Memorial Day is often deemed the official kick-off of summer, and family get-togethers and food are two Memorial Day traditions. For race fans, the Coca-Cola 600 is yet another tradition and it’s a very special year, as this Sunday marks the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. Coca-Cola is kicking off summer and celebrating the 50th running in a big way. This Friday, Coca-Cola is hosting the “Coca-Cola Quarter-Mile Cookout”, an event that is sure to take grilling to a whole new level.

Literally speaking, a quarter-mile grill has been custom-built for the event and will wrap in an oval around the infield on the race track near pit road and the start/finish line. It’s the nation’s longest grill at the site of NASCAR®’s longest race. Coca-Cola 600 ticket holders and those with an annual credential are invited to have a free meal including hamburgers and hot dogs cooked to perfection on some 7,000 pounds of Kingsford® Charcoal; sides including Suddenly Saladâ„¢, Betty Crockerâ„¢ brownies and Food Lion potato chips; and, of course, ice-cold Coca-Cola. The day marks the debut of the new summer can series which feature grills, beach balls, surfboards, sunglasses and stars and stripes — a the perfect addition to any summer celebration. 

Celebrity chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence will oversee the festivities along with Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte and Clint Bowyer. Racing legend and grand marshal Bobby Allison and celebrated artist Sam Bass will both be in attendance. The Toyota Camry Hybrid pace car and the actual Coca-Cola sponsored 1969 Mercury Cyclone® that Bobby Allison drove to victory in the 1971 Coca-Cola 600 will both be on display, and attendees will have a chance to win cool prizes by answering trivia questions throughout the event.

We’ve had the great pleasure of working on this event for Coca-Cola alongside partner agency IMG, and I couldn’t be more excited for Friday’s festivities. If you’re in Charlotte, we’d love to see you there! We’ll be tweeting throughout the day from the event and if you’re friends with us on Facebook, all of the event details can be found there. See you at the track!