The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Atlanta Motor Speedway for the season’s second race. Here is everything you need to know before the green flag drops on Sunday.
NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Help 400 Preview:
The Cup Series rolls up the road from Daytona into Atlanta, Georgia, for the Ambetter Help 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Since its repave in 2022, Atlanta has had the most exciting racing on the schedule, with last year’s race producing a three-wide photo finish between Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch.
3-WIDE AT THE LINE! WHAT A FINISH. Repost to congratulate Daniel Suárez on his Atlanta Motor Speedway WIN! pic.twitter.com/RdewRqJiwg
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 26, 2024
READ MORE: Daniel Suarez wins at Atlanta in Third Closest Finish in History
Race Preview:
The Ambetter Health 400 is a 260-lap race around a 1.5-mile racetrack. The first stage is 60 laps, the second stage is 100, and the final stage is 100 laps. Hendrick Motorsports currently holds the record for wins at the track with 10 wins, most recently with William Byron, in 2023. Most wins by a driver is currently a four-way tie between Richard Petty, Bobby Labonte, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson, each with four wins.
Points Standings:
Here are the top ten in points following the Daytona 500:
1. Ryan Blaney: 51
2. William Byron: 50
3. Austin Cindric: 48
4. Tyler Reddick: 44
5. Alex Bowman: 42
6. Chris Buescher: 40
7. Erik Jones: 40
8. * Jimmie Johnson: 34
9. John Hunter Nemechek: 34
10. Chase Elliott: 33
*Jimmie Johnson is running a part-time schedule in 2025
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.
The repave is also designed to wear much quicker than other tracks. This will promote tire conservation and change the dynamic of the racing as it ages.
Drivers To Watch:
One team I think will be tough to beat this weekend is Team Penske. They were dominant at Daytona last weekend, strong at both Spring and Fall Atlanta races, with Joey Logano winning the race. Keep your eyes on Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric to be strong this weekend.
Erik Jones and Legacy Motor Club were strong in the duels. I think Jones could be a contender this weekend with the newfound speed in the #43 Camry.
Alex Bowman was strong here last fall and finished fifth, and Kyle Busch was a part of that three-wide finish last spring and also at Daytona before a wreck. He’s itching to get back into victory lane again.
My pick for the winner is Ryan Blaney, to get his first of many wins in 2025.
READ MORE: 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Way Too Early Season Predictions
How To Watch:
The Ambetter Help 400 starts Saturday, February 22nd, with Practice and Qualifying beginning at 11:00 AM ET, Coverage is on Prime Sports. Sunday’s coverage of the race begins at 3 PM ET, broadcast on Fox.
Featured Image Credit: Todd Kirkland, Getty Images. February 25th, 2024.
