NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway Preview

The NASCAR Cup Series heads back to Atlanta Motor Speedway, now known as Echo Park Speedway, for the Quaker State 400. Here is everything you need to know for Saturday night’s Cup Series action.

NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

The first return to a track we have previously raced at this season, the second trip to Atlanta is a night race under the lights at the newly named Echo Park Speedway. We have seen some exciting moments at this track in the past, will we get another exciting finish? Or could it be the pace car leading the most laps at Echo Park?

Last fall, it was Joey Logano getting his only win of the 2024 playoffs that catapulted him to a third title. But back in February, it was Christopher Bell taking the win? Could these two win Saturday night, or will another driver step up to the challenge?

Read More: Christopher Bell Wins Atlanta, Despite More Caution Controversy

Race Preview:

The Quaker State 400 at Echo Park Speedway is a 400-mile, 260-lap race around the 1.5-mile racetrack. Stage cautions will be on laps 60 and 160, and the checkered flag on lap 260. 11,055,250 dollars are up for grabs in the prize purse for this race. Teams will have 9 sets of tires, 8 sticker sets, and 1 from their qualifying run. The Goodyear tires are made specifically for Atlanta and have been used since 2024.

The Track-Atlanta Motor Speedway

Built in 1960, Atlanta Motor Speedway has seen numerous reconfigurations across its lifespan. Its most recent repave saw the track go from 24 degrees of banking to 28 degrees. This has turned the track into a mini-superspeedway, producing pack racing and moves we used to only see at Daytona and Talladega.

Joey Logano has the most wins at the track on the new surface, with two. Josh Berry set the track record in 2024 with a 29.361-second lap.

Cup Series Point Standings:

Here are the point standings following the race at Pocono Raceway:

1. William Byron: 623
2. Kyle Larson: 569
3. Denny Hamlin: 545
4. Christopher Bell: 544
5. Chase Elliott: 543
6. Ryan Blaney: 503
7. Tyler Reddick: 490
8. Ross Chastain: 454
9. Chase Briscoe: 450
10. Joey Logano: 436

Read More: Chase Briscoe Breaks Through at Pocono, Saving Enough Fuel to Best Denny Hamlin

Drivers To Watch:

We have four drivers joining the field for this race:

• Corey LaJoie will drive the #01 Ford for Rick Ware Racing
• David Starr will drive the #66 Ford for Garage 66
• B.J. McLeod will drive his #78 Chevy for Live Fast Motorsports
• Connor Zilisch will drive the #87 Chevy for Trackhouse Racing

Looking at drivers who could drive to victory in the Quaker State 400. Realistically, I believe the winners will come from either Chevy or Ford. While Toyota is the defending winner here, it is an outlier in the data.

For the blue ovals, I think Blaney is the guy to beat from the Ford camp. 4th in February, 3rd last September, the results are tracking towards a win. Another Ford driver who needs to have a good weekend is Brad Keselowski. He is 30th in points and is in must-win territory to even make the playoffs. If Brad is gonna win somewhere, I think his best chance is Atlanta.

Daniel Suarez is also way below the playoff cut line, but the good news is. Atlanta is one of his best racetracks. A win in 2024 and has never finished worse than sixth in the second race. Another driver needing a win, and this is one of their best shots at one.

Read More: Daniel Suarez wins at Atlanta in Third Closest Finish in History

When you think of drafting and Toyota, I think of Denny Hamlin and his 23XI driver, Bubba Wallace. Hamlin ran second at Pocono last Sunday, so he’s got some momentum. Bubba needs a rebound from the brake failure DNF he had last week. Look for the #23 and the #11 saturday night

How To Watch The Cup Series at Atlanta:

Here is the weekend schedule for the Quaker State 400 at Echo Park Speedway:

Friday, June 27th:

Saturday, June 28th:

• The Quaker State 400 at Echo Park Speedway
  • 7:00 PM Eastern
  • Coverage will be on TNT Sports, HBO Max, and radio coverage on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel

Last Word On Motorsport will have all the news from Echo Park Speedway and the NASCAR Cup Series

Main Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Recording Date: 2/22/2025