The NASCAR world is still processing the tragic death of star driver Kyle Busch, prompting some fans to wonder if this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte will be canceled. There is little precedent for the current circumstances, making NASCAR’s decision a bit fluid.
So far, there has been no NASCAR announcement about a potential cancelation of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 24. The implication is that the Cup Series as well as the subsequent races will go on as scheduled.
Given the seriousness of the recent events, NASCAR could reverse course and hit pause on the schedule at any point. In terms of historic precedent, NASCAR opted not to cancel any races following Dale Earnhardt’s death in 2001.
The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, May 24, at Charlotte Motorspeedway. Fans can watch the race on both Amazon Prime and HBO Max.
Here’s what we know so far about NASCAR’s schedule amid the recent tragedy.
NASCAR Has Not Canceled This Weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 Race in Charlotte Following Kyle Busch’s Death
It has been nearly 24 hours since NASCAR made any social media posts following the announcement of Busch’s death. Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR released a joint statement announcing the news of Busch’s death.
“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the statement reads. “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch.
“A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” the statement continued.
“… Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.”
NASCAR Schedule This Weekend: When Are the Races at Charlotte?
Assuming there are no adjustments made, there are a full weekend of races scheduled in Charlotte. Friday, May 22, will serve as the NASCAR truck series qualifying beginning at 4:35 p.m. Eastern.
There are a series of events on Saturday, May 23, including the Charbroil 300 race in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at 5 p.m. Eastern. There is also Cup Series qualifying beginning at 2:40 p.m. Eastern.
On Sunday, May 24, there is a Brad Paisley concert scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern followed by a military appreciation show at 4:30 p.m. The Coca-Cola 600 race, the main event of the weekend, is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Bubba Wallace Is Among the NASCAR Drivers to React to Kyle Busch’s Surprising Death
Let us know in the comments whether you think NASCAR should cancel the upcoming races. Bubba Wallace is among the NASCAR drivers to post an emotional reaction following the surprising news of Busch’s death.
“My eyes hurt from all the crying, my heart hurts from the pain,” Wallace noted in a May 21, Instagram post. “Just Sunday, mid race I thought about Kyle Busch and the one of many lessons that he had taught me. ‘Is it loose? Drive (through) it and trust it.’
“Kyle was a monumental factor in who Bubba Wallace is today. I sit here and look at all things around me and all the things I’ve been able to accomplish. Kyle played a role in every aspect. That’s what hurts the most. An icon and a legend that I looked up to…is no longer with us.”
NASCAR Race This Weekend: Will Coca-Cola 600 Be Canceled Amid Kyle Busch’s Death?