The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races of the season, with a full 40-car entry list packed with talent, stories, and returning legends. Set for Sunday, this marks the 13th event of the 36-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule and will be a true test of endurance, strategy, and speed.
Headlining the field is the return of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who will make his first appearance since finishing third at the 2025 Daytona 500. Also returning is rising star Connor Zilisch, back in action after a back injury sidelined him for several weeks. With seasoned veterans, championship contenders, and fresh faces all taking part, Sunday’s race promises drama from start to finish.
Jimmie Johnson Back Behind the Wheel
All eyes will be on the No. 84 Toyota of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB as Jimmie Johnson climbs back into the driver’s seat for his second start of the season. Johnson’s part-time return to NASCAR competition has been met with enthusiasm from fans and competitors alike, especially following his impressive podium finish at Daytona. The Charlotte race holds special meaning for Johnson, a four-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600.
Johnson is not just competing—he’s also co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, a team that’s taken noticeable strides forward in 2025. Alongside teammates John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones, Johnson brings decades of experience to the table, offering invaluable insight both on and off the track.
“It’s always special coming back to Charlotte,” Johnson said ahead of the weekend. “This race demands a lot from everyone, and I’m excited to see what we can do as a team.”
With his return, Johnson adds another layer of intrigue to an already crowded field of contenders.
Connor Zilisch Returns After Injury
Another key storyline entering the Coca-Cola 600 is the return of 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. Zilisch suffered a lower back injury in a crash at Talladega, which forced him to miss the Xfinity Series race at Texas as well as sit out during NASCAR’s two-week Xfinity break.
Now cleared and healthy, Zilisch will make only his second career Cup Series start, hoping to build on his impressive debut earlier this year. His presence marks another step in Trackhouse Racing’s youth movement, which also includes New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen, entered in the No. 88 Chevrolet.
“‘I’m back.’ My back is all healed up and I’m ready for a big weekend at Charlotte. I’m pumped to make my second Cup start with Trackhouse and get back in the Xfinity car with JR Motorsports. Big thanks to everyone who helped me get back so soon!” – Connor Zilisch
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) May 19, 2025
Zilisch’s return adds excitement and unpredictability to the field. With long green-flag runs and changing track conditions expected, the young driver will have to show both patience and precision in NASCAR’s longest race.
Field Loaded With Talent, Championship Implications Looming
Beyond the returns of Johnson and Zilisch, the entry list boasts a full roster of Cup Series heavyweights. Points leader Kyle Larson returns in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, while defending series champion Ryan Blaney will wheel the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske.
Fellow contenders like Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott are also in the mix, making this race critical for the championship hunt. With summer stretch races coming up, every point matters, and a strong result at Charlotte could shape the playoff picture moving forward.
| No. | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 2 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 3 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 4 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 5 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 6 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 7 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 8 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 10 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 11 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 12 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 13 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger |
| 14 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 15 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 16 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 17 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 18 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 19 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 20 | 24 | William Byron |
| 21 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 22 | 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 23 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 24 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 25 | 42 | John Hunter Nemechek |
| 26 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 27 | 44 | TBA |
| 28 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 29 | 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 30 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 31 | 51 | Cody Ware |
| 32 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 33 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 34 | 66 | Josh Bilicki |
| 35 | 71 | Michael McDowell |
| 36 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 37 | 84 | Jimmie Johnson |
| 38 | 87 | Connor Zilisch |
| 39 | 88 | Shane van Gisbergen |
| 40 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
Also noteworthy is the debut of Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota for 23XI Racing. Herbst, a full-time Xfinity competitor, gets a shot at the Cup level in one of the highest-profile events on the calendar. Meanwhile, veteran drivers such as Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr. (not entered this weekend), and Kevin Harvick (now retired) continue to influence the sport in advisory or ownership roles, but their absence is noticeable as the next generation rises.
There are still a few question marks, including the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team, which has yet to announce a driver. With the field locked at 40 cars, all entries will qualify to start the race.
News in Brief: Entry List for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600
With a mix of seasoned champions, promising rookies, and returning favorites, the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 promises to deliver both spectacle and strategy in one of NASCAR’s most grueling and revered events. From Jimmie Johnson’s return to Connor Zilisch’s comeback, each story adds depth to a race already rich in tradition.
As fans descend on Charlotte Motor Speedway and teams prepare for 600 miles of intense racing, the spotlight is set. With Memorial Day weekend in full swing, this Sunday’s race is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of history, endurance, and the spirit of American motorsport.
