The Coca-Cola Racing Family isn’t just a collection of NASCAR’s brightest stars. It’s a rolling tribute to tradition, teamwork, and American pride. Every Memorial Day weekend, this group helps anchor one of the sport’s most meaningful events. The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s a race where horsepower meets heart, and drivers trade checkered flags for moments of remembrance. This isn’t just about fast cars and big trophies. It’s about honoring service, sacrifice, and the stories that unite fans and families across the country.

As the engines roar and the stands fill, NASCAR’s connection to the military comes into sharp focus, blending the thrill of racing with a deep respect for those who serve. And this year, that spirit is taking a special voyage straight to the decks of America’s Navy ships, thanks to a proud racing legacy and a grandson determined to make a difference.

Austin Dillon brings NASCAR spirit to the Navy for Mission 600 tribute

Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Chevrolet and grandson of NASCAR legend Richard Childress, took his racing pride to new heights (and depths) aboard two of the Navy’s most storied ships as part of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Mission 600. Ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, Dillon and pit crew coach Ray Wright visited Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, for a day of hands-on learning and heartfelt tribute.

Austin Dillon and Wright immersed themselves in Navy life. They tested their skills in high-tech simulators and donned firefighting gear for emergency drills on the USS Kearsarge. Also, they toured the ship, gaining insight into the teamwork and precision required to operate such a massive vessel. “The Navy has taken really great care of us since we’ve been here, showing us around, showing us the history of these ships,” Dillon said, as reported by Speedway Digest. “I’m always grateful to meet these men and women that serve our country, who allow us the freedoms to go race on the weekend. These young people have a lot of pride; they know what they’re doing and do it at a high level of performance.”

A poignant moment came aboard the USS Cole. Austin Dillon and Wright joined sailors for lunch and visited the memorial honoring the 17 lives lost in the 2000 terrorist attack. The ship’s resilience and continued service left a deep impression. Wright drew parallels between Navy teamwork and NASCAR pit crews, noting, “Everybody pitches in to give Austin a victory. It reminds me of everything you see on these ships. You got bodies moving back and forth, going here and there. Everybody’s got a job and everybody’s got a task.”

For the sailors, having NASCAR stars onboard was a thrill. Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Cameron Dehart said, “Meeting him and seeing him come on board the ship and making those connections is very important. I grew up kind of a Kyle Busch fan – which is his teammate – but I’ve got to start cheering for the No. 3 (Dillon) now, for sure.” 

Austin Dillon’s visit is part of Mission 600’s ongoing effort to forge deeper connections between NASCAR and the military. It reminds all involved of the shared values of teamwork, sacrifice, and pride that define both worlds. This spirit will be on full display at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600. Here, every lap will serve as a tribute to America’s Armed Forces.

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All you need to know about the 2025 Coca-Cola 600

The 2025 Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest and one of its most storied races, will take place on May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. This marks the 66th running of the event. As we all know, the event stands as a crown jewel on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. It is a centerpiece of Memorial Day weekend racing festivities.

Charlotte Motor Speedway, built in 1959 by Bruton Smith, is considered NASCAR’s home track. This is because many teams are based in the Charlotte area. The 1.5-mile quad-oval hosts 400 laps, totaling 600 miles, and is the only Cup race with four stages! This makes the Coca-Cola 600 the longest race in the series. The event is unique for its transition from daylight to dusk and then night. Thus, it challenges teams to adapt to changing track conditions as the race progresses.

This year, we will also bear witness to Kyle Larson once again attempting the double. His Indy 500 run was marred by rain last year and led to him missing the Coca-Cola 600. However, Larson has stated that he will prioritize racing in Charlotte this year, so do not miss out on the Hendrick Motorsports #5’s attempt at history. If he completes both races, he will become only the second driver since 3x Cup Champion Tony Stewart to do so.

Fans can catch all the action live on Prime Video, as they commence their 5-race NASCAR coverage for the season at the crown-jewel event. Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte will be in the booth. Similarly, Kim Coon, Marty Snider, and Trevor Bayne will report from pit road. PRN will provide radio coverage. Brad Gillie and Mark Garrow are calling the race, and turn coverage will be from Rob Albright and Pat Patterson.

Traditionally, the Coca-Cola 600 features stirring military tributes. This includes the iconic “600 Miles of Remembrance,” where every car honors a fallen service member. The race is not just a test of endurance. But, it is a powerful salute to America’s Armed Forces, making it a highlight of both the NASCAR season and Memorial Day weekend.