4 fresh tires gets back the lead on the inside!
#24 Radio: Just keep a good pace Arrby, you did good there.
Commentary: We got trouble in turn 3! Wildcat has spun out and Rubble looks like some damage as well.
CAUTION
#16 Radio: What happened Wild? "I just lost it." The feline answered.
#22 Radio: How's the car Rubble?
"It's fine guys. I had nowhere to go unfortunately." The bulldog spoke.
LAP 370/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Arrby and Ella are side by side coming out of turn 2, Arrby has a nose in front, and we got trouble further back! Tuck! Hard into the outside wall on the backstretch, and the front of that car is absolutely destroyed!
CAUTION
#2 Radio: Tuck, are you okay?
"Yeah, I'm fine, but I'm out. Sorry guys." Tuck apologized as he took off his helmet.
It would be Arrby and Ella on the front row and Liberty and Ryder on the second row with 26 laps to go. Game on.
LAP 375/400 Leader: Arrby
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Arrby and Ella, dead even going into turn 1! Ella ahead by a nose- Ryder goes around! He'll collect Skye, Rubble, and Coral in the wreck! Caution comes back out!
CAUTION
#5 Radio: That's it Ryder. We're out "I'm so sorry guys. I got loose and wrecked myself." Ryder said as he got out of the car.
#54 Radio: We'll try to fix the damage Coral.
"Sorry guys. They all checked up in front of me." The mer-pup spoke.
#22 Radio: We got a tire down Rubble, we can change that easily.
"Yeah, sorry guys. Track was blocked for me." Rubble said.
#20 Radio: Skye, how's the car?
"It's fine, but so much for a good finish now." The cockapoo spoke unhappily.
LAP 381/400 Leader: Ella
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Ella has the advantage on the inside and easily clears Arrby!
#12 Radio: Great job girl! Just bring it home.
Ella would drive away from the field and never look back.
LAP 400/400 Leader: Ella
WHITE FLAG
Commentary: She has led the most laps tonight, and as she comes out of turn 4 for the final time, Ella wins the Coca-Cola 600! What an entertaining race!
#12 Radio: And that's the checkered flag Ella!
"WHOOOOOOOO! YESSSS! YES! YES! ABOUT TIME!" Ella exclaimed.
#24 Radio: Well done Arrby. That's 2nd place.
"I'm sorry guys. I wish I was a bit faster, but good job all day team." Arrby spoke.
#45 Radio: Everest, another top 5 for the season. Great job.
"Yeah… I need to go somewhere." The husky spoke as she walked to someone's hauler.
Ella did her burnouts at the start/finish line. Tuck, who unfortunately crashed out of the race gave her a hug and congratulated her, and then it was time for her interview. Reporter: Ella is back to winning, and she does it at the longest race of the season! Ella, what's going on in your head right now.
"I'm definitely tired. Driving 600 miles does a number on you, but that won't stop me from celebrating! We had a fast car all day long, and Arrby's team kept him in play, but when we got ahead of him before the last caution, I was able to drive away on the last restart, and I can't thank my team enough. We're Coca-Cola 600 champions baby!" Ella happily said.
POST RACE (#9 HAULER)
Everest walked up to Chase's hauler and she was not in the best mood after what happened on lap 186.
"CHASE! OPEN THIS DOOR NOW!" Everest shouted as she banged her paw on the door.
Chase opened the door with a look of regret and guilt on his face.
"I tried calling Marshall to apologize… he never answered…" Chase spoke, holding back tears.
"You know you messed up Chase. If he doesn't even want to talk to you, you really hurt him. I saw him before I came here, and he was really upset. You have to make it right to him." Everest spoke.
"But how? He won't even take my calls." The German Shepherd asked.
"Give him some time. Talk to him next week." The husky answered before leaving Chase by himself.
Chase had a lot of thinking to do and wondered could Marshall forgive him for what he did?
RESULTS
1st #12 Ella
2nd #24 Arrby
3rd #19 Liberty
4th #23 Claw
5th #45 Everest
6th #8 Rocky
7th #47 Wheeler
8th #17 Rory
9th #3 Harold Humdinger
10th #38 Codi Gizmodi
11th #4 Zuma
12th #48 Mayor Humdinger
13th #41 Gasket
14th #16 Wildcat
15th #31 Leo
16th #15 Mix
17th #7 Alex
18th #21 Dwayne
19th #6 Shade
20th #14 The Cheetah
21st #22 Rubble
22nd #1 Sweetie
23rd #99 Tracker
24th #20 Skye
25th #10 Duke of Flappington
26th #54 Coral (-2)
27th #77 Copycat (-3)
28th #34 Hubcap (-4)
29th #78 Ladybird (-8)
30th #5 Ryder (DNF)
31st #2 Tuck (DNF)
32nd #43 Rex (DNF)
33rd #51 Al (DNF)
34th #9 Chase (DNF)
35th #11 Marshall (DNF)
36th #42 Moby (DNF)
37th #84 Katie (DNF)