While not quite as memorable small-picture as the previous 600s (Jeff Gordon/Bobby Labonte maiden wins), this was significant in a big-picture way- this was the year open-wheel racing had the infamous CART/IRL split and the Indianapolis 500 would plummet in terms of spectacle. This was the beginning of the Coca-Cola 600 being THE Memorial Day Weekend race. Not many people remember Buddy Lazier winning the 500, but most of us remember Jarrett’s 88 going the distance.
Great point to make...I think overall NASCAR benefitted greatly in 96 because of IRL/CART split and would build on that for years after...until they would ruin what they had themselves.
Man I miss seeing that Quality Care 88 going around the track. My favorite years of DJ.
Wouldn’t be a post wreck interview without Todd Bodine saying “it’s a shame”
That's true. I never really thought about that. "You qualify on cold tires and you don't spin!"
While not quite as memorable small-picture as the previous 600s (Jeff Gordon/Bobby Labonte maiden wins), this was significant in a big-picture way- this was the year open-wheel racing had the infamous CART/IRL split and the Indianapolis 500 would plummet in terms of spectacle.
This was the beginning of the Coca-Cola 600 being THE Memorial Day Weekend race. Not many people remember Buddy Lazier winning the 500, but most of us remember Jarrett’s 88 going the distance.
Great point to make...I think overall NASCAR benefitted greatly in 96 because of IRL/CART split and would build on that for years after...until they would ruin what they had themselves.
Shout out to RICK BENJAMIN, loved his unique narrative throughout 80s-90s on tbs broadcasts. There out to be a spot for him in hof
Thanks for putting this race up
Fun Fact: Erik Jones was born 4 days after the 1996 Coca Cola 600 occurred
3:47:32 Wen Won Suun LOLOLOL
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