Coca-Cola 600 live updates: Kyle Larson double Trump visit

Kyle Larson's attempt at "The Double" is in jeopardy due to bad weather at the Indy 500. Will he make it?

The Charlotte Observer has a team of six journalists, including NASCAR reporter Shane Connuck and columnist Scott Fowler, on site at Charlotte Motor Speedway to cover the Coca-Cola 600, the premier annual race in North Carolina. Live updates are continuously posted below, so be sure to refresh the page for the latest news. Results will be shared here following the conclusion of the race.

As of 2 p.m. Eastern time, Kyle Larson's attempt at "The Double" is facing a major setback due to severe weather conditions at the Indy 500. The race, which was scheduled to start at around 12:30 p.m., has been delayed as a storm forced officials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to evacuate approximately 125,000 fans who were already in attendance. While spectators have since been allowed to return to the grandstands, the track may require at least 90 minutes to dry before racing can resume.

Initially, Larson had expressed his intention to prioritize the Coca-Cola 600, citing the opportunity to contend for another Cup title. However, during a press conference in Indianapolis on Sunday, he mentioned that his current focus remains on the Indy 500, stating, "I think our plan is to keep this as a priority. I think I would be here racing."

The situation is currently filled with uncertainties and various possibilities. Should the Indy 500 be postponed by a full day, Larson might have the chance to participate in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway before returning to Indianapolis. However, if he were to skip the Coke 600 entirely, he would require a waiver from NASCAR. Larson aims to join the ranks of only four other drivers who have successfully completed "The Double" by competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coke 600 on the same day. Kurt Busch achieved this feat in 2014, while Tony Stewart is the sole driver to have completed all 1,100 miles in 2001. Larson secured the fifth position in qualifying for the Indy 500.

At 1:50 p.m., it was reported that former President Donald Trump is expected to attend Sunday's race at Charlotte. Details about his arrival time and activities at the speedway have not been disclosed yet. Fans and media have been advised to arrive early due to heightened security measures. Trump, currently engaged in a campaign against Joe Biden for a potential return to the presidency, has not yet arrived in Charlotte, and his appearance may be several hours away.

Regarding the weather, rain is anticipated to impact the Coca-Cola 600, although the start time of 6 p.m. is likely to remain unaffected. Meteorologist Brad Panovich from WCNC forecasts that storms may move into the area around 7 p.m., with a higher likelihood of arrival between 8-9 p.m. However, radar indications suggest that the rain will subside, allowing the race to commence and conclude on the same day or possibly extend into the late hours of the night. This contrasts with last year's rain-soaked Memorial Day weekend, which necessitated the race to be held on a Monday.

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