Martin Truex Jr. takes second Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, N.C. – Martin Truex Jr. rallied from an early mistake to win his second Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The win was Truex’s third of 2019 and the 22nd of his Cup Series career.

“This is just a special race,” Truex said in Victory Lane. “The longest race of the year. So much history.

“What this weekend means for all the soldiers and all those that have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can even be here.”

BREAKDOWN
Stage 1 saw five cautions. Joe Gibbs Racing struggled early with the first three cautions coming from blown tires in the Joe Gibbs Racing camp.

Erik Jones retired from the race on lap 24.

“We just blew a right-front,” said Jones, who finished last. “There was no real warning. It’s unfortunate. We had a pretty good car.”

Additionally, Matt Dibenedetto had a tire issue on lap 49.

Martin Truex Jr. had an unusual issue, blowing a tire while leading the race. Brad Keselowski would take victory in the stage leading 14 laps.

Keselowski would take another green-and-white-checkered flag at the conclusion of Stage 2. There were three cautions involving Chris Buescher, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Preece.

Stage 3 saw a crash involving Bayley Currey, Martin Truex Jr., Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Ty Dillon and Ryan Preece. Despite being involved in an incident, Martin Truex Jr. would maintain the lead and win the stage.

After a late race caution which saw a restart with five to go, Martin Truex Jr. forced a four-wide pass for the lead with under five to go.

Truex got a push from Joey Logano, pushing him to the lead.

Truex didn’t look back once he took the lead, winning his second career Coca-Cola 600.

SOURCES
Racing-Reference.info
Toyota Racing