NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 lineup set by rain as Reddick claims pole by default
Heavy rain has disrupted this weekend’s NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 was cancelled, leaving the starting grid set by the rule book. Tyler Reddick will lead the field to green after securing the pole position by default.
The weather also affected practice sessions for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series. Meanwhile, drivers prepared for Sunday’s 600-mile race under uncertain conditions, with more rain expected later in the day. Rain washed out qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600, forcing NASCAR to determine the lineup based on its rule book. Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota will start first, sharing the front row with Ty Gibbs in the No. 54 Toyota. Shane van Gisbergen, Michael McDowell, and Chase Briscoe will complete the top five starters.
Before the rain delays, Cup Series drivers managed some practice laps earlier in the weekend. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series, however, saw their on-track activity limited, with their lineups also decided by the rule book.
Austin Hill will start 13th in place of Kyle Busch, who withdrew due to illness. This will mark Hill’s third Cup Series start on the 1.5-mile Charlotte track. Katherine Legge, meanwhile, will begin from 37th as she attempts 'The Double'—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Forecasters warn of further rain on Sunday night, raising concerns about possible delays or interruptions during the race. The Coca-Cola 600 will begin with Tyler Reddick at the front, while teams adjust to the changing weather. Austin Hill steps in for Kyle Busch, and Katherine Legge faces a gruelling double-header. With rain still in the forecast, the race could see unpredictable conditions throughout the evening.
