The NASCAR Cup Series will race in the season’s longest race with heavy hearts after the death of Kyle Busch.
The Coca-Cola 600 includes four stages and 600 miles in total on May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, weather permitting.
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Ross Chastain is the defending race winner.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte:
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, poses with the one million dollar check in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, poses with the one million dollar check in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with his mother, Mary Lou Hamlin after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Nov 2, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) reacts after climnbing out of his car following the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin (L) and wife Jordan Fish depart the Charles R Jonas Federal Building on Dec. 1, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jury selection and an opening statement began an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team against NASCAR.
(Grant Baldwin, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
PHOENIX, ARIZONA РNOVEMBER 04: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin his fianc̩ Jordan Fish and daughter Taylor Hamlin pose for a photo on the red carpet during the 2025 NASCAR Awards Show at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 04, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, and Jordan Fish embrace on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 12, 2025.
(Logan Riely, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 ampm Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
(Logan Riely, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 07: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, exits his car after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 07, 2025 in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Sep 7, 2025; Madison, Illinois, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) hosts the trophy after winning the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
(Joe Puetz, Joe Puetz-Imagn Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, 2025.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Jul 20, 2025; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after winning the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 National Debt Relief Toyota speaks to the media during Media Day for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denny Hamlin looks on before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and JGR team owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Joe Gibbs talk in the garage area after an on-track incident during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 02, 2024 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 06: Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 06, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Aug 11, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) wrecks after the finish of the race during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
(Motorsports Wire)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Apr 28, 2024; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
(Matthew O’Haren, Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates winning the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after winning the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Feb 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates his victory of the Busch Light Clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Sept. 16: Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
(Randy Sartin, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) makes his way onto the track Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, ahead of the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the AdventHealth 400, Sunday at Kansas Speedway.
(Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Bubba Wallace, left, with driver and team owner Denny Hamlin at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 28, 2022.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) exits his car after a second weather delay during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.
(Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin drives during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Sept 5: Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
(Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019.
(Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin reacts as he holds a lobster winning at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2017.
(Brian Fluharty, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin, the two-time defending Daytona 500 champion, won the first stage of the rain-delayed 2021 race Sunday Feb. 14, 2021, at Daytona International Speedway.
(Nigel Cook/News-Journal)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates winning the 2020 Daytona 500.
(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Alabama football announcer Eli Gold, left, talks with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin at The Locker Room near campus Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2013. Talladega Superspeedway launched two NASCAR College Programs at the University of Alabama and Auburn University.Prizes were given out at the event and driver Denny Hamlin gave select students rides to class throughout the day. The first 100 students won exclusive party passes to a hospitality area in the infield at Talladege for the upcoming Camping World RV Sales 500 and a seat on a charter bus to bring them to the track on race day. staff photo | Dusty Compton
(Dusty Compton, Tuscaloosa News)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway.
(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
June 6, 2011 – Denny Hamlin watches his second shot on the par four second hole at the FESJC Danny Thomas Pro Am at TPC Southwind. He made par on the hole.
(Dave Darnell/The Commercial Appeal)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in top 10 for all-time wins
Sep 3, 2017; Darlington, SC, USA; Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates winning the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
(Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports)
NASCAR predictions for Charlotte Cup Series race: Here’s who wins the Coca-Cola 600
Mike Organ’s pick: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Byron is due at Charlotte. After winning the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Charlotte in 2025, Byron led for 283 laps and swept all three stages in the Coca-Cola 600 Cup Series race before finishing second. He will close the deal this weekend.
Nick Gray’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin’s traditional 1.5-mile track finishes this year: 1st, 4th and 2nd. Another stat: Hamlin has led a series-high 624 laps this season and is on pace for a career-high. It would be a very emotional victory lane.
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Tom Kreager’s pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Ryan Blaney needs a win, as does Ford. But it’s going to take 600 miles to get it.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Charlotte predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
