“It’s a crown jewel”: Josh Berry details what makes Coca Cola 600 such a special race to run

Josh Berry looks forward to the longest race of the year at Charlotte Motor Speedway next week. Aside from the on-track action, the Wood Brothers Racing driver believes the pre-race festivities and the track's crown jewel status make the Coca-Cola 600 special.

Driving the iconic #21 Ford, Berry finished last year's edition at Charlotte in 10th. However, the 34-year-old wasn't satisfied because the rain ended the race prematurely. He couldn't run the full 600 miles of racing, which is completed in 400 laps.

This year, Josh Berry has expressed excitement in returning to the 1.5-mile North Carolina track. In the All-Star Race media availability, he said (via a press release from Ford):

“It’s the longest race in our sport, and that opens up a lot of opportunities for comers and goers. You obviously have to have a good balance to start the race, but then it cools off, and you’ve got to stay up with the track. It’s just a grind. For us, I’m really excited to get there with the speed we’ve had on the intermediates. I finished 10th there last year.”

The sophomore NASCAR Cup Series driver added:

“Obviously, I would have liked to run the full 600 miles to get the full experience, but I think it’s a fun one. It’s a crown jewel. The pre-race is a lot of fun and really special. We’re excited to get there.”

Josh Berry drives the #21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing - Source: Imagn

The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is scheduled for May 25. The green flag will wave at 6:00 p.m. on Prime Video, marking its first TV coverage with the stock car racing series.

For now, though, Josh Berry will compete in the NASCAR All-Star Race for a chance to win the $1 million prize money. Considering he won a race earlier this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he has already qualified for the main event on Sunday.

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“That just makes it a little extra special”: Josh Berry on racing in Charlotte

Josh Berry (#4) at the front at Charlotte Motor Speedway last year - Source: Getty

In the same interview, Josh Berry shared his thoughts on racing in Charlotte, North Carolina, considered the home of NASCAR. The Ford pilot said having friends and families attend the races in the area makes the events more special.

Berry, who replaced Harrison Burton in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford this year, said:

“It’s home for nearly all of us, so to get to race at home and bring your friends and family, there’s always a good crowd. The pits are always packed, so that just makes it a little extra special.”

Although NASCAR's headquarters are in Daytona, Florida, several teams and drivers reside in North Carolina, except for Wood Brothers Racing, which is based in Stuart, Virginia.

North Carolina is also home to several tracks on the calendar, including Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Rockingham Speedway.