Drivers’ opinions: Should the Coca-Cola 600 have four stages?

Written by Sean McKean

Credit: Logan Riely / Getty Images

The Coca-Cola 600 needs no introduction to any NASCAR fans: 600 miles at the one of the sport’s storied tracks. As a staple since 1960, it should come as no shock that this race is considered one of the “Crown Jewels” of NASCAR racing – alongside the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500.

With its length, pit stops play a crucial role in deciding who wins come race’s end. Subsequently, this race usually sees fuel mileage come into play, with Austin Dillon taking his first career win in such a race.

But, in the year that Dillon won, it was the first year of “stage racing” – a concept where races are split into three stages with the third making up half the race. 

One would think this race would be split the same way: 100 laps for the first two stages and 200 laps for the final. However, this marquee event sees a split of 100 laps across four stages – the only event that does this.

Much debate surrounds this concept. Some argue that it takes away from the strategic element of this race whilst others argue that it presents a greater reward for having a fast car all night long.

In the media bullpen at Charlotte, attended by DIVEBOMB, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. were asked about their thoughts on the “four stages” rule.

Chris Buescher: Three stages is the way to go

“I guess in my opinion, I would rather see a big three stages like normal, you know, if that's what we're up against. And that would stretch our stages out and maybe create some different strategy options,” Buescher said.

“So, yeah, if it were solely my decision, I would say yes, I would move that around where you didn't have the, the four, even hundred[-lap] stages,” he concluded.

Ryan Preece: Noticing points opportunities

“Well, I think it makes stage points more valuable. I think that's a whole other stage or opportunity for guys to gain ten points, so that's really important,” Preece said.

“I think there's an opportunity for having a little bit more strategy involved if that was changed. But either way, you know, I think we'll all adjust accordingly if they did or didn't do it.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: Seeing both sides

“I think there are still strategies there [in the four-stage format]. It would be kind of cool to see what would happen if it was just a super long stage too. So, you know, it could go either way, you know,” Stenhouse said.

“But I feel like this race is so different. You know, every stage of the going into, nighttime and, you know, the temps changing things like that. There's so many factors that I feel like just change throughout this race that, if you ran that last stage straight through or the last 200 laps straight through, I'm not sure it would change a whole lot, but, that is pretty interesting.

“I haven't really thought about them not doing what they’re doing,” Stenhouse concluded.