This year’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway promises to be an unforgettable event, as Jimmie Johnson celebrates 700th NASCAR Cup Series start, while several other drivers reach important career milestones. The race, set for this weekend, showcases the achievements of Johnson, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Preece, and Ty Gibbs, each marking significant moments in their journeys through the stock car racing world.
Four Drivers Set to Reach Landmark Starts at Charlotte
The upcoming Coca-Cola 600 isn’t just another race; for Jimmie Johnson, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Preece, and Ty Gibbs, it stands as a pivotal chapter in their careers. These competitors, stepping onto the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, each chase or celebrate a notable start tally, representing years of dedication to NASCAR Cup competition. The following list details each driver‘s milestone and the story leading up to their special race day, ordered from the lowest to the most astounding start count.
Ty Gibbs Prepares for His 100th Cup Series Race
Ty Gibbs, who captured the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, leapt into full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing in the 2023 season. Now, guided by his grandfather and racing under the Joe Gibbs Racing banner, Gibbs is set to make his 100th Cup Series start. The accomplished young driver has already claimed 13 Top 5 finishes and 25 Top 10s, though he is still searching for that elusive first win at the Cup level. His best result so far this season was a strong third place at Bristol Motor Speedway. As he climbs into the #54 car this weekend, Gibbs eyes a breakthrough victory on this personal landmark occasion.
Ryan Preece Hits 200 Starts in the Cup Series
Ryan Preece makes his 200th appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series during his debut season with Roush Fenway Keselowski. After stints with Stewart-Haas Racing, as well as JTG Daugherty Racing—where he drove cars #37 and #47—Preece continues to chase his first Cup victory. So far, his journey includes five Top 5 results and 20 Top 10 finishes. This season, similar to Ty Gibbs, Preece notched his best finish with a third-place run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. Behind the wheel of the #60 car, Preece aims to build on these successes and perhaps achieve an elusive first win as he joins the 200-start club.
Daniel Suarez Reaches 300-Career-Start Milestone
Daniel Suarez, who made history with his victory at Pocono Raceway in 2022 as the first Mexican-born winner of a NASCAR Cup Series race, lines up for his 300th start this weekend. Over nine seasons, Suarez has moved through teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, and, for the past five years, Trackhouse Racing. Now piloting the #99 car, the 33-year-old has won at both Pocono and last season’s Atlanta Motor Speedway event in February. His record includes two wins, 23 Top 5 finishes, and 71 Top 10s, highlighting his competitive growth and consistency in the series.
Jimmie Johnson Joins the 700-Start Club in Historic Fashion
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson stands out as he competes in his 700th race at the Coca-Cola 600, marking a rare feat in the series’ history. This event represents Johnson’s second and final outing of the 2025 season as a part-time team owner-driver for Legacy Motor Club, driving the #84 car at a venue where he has celebrated victory four times. Across 699 starts to date, Johnson’s stellar career is defined by 83 Cup victories, 233 Top 5 finishes, and an outstanding 375 Top 10s. Earlier this season, he raced to a third-place result at the renowned Daytona 500, further solidifying his enduring legacy in the sport.
Celebrating Enduring Commitment and Future Ambitions
The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 not only marks Jimmie Johnson celebrating his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start, but also shines a spotlight on the perseverance and milestones of Daniel Suarez, Ryan Preece, and Ty Gibbs. Each driver’s landmark showcases unique journeys through NASCAR, reinforcing the excitement and competitive spirit that define the sport. As the green flag drops at Charlotte Motor Speedway, fans and teams alike look forward to seeing who will make the most of these memorable career moments and what new milestones await these determined drivers in the seasons ahead.
