Why Coca-Cola 600 was a magnum opus for NASCAR

Few NASCAR races will match Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

In the 66th running of NASCAR's longest race, the premier stock-car racing series in the world treated its fans to a show for the ages. 

Let's start with the racing itself: Ross Chastain running down William Byron for the race win was a textbook battle for a race win. The battle between Byron, Denny Hamlin and Carson Hocevar for the Stage 3 victory included brief moments of three-wide action and a thrilling conclusion, all for the reward of a single playoff point. There were battles through the pack aplenty, and in a race meant to be a 600-mile slugfest, there were plenty of comers and goers. 

For fans who enjoy more chaotic races, Sunday's race has its fair share. Kyle Larson spun from the lead early in the race and had to make his way back through the pack, only to get tagged by Daniel Suarez in a Stage 3 crash. Hocevar's engine blew up while he was racing Hamlin for the lead, while Hamlin was forced to come down pit road from the top-five in the closing laps due to a fueling mishap on his final scheduled pit stop. 

In regard to the broadcast, Prime Video's maiden voyage was a smooth journey. Not only was the race broadcast itself immersive, focused and devoid of commercials during the home stretch, but extensive post-race coverage and a lively pre-race show bookended the action on the track. 

And finally, Chastain's win, while not the most storybook ending possible, was a gripping tale that could have far-reaching impacts. The sixth win of Chastain's career is his first in a crown jewel race and could serve as a shot in the arm for Trackhouse Racing. If you include the touching tribute to Specialist Kevin McCrea, whose name adorned the windshield of Chastain's Chevrolet, the victory was a special one that will be remembered for years to come. 

Simply put, the Coca-Cola 600 was a modern magnum opus for NASCAR in every sense of the term.