2006 Coca-Cola 600

12th race of 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup series January 2019 January 2019 NASNEX Coca-Cola 600 The Race: The Cola-Cola 600 http://www.jayski.com/next/2006/2006lms1.htm Jayski's Silly Season Site ESPN Internet Ventures November 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20060630062734/http://www.jayski.com/next/2006/2006lms1.htm June 30, 2006 dead2006 Cola-Cola 600 http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2006_Coca-Cola_600/W Racing-Reference USA Today Media Sports Group November 4, 2015 2006 05 28 2006 12 36 2006_Coca-Cola_600_program_cover.png Coca-Cola 600 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina Permanent racing facility 1.5 2.414 400 600 965.606 Chilly with temperatures reaching as low as 60.8 F C; wind speeds up to 15 mph km/h http://m.almanac.com/weather/history/zipcode/28027/2006-05-28 2006 Coca-Cola 600 weather information The Old Farmers' Almanac 2015-05-03 January 2022 InternetArchiveBot yes 128.84 mi/h Scott Riggs Evernham Motorsports 28.744 Kasey Kahne Evernham Motorsports 158 9 Kasey Kahne Evernham Motorsports Fox Broadcasting Company Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds 5.1/11 (Final) 4.7/10 (Overnight)2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup TV Ratings http://www.jayski.com/pages/tvratings2006.htm Jayski's Silly Season Site ESPN Internet Archives January 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20061130095206/http://www.jayski.com/pages/tvratings2006.htm November 30, 2006 Performance Racing Network Mark Garrow, Doug Rice Pat Patterson, Brent MacMillan, Chuck Carland 2006 Coca-Cola 600 program cover, with artwork by NASCAR artist Sam Bass. The painting is called "Coca-Cola 12 Pack!" The 2006 Coca-Cola 600 was the 12th stock car race of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series as well as the 47th running of the event. It was held on May 28, 2006, in Concord, North Carolina, at Lowe's Motor Speedway, before a crowd of 175,000 spectators. The circuit is an intermediate track that holds NASCAR races. Kasey Kahne of the Evernham Motorsports team won the 400-lap race starting from ninth position; Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson finished second and Roush Racing's Carl Edwards was third. Scott Riggs won the second pole position of his career by posting the fastest lap in qualifying, and led 47 of the first 49 laps until Jeff Gordon overtook him on lap 50. The lead changed a total of 37 times, with Kahne leading the most laps of any competitor (158). At the final restart on the 368th lap, Edwards led the field and held off Johnson in the second position. Kahne turned left to pass them both and reclaim the lead three laps later. He extended his advantage to more than two seconds and claimed his third victory of the season and the fourth of his career. There were a total of fifteen cautions during the race, and sixteen different drivers each led at least one lap. The result of the race advanced Kahne to sixth in the Drivers' Championship, 292 points behind Johnson. Roush Racing teammates Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin each finished in the top ten, and moved to second and third, respectively. Tony Stewart of Joe Gibbs Racing fell from second to fourth after crashing heavily on lap 34. In the Manufacturers' Championship, Chevrolet maintained its lead with 86 points, 14 points ahead of Ford in second, and 16 in front of Dodge (its first Coca-Cola 600 victory since 1977) in third, with 24 races left in the season. Background 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series#Teams and drivers thumb|199px|left|Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the race was held. The Coca-Cola 600 was the 12th of 36 scheduled stock car races of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, and the event's 47th iteration. It was held on May 28, 2006, in Concord, North Carolina, at Lowe's Motor Speedway (now Charlotte Motor Speedway), an intermediate track that holds NASCAR races.http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/ NASCAR Race Tracks NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20110603231316/http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/ June 3, 2011 dead May 28, 2011 The standard layout is a 1.5 mi km on four-turn quad-oval track.NASCAR Tracks—The Charlotte Motor Speedway http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/media/facts/ Charlotte Motor Speedway May 28, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110428214510/http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/media/facts/ April 28, 2011 dead mdy-all The track's turns are banked at twenty-four degrees; both the front stretch (the location of the finish line) and the back stretch (opposite the front) have a five-degree banking. Before the race, Jimmie Johnson led the Drivers' Championship with 1,686 points, with Tony Stewart in second (1,593 points) and Matt Kenseth third (1,592 points). Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were fourth and fifth with 1,487 points and 1,460 points, respectively, and Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton rounded out the top ten drivers in the points standings.http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/11/data/standings_official.html 2006 Official Driver Standings – After: Dodge Charger 400 NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20060806164240/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/11/data/standings_official.html August 6, 2006 dead November 4, 2015 In the Manufacturers' Championship, Chevrolet was leading with 80 points; Ford was second with 68 points, followed by Dodge with 61 points.Manufacturers' Championship Classification http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006/manu2006.htm Jayski's Silly Season Site ESPN Internet Ventures January 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20070212003239/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006/manu2006.htm February 12, 2007 Johnson was the race's defending champion. NASCAR mandated that teams used a 14 USgal on fuel cell instead of the standard 22 USgal on so that there would be fewer laps between pit stops and more tire changes could occur.https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/407840721/ Long race has shortfalls Diaz George May 28, 2006 Wisconsin State Journal January 14, 2019 F8 Control tire supplier Goodyear brought a supply of harder compounds to ensure longevity.https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/411170514/ Aero-push racing a broken record that needs fixing Poole David May 26, 2006 Times Leader January 14, 2019 Knight Ridder Newspapers 6B The Coca-Cola 600 was conceived by driver Curtis Turner, who built the track.http://www.nascar.com/news/120524/maumann-cturner-retro-racing/index.html Turner's dream brings creation of Charlotte track Aumann Mark May 24, 2012 NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20121017221943/http://www.nascar.com/news/120524/maumann-cturner-retro-racing/index.html October 17, 2012 dead May 26, 2012 It was first held in 1960 in NASCAR's attempt to stage a Memorial Day weekend race to compete with the open-wheel Indianapolis 500; the two races were held together on the same day from 1974 onward.https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=jh-storylines052309 Story lines: Lowe's Hart Jay May 23, 2009 Yahoo! Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20160212103411/http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=jh-storylines052309 February 12, 2016 February 12, 2016 The race is the longest in distance on NASCAR's calendar, and is considered by drivers to be one of the sport's most important races alongside the Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400 and the Southern 500.http://www.cecildaily.com/sports/pros/article_cc358d7b-fb0c-5ab4-8333-e0ca773b17c2.html NASCAR: Coca-Cola 600 has a history with major appeal NASCAR Wire Service May 22, 2014 Cecil Whig February 12, 2016 Adams Publishing Group It is NASCAR's most physically demanding event; teams adapt to changeable track conditions because it occurs between late afternoon and evening.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=368&dat=20050527&id=VbMwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pz8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6894,2474084&hl=en Patience, endurance keys for 600 May 27, 2005 April 7, 2016 42 116 11 Walker County Messengermedic It was known as the World 600 until 1984 when The Coca-Cola Company purchased the race's naming rights, renaming it the Coca-Cola World 600 in 1985. It has been called the Coca-Cola 600 every year since 1986, except for 2002 when the name changed to Coca-Cola Racing Family 600.http://www.excite.com/events/sports-tickets/Coca-Cola-600/index.php Coca-Cola 600 TicketsMate Excite https://web.archive.org/web/20150906064331/http://www.excite.com/events/sports-tickets/Coca-Cola-600/index.php September 6, 2015 February 12, 2016 After the previous race at Charlotte (the 2005 UAW-GM Quality 500), the track's condition was beginning to deteriorate. Several cars sustained blown tires, and multiple crashes occurred on the worn bumpy surface due to levigation, a process where a circuit's hard bumps were smoothed out.https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/20/sports/othersports/20nascar.html Fine-Tuning a Racetrack Where Cars Tread Lightly Bernstein Viv May 20, 2006 The New York Times January 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190114185930/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/20/sports/othersports/20nascar.html January 14, 2019 live When that did not work, the entire track (including the aprons and pit road) was completely repaved, with more than a 10,000 lb kg on of asphalt used. The work was completed two months before the Coca-Cola 600 began.Repaving of Racing Surface Complete March 16, 2006 Charlotte Motor Speedway http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/news_photos/news/505462.html January 15, 2019 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060320052129/http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/news_photos/news/505462.html March 20, 2006 Practice and qualifier Three practice sessions were held before the race; one on Thursday and two on Saturday. The first session on Friday afternoon lasted 90 minutes, the second on Saturday afternoon 60 minutes and the third held later that day ran for 45 minutes. In the first practice session, Greg Biffle was fastest with a lap of 29.693 seconds, ahead of Kahne in second and Kurt Busch in third. Jeremy Mayfield was fourth-fastest; Harvick placed fifth and Reed Sorenson came sixth. Jeff Green set the seventh-quickest time, Scott Riggs eighth, Kyle Busch ninth, and Travis Kvapil completed the top ten ahead of qualifying.http://www.nascar.com:80/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice1_speeds.html Practice One Speeds NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20060806225634/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice1_speeds.html August 6, 2006 dead January 15, 2019 mdy-all Stewart spun leaving the second turn, but he avoided contact with the barrier beside the track. Tony Raines hit the wall, and his pit crew repaired minor structural damage to his car on pit road. J. J. Yeley pirouetted backward into the turn two wall late in the session. Robby Gordon's engine failed at around the same time, and his team changed engines. thumb|Scott Riggs (pictured in 2008) had the second pole position of his career. Fifty-three cars were entered for the qualifying session on Thursday evening; according to NASCAR's qualifying procedure forty-three were allowed to race. Each driver ran two laps, with the starting order determined by the competitor's fastest times. Cars that ventured onto the track early in qualifying were at a disadvantage because the track temperatures lowered as night fell.http://www.speedtv.com:80/articles/auto/nascar/25018/ Riggs On Top, Mikey Out Of Coca-Cola 600 Jensen Tom May 25, 2006 Speed https://web.archive.org/web/20060622165906/http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/nascar/25018/ June 22, 2006 dead January 14, 2019 mdy-all Riggs was advised by his crew chief Rodney Childers to drive a different car, and he went onto the circuit in the middle of the session,https://www.sunjournal.com/2006/05/26/riggs-mayfield-make-evernham-front-row/ Riggs, Mayfield make Evernham front row May 26, 2006 Sun Journal January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190115074514/https://www.sunjournal.com/2006/05/26/riggs-mayfield-make-evernham-front-row/ January 15, 2019 live Associated Press taking his first pole position of the season, and the second of his career with a time of 28.744 seconds. He was joined on the grid's front row by Mayfield, his Evernham Motorsports teammate.https://www.upi.com/Riggs-wns-Coca-Cola-600-pole-position/77421148623473/ Riggs wns Coca-Cola 600 pole position May 26, 2006 January 14, 2019 United Press International Johnson qualified in third, Yeley fourth, and Bobby Labonte fifth. Kenseth was fifth, with Biffle and Denny Hamlin seventh and eighth. Kahne and Green were ninth and tenth. The nine drivers who failed to qualify were Kevin Lepage, Hermie Sadler, Chad Chaffin, Michael Waltrip, Stanton Barrett, Mike Garvey, Chad Blount, Carl Long, Kirk Shelmerdine and Kertus Davis. After the qualifier, Riggs praised his car, "There was a lot of grip out there tonight and I didn't know if it was going to hold up for pole or not, but I got all I could out of it. All these guys did a good job of making sure we didn't tune ourselves out of it. We just kept making small changes and everything worked out." Although Waltrip failed to set a fast enough lap time to qualify, he brought Derrike Cope's No. Car number 74 McGlynn Racing car to enter the race, and renumbered it as No. 55, allowing him to extend his streak of consecutive starts to 262 races.http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/05/22/scene_daily44.html Waltrip buys ride for Coca-Cola 600 Pockrass Bob Bob Pockrass May 26, 2006 NASCAR Scene https://web.archive.org/web/20060622164523/http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/05/22/scene_daily44.html June 22, 2006 dead January 15, 2019 On Saturday afternoon Mayfield was fastest in the second practice session with a time of 30.199 seconds; Martin was second-fastest and Labonte third. Fourth place was occupied by Riggs and his teammate Kahne placed fifth. Green was sixth-fastest, and Johnny Sauter, Kurt Busch, Casey Mears and Carl Edwards followed in positions seven through ten.http://www.nascar.com:80/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice2_speeds.html Practice Two Speeds NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20090221151126/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice2_speeds.html February 21, 2009 dead January 15, 2019 mdy-all Later that day, Kahne led the final practice session, setting a lap of 30.257 seconds. Martin duplicated his second practice session result in second, with Mayfield third and Edwards improved to fourth. Edwards' teammate Biffle was fifth- quickest; Riggs took the sixth position and Labonte came seventh. Kurt Busch was eighth, Burton ninth and Yeley completed the top ten ahead of Sunday's race.http://www.nascar.com:80/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice3_speeds.html Practice Three Speeds NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20090221151132/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/12/data/practice3_speeds.html February 21, 2009 dead January 15, 2019 mdy-all Qualifying results Grid Starting position No. Car number Driver Team Manufacturer Time Time in seconds Speed Speed in MPH 1 10Scott RiggsEvernham MotorsportsDodge 28.744187.865 2 19Jeremy Mayfield Evernham Motorsports Dodge 28.832187.292 3 48Jimmie JohnsonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet 28.931186.651 4 18J. J. YeleyJoe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 28.999186.213 5 43Bobby LabontePetty Enterprises Dodge 29.015186.111 6 17Matt KensethRoush RacingFord 29.029186.021 7 16Greg Biffle Roush Racing Ford 29.046185.912 8 11Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 29.076185.720 9 9Kasey Kahne Evernham Motorsports Dodge 29.080185.695 10 66Jeff GreenHaas CNC Racing Chevrolet 29.092185.618 11 31Jeff BurtonRichard Childress Racing Chevrolet 29.100185.567 12 29Kevin Harvick Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 29.104185.542 13 24Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 29.153185.230 14 70Johnny Sauter Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet 29.166185.147 15 07Clint Bowyer Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 29.176185.084 16 14Sterling MarlinMB2 Motorsports Chevrolet 29.182185.046 17 25Brian Vickers Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 29.201184.925 18 12Ryan NewmanPenske Racing South Dodge 29.262184.540 19 01Joe Nemechek MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet 29.266184.514 20 2Kurt Busch Penske Racing South Dodge 29.307184.256 21 6Mark Martin Roush Racing Ford29.319184.181 22 99Carl Edwards Roush Racing Ford 29.353183.968 23 41Reed SorensonChip Ganassi Racing Dodge 29.356183.949 24 44Terry Labonte Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 29.360183.924 25 40David Stremme Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge 29.373183.842 26 38Elliott SadlerRobert Yates RacingFord 29.405183.642 27 1Martin Truex Jr.Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 29.410183.611 28 5Kyle Busch Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 29.416183.574 29 22Dave BlaneyBill Davis Racing Dodge 29.421183.542 30 42Casey Mears Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge 29.423183.530 31 32Travis KvapilPPI Motorsports Chevrolet 29.427183.505 32 20Tony Stewart Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 29.531182.859 33 26Jamie McMurray Roush Racing Ford 29.585182.525 34 8Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 29.612182.359 35 78Kenny WallaceFurniture Row Racing Chevrolet 29.636182.211 36 15Paul Menard Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 29.663182.048 37 88Dale Jarrett Robert Yates Racing Ford 29.673181.984 38 4Scott WimmerMorgan–McClure Motorsports Chevrolet 29.674181.977 39 45Kyle Petty Petty Enterprises Dodge 29.704181.784 4021Ken SchraderWood Brothers Racing Ford 29.725181.665 41 7Robby GordonRobby Gordon Motorsports Chevrolet 29.907180.5601 42 96Tony RainesHall of Fame Racing Chevrolet 29.995180.030 43 74Derrike CopeMcGlynn Racing Dodge 29.696181.1431Failed to qualify 44 49Kevin LepageBAM Racing Dodge 29.779181.336 45 00Hermie SadlerMBA Racing Ford 29.878180.735 46 61Chad ChaffinFront Row Motorsports Ford 29.981180.114 47 55Michael WaltripWaltrip-Jasper Racing Dodge 30.018179.892 48 95Stanton BarrettStanton Barrett Motorsports Chevrolet 30.056179.665 49 51Mike GarveyCompetitive Edge Motorsports Chevrolet 30.248178.524 50 34Chad Blount Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet 30.299178.224 51 37Carl LongR&J Racing Dodge 30.560176.702 52 27Kirk ShelmerdineKirk Shelmerdine Racing Chevrolet 31.266172.712 53 72Kertus DavisCJM RacingDodge——1 Moved to the back of the field for changing engines (#7), and for a driver change (#55)Sources:Race Lineup – Coca Cola 600 http://www.nascar.com:80/races/cup/2006/12/data/lineup.html NASCAR January 16, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20061211061205/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/12/data/lineup.html December 11, 2006 live mdy-allQualifying times: Coca Cola 600 https://www.crash.net/nascar/results/90409/1/qualifying-times-coca-cola-600 Crash May 26, 2006 October 15, 2020 November 25, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201125193232/https://www.crash.net/nascar/results/90409/1/qualifying-times-coca-cola-600 dead2006 Nascar Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 Entry List https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2006-coca-cola-600 Motorsport Stats October 15, 2020 Race Live television coverage of the race began at 5:02 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC–04:00) in the United States on Fox. Around the start of the race, weather conditions were sunny, with the air temperature in the high 80 F C on range,http://www.nascar.com:80/2006/races/lapbylap/05/28/coke_600/index.html Lap-by-Lap: Coke 600 May 30, 2006 NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20060806230610/http://www.nascar.com/2006/races/lapbylap/05/28/coke_600/index.html August 6, 2006 dead January 14, 2019 mdy-all and the track temperature was 113 F C on.https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-05-28-coca-cola-600_x.htm Kahne's win ends Johnson's dominance at Coca-Cola 600 Ryan Nate May 29, 2006 USA Today January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20260107022930/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-05-28-coca-cola-600_x.htm January 7, 2026 live mdy-all Country music singer Carrie Underwood performed the national anthem introduced by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, and Edward Angus Powell Jr., president and chief executive officer of the United Service Organizations, commanded the drivers to start their engines. During the pace laps, Robby Gordon fell to the rear of the grid because he changed engines, and Waltrip did the same for relieving Cope in the No. 74 McGlynn Racing car. left|thumb|Tony Stewart (pictured in 2015) fractured the tip of his right scapula bone in a heavy accident on the 33rd lap. The race began at 5:43 EDT. Riggs maintained his pole position advantage going into the first turn. That lap, the first caution was waved, as Dale Jarrett was told by his spotter Rick Cordell over the radio to maintain his line entering turn three. He mis-interpreted the command, and came down into Robby Gordon's right-front quarter panel. Jarrett spun backward into the turn three wall and retired from the event.http://www.nascar.com:80/2006/news/headlines/cup/05/29/jgordon.lowes.notes/index.html Notes: Gordon fails to finish, bemoans tires Lemasters Jr. Ron May 30, 2006 NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20060618193731/http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/05/29/jgordon.lowes.notes/index.html June 18, 2006 dead January 15, 2019 mdy-all Riggs held the lead on the lap five restart. Four laps later, Mayfield was passed by Johnson for second. On lap 33, Stewart's right-front tire disintegrated because the hot track surface melted its bead and he lost control of his car. He crashed heavily into the right-hand SAFER energy absorbing barrier at turn two, and the second caution was necessitated.http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/05/22/scene_daily75.html Stewart sustains shoulder injury Pockrass Bob May 28, 2006 NASCAR Scene https://web.archive.org/web/20060529071935/http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/05/22/scene_daily75.html May 29, 2006 dead May 30, 2019 Stewart required assistance from medical personnel to exit his car, and the internal pain meant he clutched his right shoulder while walking to an ambulance.http://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?id=2461586&seriesId=2 Stewart breaks shoulder blade in Coca-Cola 600 wreck May 29, 2006 January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190115180004/http://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?id=2461586&seriesId=2 January 15, 2019 ESPN Associated Presshttps://www.greensboro.com/sports_professional/auto_racing/kahne-proves-able/article_7438b585-50f2-58bd-a402-07dd8187c9da.html Kahne Proves Able Long Dustin May 24, 2006 News & Record January 14, 2019 During the caution, several drivers (including Riggs) made pit stops. Elliott Sadler and Waltrip staggered their pit stops, enabling the pair to lead a lap each before entering pit road. Riggs maintained the first position at the restart on lap 40. Newman's front tires went flat eight laps later, and spun at turn four, but avoided damaging his car, necessitating the third caution. Several drivers (including Riggs) elected to make pit stops for fuel. Riggs stalled and lost the lead to Jeff Gordon who held it at the restart on lap 53. Fourteen laps later, the fourth caution was shown. Kurt Busch lost control of his car leaving the second turn, and he made contact with the barrier with the left-hand side of his car. Under caution, most of the drivers on the lead lap (including Jeff Gordon) entered pit road for fuel, tires and car adjustments. Johnson led the field back up to speed at the lap 71 restart. He began to pull away from the rest of the field. On lap 92, sections of metal were observed lying in turn two, and the fifth caution was subsequently waved. Several cars (including Johnson) again made pit stops during the caution. Kahne made two stops because a crew member dropped a lug nut. Riggs returned to hold the first position at the restart on lap 97. On the same lap, Green overtook Riggs for the lead. Vickers hit a wall on the 100th lap but no caution was prompted as he continued without major damage to his car. By lap 106, Martin had moved to second place. He took the lead from Green four laps later. Martin only held it for a lap as Green overtook him to return to the first position. On lap 112, Paul Menard spun leaving turn four, but avoided hitting a wall, causing the sixth caution. Most drivers (including Green) chose to make pit stops for fuel and tires. Martin regained the lead and maintained it at the lap 116 restart. The seventh caution was necessitated fourteen laps later because of debris in turn two. Drivers again took the opportunity to make pit stops under caution. Edwards was sent to the end of the longest line for entering pit road while it was closed. Riggs retook the lead on the 131st lap by taking only fuel. He held it at the restart on lap 135. Ten laps later, an eighth caution was required, as one of Edwards' tires blew, and he hit the turn two wall lightly, before spinning on the backstretch. Most teams elected to put fuel in their cars under caution was active. Green was ordered to drop to the end of the longest line for his team leaving equipment outside his pit box. Biffle led at the lap 147 restart. Vickers had an understeer that caused him to spin into the turn four wall with his car's right-hand side on the 160th lap, causing the ninth caution to be displayed. Most drivers (including Biffle) made pit stops for fuel and tires during the caution. Hamlin became the leader for the lap 166 restart. On lap 181, Kahne got ahead of Hamlin and became the new leader. Green flag pit stops began on the 202nd lap. On the next lap, Bowyer exited his pit box without a catch can, and it fell off, causing the tenth caution. Most drivers chose to have four tires installed on their cars under caution. Kahne continued to lead at the restart on lap 210. thumb|upright|Kasey Kahne (pictured in 2007) led a race-high 158 laps for his fourth career victory. Debris from Kvapil's shredded right-rear tire was located in the second turn 26 laps later, triggering the eleventh caution. The leaders (including Kahne) again elected to have four tires fitted to their cars during the caution. Hamlin got back to the first position, holding it at the lap 240 restart. On the following lap, Kahne passed Hamlin to regain the lead. Riggs and Mears then got past Hamlin to move into second and third three laps later. Four laps later, the twelfth caution was necessitated: Sauter's right-rear tire disintegrated exiting turn one, and he spun on the apron. Under caution, most of the leaders again took on fuel on pit road. Kahne continued to lead at the lap 254 restart. The second round of green flag pit stops commenced on the 287th lap, with Kahne maintaining the lead after all were completed nine laps later. A thirteenth caution was called for debris in turn two on lap 306. The leaders (including Kahne) again made pit stops for fuel and tires. Burton took the first position for the lap 310 restart. Four laps later, Mears lost control of his car in turn four, and bent his vehicle's rear bodywork and spoiler in a collision with a barrier. He turned down into Kyle Busch on the frontstretch, who was turned into the right-hand wall with his left-hand quarter, and slid into the infield grass, triggering the fourteenth caution. Several cars swerved to avoid the accident. Kyle Busch put his window net down, and vacated his vehicle to venture towards the track while NASCAR officials restrained him. As one official grabbed his right arm, he threw his HANS device at Mears' circulating car on the next lap, which ricocheted off it.Lemasters Jr. Ron Brothers find Buschel full of trouble at Lowe's http://www.nascar.com:80/2006/news/headlines/cup/05/28/kybusch.kbusch.lowes/index.html NASCAR June 2, 2006 January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20060618193913/http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/05/28/kybusch.kbusch.lowes/index.html June 18, 2006 dead mdy-all Racing resumed on the 321st lap, with Kahne leading. Riggs passed his teammate Kahne for the lead sixteen laps later. The final round of green flag pit stops began on lap 361. Riggs stalled twice and he incurred a stop-and-go penalty for transporting a jack and fuel can outside of his pit box.Fryer Jenna May 29, 2006 Coca-Cola 600: Kahne grabs huge lead, whips Johnson Tulsa World Associated Press https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/coca-cola-kahne-grabs-huge-lead-whips-johnson/article_b74774c6-0d98-576c-b161-5f002273bfc1.html January 14, 2019 On lap 363, Jeff Gordon's right-rear suspension failed,Redmayne Tim Kahne dominates at Lowe's https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/52056/kahne-dominates-at-lowe Autosport May 29, 2006 January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190115092340/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/52056/kahne-dominates-at-lowe January 15, 2019 live and he collided with the turn four wall, causing the fifteenth (and final) caution. Edwards led at the lap 368 restart. He held off Johnson but lost the lead to Kahne to his left between turns three and four three laps later.http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A146407181/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=281ef938 Dominant Kahne Closed Out Rivals in Style at Coca-Cola 600, His Third Win of 2006 Mulhern Mike May 30, 2006 Winston-Salem Journal January 16, 2019 C1 subscription Gale Power Search Kahne held a lead of two seconds, and took his third victory of the season, and the fourth of his career.https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/scary-streak-kasey-kahne-dominates-coca-cola-600 Scary Streak: Kasey Kahne dominates Coca-Cola 600 Pearce Al May 28, 2006 Autoweek January 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190114193259/https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/scary-streak-kasey-kahne-dominates-coca-cola-600 January 14, 2019 Johnson finished second, Edwards third, Martin fourth and Kenseth fifth. Burton, Biffle, Jamie McMurray, Hamlin and Sorenson completed the top ten. There were 37 lead changes amongst 16 different drivers during the course of the race. Kahne's 158 laps led was the most of any driver. Post-race comments Tonight was ours! To win in Charlotte is huge! You know every race at [Lowe's], Jimmie Johnson is going to be the guy to beat! We finally made it to that point and were able to race him! Kasey Kahne on ending Jimmie Johnson's streak of four consecutive victories at Lowe's Motor Speedway. left 40% Kahne appeared in Victory Lane after celebrating in the infield to commemorate his fourth career victory in front of a crowd of 175,000 people;https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/05/29/kahne-is-new-king-of-lowes-span-classbankheadcoca-cola-600-win-ends-johnsons-runspan/d00e025b-452b-437f-8780-178d15d8d63d/ Kahne Is New King of Lowe's Coca-Cola 600 Win Ends Johnson's Run Clarke Liz May 29, 2006 The Washington Post January 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20170827185634/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/05/29/kahne-is-new-king-of-lowes-span-classbankheadcoca-cola-600-win-ends-johnsons-runspan/d00e025b-452b-437f-8780-178d15d8d63d/ August 27, 2017 live mdy-all the win earned him $428,114. He said of his late battle for the lead, "The car was turning 10 times better than it had been the pit stop before. By then, I knew we had a car that could race. That's all I've ever wanted here, a car that could race with Jimmie. Every time you get to the end, you know Jimmie is the guy to beat. We got to that point and had a car that could race him." Johnson was not disappointed that a streak of consecutive victories at the track ended at four because of unfavorable adjustments to his car, "We had a great car tonight. We had the fastest car at times. We didn't have enough speed at the end. I hate to see the streak come to an end, but we're still very fortunate to win three of them." Third-placed Edwards stated he was happy despite his penalty for entering pit road while it was closed, "We kept freeing the car up and it got a little too free in, and we played with tyre pressures all night. We overcame some terrible adversity tonight and I was so proud of my team." The combination of a repaved track and the harder compound Goodyear tire received a mixed response from drivers. Jeff Gordon voiced criticism towards Goodyear as he believed their hard compound tires were not suitable for the track, "Goodyear can do better than this, and we could put on a better race. The track was great, but the tires were terrible, the worst I've ever driven on. I know Goodyear can do better than this." Martin praised the combination, "I'd say for the first time with the new asphalt, it gets an A, You don't get many of those. I want to compliment Goodyear, too. It was a hard tire to drive on, but it was a good race." Kenseth was more cautious in his assessment, "Some people made it work better than others. The surface is great, the small fuel cell made it interesting on pit road. Hopefully, we won't have that small fuel cell next time and maybe a little softer tire, but the pavement is awesome." Stewart was transported to Carolinas Medical Center and an X-ray found the tip of his right scapula was fractured. He was treated and released a few hours later. Stewart later planned to start the following week's race at Dover International Speedway, and Joe Gibbs Racing hired semi-retired racer Ricky Rudd as Stewart's relief driver to allow for a faster recovery.http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=93&show=article&a_id=8667 Stewart Spells Relief R-U-D-D Stewart Josh June 1, 2006 Long Island Press January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20061026123127/http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=93&show=article&a_id=8667 October 26, 2006 dead thumb|Kyle Busch (pictured in 2008) was fined $50,000 and lost 25 Drivers' Championship points for throwing his HANS device at Casey Mears' car. Kyle Busch and his crew chief Alan Gustafson was ordered by NASCAR to meet president Mike Helton and other series officials about his collision with Mears after the race.http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/06/053106Thornton.asp The GOOD, The BAD, & The UGLY – 600 Mile Win For Kahne, Broken Shoulder for Stewart Thornton Ron May 31, 2006 SpeedwayMedia.com https://web.archive.org/web/20061113163235/http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/06/053106Thornton.asp November 13, 2006 dead January 15, 2019 He said he could have not done anything different, "You've got to be frustrated at somebody for taking out such a great racecar like that, It was capable of winning the race, really. We were coming along right there at the end of the run, kind of clicking them off and coming through the field. I was very happy with the handling, and then Casey just lost it." Mears said he felt Busch over-reacted and needed to mature, "What do you say about it? It's kind of the same thing over and over again with him overreacting. ... At some point he has to learn how to carry himself a little better, grow up a little bit and not act react like that."Pockrass Bob Mears: Kyle Busch needs to grow up http://www.scenedaily.com:80/stories/2006/05/29/scene_daily78.html NASCAR Scene May 30, 2006 January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20060621160150/http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/05/29/scene_daily78.html June 21, 2006 dead mdy-all Two days after the race, NASCAR announced penalties for Hendrick Motorsports. The penalties, for "actions detrimental to stock car racing" (a violation of Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book); entering the track without authorization and for throwing an object at another driver's car, included a $50,000 fine for Busch, who was put on probation until December 31, 2006. He and team owner Rick Hendrick were penalized 25 points in the Drivers' and Owners' Championships.Kyle Busch, others received Charlotte penalties https://au.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/kyle-busch-others-receive-charlotte-penalties/1330293/ motorsport.com May 31, 2006 January 15, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190115155558/https://au.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/kyle-busch-others-receive-charlotte-penalties/1330293/ January 15, 2019 live Additionally, Evernham Motorsports were found to transgress Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q "car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules" and Section 20-12.8.1A "(roof height too low in post-race inspection" for Mayfield's No. 19 car. Crew chief Chris Andrews was fined $35,000, and Mayfield and team owner Ray Evernham had 25 Drivers' and Owners' Championship points deducted. The result kept Johnson in the lead of the Drivers' Championship with 1,861 points, ahead of Kenseth, who moved to second. Martin advanced to third while Stewart fell to fourth. Earnhardt maintained fifth. Kahne's victory moved him to sixth place. Gordon, Burton, Harvick and Kyle Busch filled positions seven to ten.http://www.nascar.com:80/races/cup/2006/12/data/standings_official.html 2006 Official Driver Standings – After: Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR https://web.archive.org/web/20060818111918/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/12/data/standings_official.html August 18, 2006 dead January 15, 2019 mdy-all In the Manufacturers' Championship, Chevrolet led with 86 points, followed by Ford in second (72 points), and Dodge in third (70 points). The race took four hours, 39 minutes, and 25 seconds to complete, and the margin of victory was 2.114 seconds. Race results Pos. Finishing position Grid Starting position No. Car number Driver Team Manufacturer Laps Laps completed Points 1 9 9 Kasey Kahne Evernham Motorsports Dodge 4001902 2 3 48 Jimmie Johnson Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 4001751 3 22 99 Carl Edwards Roush Racing Ford 4001701 4 21 6 Mark Martin Roush Racing Ford 4001651 5 6 17 Matt Kenseth Roush Racing Ford 4001601 6 11 31 Jeff Burton Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 4001551 7 7 16 Greg Biffle Roush Racing Ford 4001511 8 33 26 Jamie McMurray Roush Racing Ford 400142 9 8 11 Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 4001431 10 23 41 Reed Sorenson Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge 400134 11 34 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 400130 121066Jeff GreenHaas CNC RacingChevrolet 4001321 13 1 10 Scott Riggs Evernham Motorsports Dodge 4001291 14 36 15 Paul Menard Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 400121 15 2 19 Jeremy Mayfield Evernham Motorsports Dodge 400933 16 41 7 Robby Gordon Robby Gordon Motorsports Chevrolet 400115 17 5 43 Bobby Labonte Petty Enterprises Dodge 4001171 18 19 01 Joe NemechekMB2 Motorsports Chevrolet 399109 19 15 07 Clint Bowyer Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 399106 20 4 18 J. J. Yeley Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 399103 21 27 1 Martin Truex Jr. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 399100 22 31 32 Travis Kvapil Bill Davis Racing Chevrolet 3991021 23 30 42 Casey Mears Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge 39894 24 14 70 Johnny Sauter Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet 39891 25 3945 Kyle Petty Petty Enterprises Dodge 39788 26 40 21 Ken Schrader Wood Brothers Racing Ford 39785 27 38 4 Scott Wimmer Morgan-McClure Motorsports Chevrolet 397871 28 16 14 Sterling Marlin MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet 39679 29 35 78 Kenny WallaceFurniture Row Racing Chevrolet 39676 30 26 38 Elliott Sadler Robert Yates Racing Ford 396781 31 25 40 David StremmeChip Ganassi Racing Dodge 39670 32 29 22 Dave Blaney Bill Davis Racing Dodge 39567 33 24 44 Terry Labonte Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 39364 34 12 29 Kevin Harvick Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 37361 35 18 12 Ryan Newman Penske Racing South Dodge 36958 36 13 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 360601 37 17 25 Brian Vickers Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 33152 38 28 5 Kyle Busch Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 313243 39 20 2 Kurt Busch Penske Racing South Dodge 29046 40 42 96 Tony RainesHall of Fame Racing Chevrolet 26443 41 43 55 Michael Waltrip McGlynn Racing Dodge 116451 42 32 20 Tony Stewart Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet 3237 43 37 88 Dale Jarrett Robert Yates Racing Ford 034 1 Includes five bonus points for leading a lap2 Includes ten bonus points for leading the most laps3 Includes a 25-point post-race penaltySources:Lowe's Motor Speedway May 28, 2006 http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006standings/may28results.htm Jayski's Silly Season Site October 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20060622113101/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006standings/may28results.htm June 22, 2006 dead2006 Nascar Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 Race https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2006-coca-cola-600/classification Motorsport Stats October 15, 2020Race result: Coca Cola 600 https://www.crash.net/nascar/results/90416/1/race-result-coca-cola-600 Crash May 29, 2006 October 15, 2020 November 25, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201125185144/https://www.crash.net/nascar/results/90416/1/race-result-coca-cola-600 dead Standings after the race Drivers' Championship standings Pos Position +/– Driver Points 1 10px Jimmie Johnson 1,861 2 10px 1 Matt Kenseth 1,752 (−109) 3 10px 2 Mark Martin 1,652 (−209) 4 10px 2 Tony Stewart 1,630 (−231) 5 10px Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1,590 (−271) 6 10px 2 Kasey Kahne 1,569 (−292) 7 10px 1 Jeff Gordon 1,451 (−410) 8 10px 2 Jeff Burton 1,450 (−411) 9 10px Kevin Harvick 1,426 (−435) 10 10px 3 Kyle Busch 1,412 (−449)Sources: thumb|upright|Jimmie Johnson (pictured in 2007) remained the points leader after the race. Manufacturers' Championship standings Pos Position +/– Manufacturer Points 1 10px Chevrolet 86 2 10px Ford 72 (−14) 3 10px Dodge 70 (−16)Source: Note: Only the top ten positions are included for the driver standings. References 30em 2006 Nextel Cup Series 2006 Dodge Charger 500 2006 Neighborhood Excellence 400 Sports United States Coca-Cola 600 Coca-Cola 600 Category:NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway Category:May 2006 sports events in the United States