Coca-Cola 600 Preview: 50 Years of Racing in Charlotte

This weekend marks the 50th running of NASCAR's endurance contest, the Coca-Cola 600, at Lowe's Motor Speedway.  The first race was ran back in 1960, when Joe Lee Johnson claimed the inaugural event victory.

With the installation of lights in 1992, fans complained to circuit management to have the race start later in the day because of the notorious North Carolina heat and humidity. They wanted to follow the popularity of what was then known as the Winston All-Star the previous week, and switch the race to a nighttime finish to create cooler temperatures for spectators.

Here's what you need to know for NASCAR's longest night.

The Big Three

1. Only six times has the winner of the All-Star race has gone on to win the 600: Kasey Kahne (2008), Jimmie Johnson (2003), Jeff Gordon (1997), Dale Earnhardt (1993), Davey Allison (1991), and Darrell Waltrip (1985).

2. First Win Haven: Five drivers claim the Coca-Cola 600 as their first Cup Series victory: David Pearson (1961), Jeff Gordon (1994), Bobby Labonte (1995), Matt Kenseth (2000), and Casey Mears (2007)

3. Junior Nation watch: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s last win came at the Michigan last June, 33 races ago. Earnhardt Jr. has five top-five finishes, nine top-10s and no wins with an average finish of 17.9 in 19 starts at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The Favorites

Hendrick, Hendrick, and more Hendrick. Since 2003, Hendrick Motorsports has won four of the last six Coke 600's. With Stewart-Hass racing (aka Hendrick Lite) in the fold this year, expect this year to be no different.

Gordon has been the best driver on 1.5-mile ovals this year including, his streak-busting win at Texas, and has three straight top 10s at Lowes, including a win in the fall race in 2007. But the question with Gordon is, can his back hold up?

Tony Stewart has been the hottest driver on the circuit, and with a win in the All-Star race, a points win seems to be around the corner. But beware: Although he was won here in 2003, he has only posted three top-10s since then.

When talking about winning at Lowe's, no one can forget the Lowe's car. Johnson once owned this track, winning three straight 600s—the last in 2005—but lately has seemed to be in the right position late in the race.

Also expect both Busch brothers to be factors, as both have wins on 1.5-mile tracks this year.

The Dark Horses

Kasey Kahne has three wins here and is the defending race champion, but has struggled while running the old Dodge engine this year.

David Reutimann seems to be fast no matter where we are these days, but doesn't have the finishes to show for it.

Brian Vickers is the driver you are expecting to break out a win a race. This could be his night, as he ran very well in the fall race last year.

Your Super Sleeper is

Bobby Labonte. His record speaks for itself. He has not finished outside of the top 20 in any of his last 20 Lowe's Motor Speedway starts, and has posted two wins, including his first career win in the 600 in 1995.

But when its all said and done your winner of the 2009 Coca-Cola 600 is

I really want to go with Stewart, but I'm going with Gordon this week. Gordon's car was very strong in the All-Star race, plus he and Steve Letarte are getting better at adjusting the race car throughout the day.

In the end, Gordon prevails over teammate Jimmie Johnson.

Projected Top 10

1. Jeff Gordon

2. Jimmie Johnson

3 . Tony Stewart

4. Brian Vickers

5. Mark Martin

6. Greg Biffle

7. Ryan Newman

8. Kasey Kahne

9. Jeff Buton

10. Matt Kenseth