Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson is set for his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start this Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, taking the spotlight in a full-field Coca-Cola 600. The milestone moment adds special meaning to NASCAR’s most grueling event, with Johnson’s history, the packed lineup, and the spectacle promising heightened excitement for fans of the Jimmie Johnson 700th NASCAR Cup Series start Coca-Cola 600.
Legend Returns for a Crowded Field at Charlotte
This year’s Coca-Cola 600 brings together a full grid of 40 competitors, making it the series’ largest field since the Daytona 500. Jimmie Johnson’s presence stands out, as he takes the wheel of the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, a team he also co-owns. Johnson’s return isn’t just a nostalgic headline; he’s a four-time victor of the Coca-Cola 600, with his last win at the event coming in 2014.
Adding to the sense of occasion, Johnson’s car will debut a special paint scheme to mark the 700th start, featuring a deep blue base, yellow accents, and a prominent roof number. Backed by sponsor Carvana, Johnson’s vehicle is designed to stand out in the Memorial Day showpiece.
Upcoming Talent and Veterans Highlight Race Depth
This fully booked race is not only about established stars. The 36 chartered teams are joined by four open entries, broadening the field and bringing a surge of fresh energy. Emerging drivers, determined teams, and established veterans are all ready to prove themselves on NASCAR’s longest night.
One compelling story this year involves 18-year-old Connor Zilisch of Trackhouse Racing, preparing for his second Cup appearance in the No. 87 Chevrolet. After making a strong debut earlier this season, Zilisch was temporarily sidelined by a lower back injury from a crash at Talladega. His absence during the Xfinity Series race at Texas and two-week recovery period delayed his momentum, but following medical clearance, he now makes a return at Charlotte.
Zilisch’s participation signals more than just his own comeback. It highlights Trackhouse Racing’s strategy of developing young talent, with additional drivers such as New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen taking part in the event in the No. 88 Chevrolet. With both rookies and experienced drivers vying for attention, the competition at Charlotte promises intensity and unpredictability.
A Marquee NASCAR Event Poised for High Drama
The Coca-Cola 600 stretches across 400 laps, requiring considerable stamina, precise teamwork, and a resilient mindset. Traditionally seen as a defining race in the NASCAR schedule, the event is set to become even more memorable as Johnson celebrates his remarkable milestone. The gathering of veterans, up-and-comers, and a fully packed grid under the lights ensures that this Memorial Day showdown will not only honor racing history but also shape its future.
With names like Jimmie Johnson, Connor Zilisch, and Shane van Gisbergen in the lineup, and with organizations such as Trackhouse Racing, Legacy Motor Club, and Carvana involved, the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 is expected to deliver a thrilling spectacle for fans and competitors alike. As the engines fire up at Charlotte Motor Speedway, all eyes will be on Johnson’s 700th start and the stories that unfold in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and demanding events.
