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Knowing when to conserve and when to expend fuel can make a significant difference between a monumental victory or a bitter defeat as demonstrated by the outcome of the grueling Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. A smart fuel plan employed by Austin Dillon and his crew chief placed him in a strategic position to take the W from Jimmie Johnson who’s tank ran dry. Austin Dillon cruised his way to his first ever Monster Energy Cup Series win returning the iconic No. 3 ride formerly driven by late NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt Sr. to victory lane. His victory, if only for a fleeting moment, silenced the critics by proving he’s more than his team owner’s grandson. Austin now joins the pack of NASCAR young guns on the rise.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is improving, but he’s still not satisfied with his final Coca-Cola 600 finish, Larson lost the championship lead after his first DNF of 2017 and Cup Series rookie, Erik Jones, earned a career-best finish. Martin Truex Jr. had the best car in the field and dominated most of the race, but could only manage a third-place finish which now elevates him to first place in the driver’s standings.
Below are links to a few stories from the Coca-Cola 600 that are being talked about around NASCAR Nation. Have something to say? Make sure to leave a comment. Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest NASCAR news delivered to you once a week.
Austin Dillon claims Coca-Cola 600 for first Monster Energy Series victory – NASCAR
Running on fumes, trust between Austin Dillon, new crew chief delivered Coke 600 win – NBC
Jimmie Johnson rolls the dice but falls short of another 600 win – Motorsport
NASCAR Charlotte 2017 results: Austin Dillon wins Coca-Cola 600 – SB Nation
Austin Dillon shows he’s more than his team owner’s’ grandson – ESPN
Dillon joins the pack of NASCAR young guns on the rise – AP
Jimmie Johnson on team’s 600 strategy: ‘I didn’t know we were thinking fuel’ – Charlotte Observer
Dale Earnhardt Jr. improving, but still not satisfied after final Coca-Cola 600 – NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. credits Jimmie Johnson for top 10; congratulates Austin Dillon for Coke 600 win – NBC Sports
Larson loses championship lead with first DNF of 2017 – Motorsport
Ty Dillon leaves track early after part failure, misses Austin Dillon celebration – NASCAR
3rd-Place Finish lifts Truex Jr. to Driver Points Lead – Speedway Digest
6 takeaways from memorable Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte – Fox Sports
Truex dominates, but misses out on win: “That stings a little bit” – Motorsport
Family tradition: Dillon puts No. 3 back in Victory Lane – ESPN
‘… just oil everywhere:’ How the Coca-Cola 600 ended so early for two favorites – Charlotte Observer
Loose lug nut likely to result in fine for No. 4 team of Kevin Harvick – Fox Sports
Erik Jones earns career-best finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway – Speedway Digest
Bold move at Coca-Cola 600 gives Austin Dillon, No. 3 car win at last – USA Today
Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez lead the rookie pack – NASCAR
Kyle Busch, after finishing 2nd in 600, provides drop the mic moment in media center – Charlotte Observer
Coke 600: Five takeaways begin with Austin Dillon’s important win – USA Today
NASCAR social media reaction to No. 3 being back in Victory Lane – Fox Sports
Martin Truex Jr. again had the best car; here’s why he’s didn’t win this 600 – Charlotte Observer
Bruce: No. 3 comes full circle for Richard Childress with Austin Dillon’s win – NASCAR
The #3 Car Comes Full Circle in NASCAR – Beyond the Flag
Quick takeaways from Charlotte: Through 12 races, Joe Gibbs Racing is winless – Yahoo Sports
Quick Axle Swap Enables Blaney To Finish 24th At Charlotte – Speedway Digest
Coca-Cola 600: Austin Dillon wins on fuel; No. 3 back in Victory Lane at Charlotte – Sporting News
Another disappointing outcome for Cup Series leader Larson at Charlotte – AP
What Memorial Day means to mother of fallen hero on Dale Earnhardt Jr. car – Fox Sports
After a strong showing at Charlotte, has Toyota turned things around? – Motorsport
Tags Austin Dillon Coca Cola 600 Jimmie Johnson NASCAR NASCAR News
