The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the one-of-a-kind high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway. At the time, last season’s race set the record for the closest finish in NASCAR history. Daniel Suárez edged out Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch to earn the victory last February, but will the 99 do it again?
Where: Hampton, Georgia
Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway
When: Sunday, Feb. 23 @ 3:00 PM
Watch: Local Fox affiliate
Track Background
In 2022, Atlanta debuted as an entirely different track. The place that used to be rough on tires, and had everybody sliding around the 1.54 mile asphalt surface was repaved. Since then, the track races like a restrictor place event. The name of the game is pack racing, drafting, and fuel saving.
The track has 28 degree banking in the corners with 5 degree banking in the tri-oval and the back stretch.
Pit lane is also different as the entry to pit road is entering into turn three. Sections 1 & 2 of pit road have a speed limit of 90 MPH while the remaining sections are a limit of 45. This is to help cars slow down, and not cause incidents down the back stretch.
Ones To Watch
Since the repave, four drivers have claimed victory in the six races: William Byron (2), Joey Logano (2), Suárez, and Chase Elliott. Clearly, the Chevy Camaros do well on this unique oval.
The drivers below are ones who will be top contenders on this unpredictable track.
Chevrolets
Daniel Suárez (99)
The Trackhouse Racing driver has the best finishing average position among all Chevy’s at Atlanta since 2022. Suárez’s average finish of 7.3 is good enough for second among all drivers as well at the track. While the Mexican native has not dominated at the speedway, he sure does know how to find himself in the picture late.
William Byron (24)
The back-to-back Daytona 500 champion has been nearly checker or wreckers at Atlanta. The good news for the Hendrick Motorsports Camaro is his consistency in stages. The 24 has finished in the top ten of at least one stage every race at Atlanta since ’22. As long as Byron can avoid incidents, he will be a favorite once again.
Fords
While only one Ford driver has claimed victory at the track since the repave, the Mustangs have been fast. Specifically, one team has been quick.
Team Penske
The only Ford team that seems to finish well at Atlanta is Penske. Logano has two wins, Ryan Blaney has the best average finish among all drivers at the track (7.2), and Cindric is the third highest finishing Ford on average. While the track has been Chevy dominant, a Ford winning at Atlanta will most likely come from one of Roger Penske’s Mustangs.
Toyota
Toyota comes into the weekend still winless at Atlanta. Teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI have not had the results at this track that they would want. This weekend can help set a precedent though for the Camrys as another solid showing from Toyota will solidify the manufacturers top-dog status on restrictor-plate style racing.
Erik Jones (43)
Legacy Motorclub is coming off of their best performance ever as a team thanks to all three of their entries finishing in the top 12. Jones has the highest average finish at Atlanta among Toyota teams. Do not be shocked to see another surprise performance from the Jimmie Johnson owned organization.