#NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (Atlanta)

Winners: Christopher Bell (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Kyle Busch (Trucks)

NASCAR Cup

Christopher Bell Holds Off Hocevar & Larson

 

Christopher Bell prevailed in overtime to claim the victory in Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway – officially leading only the final lap and getting the photo nod in a three-wide run as a caution flag came out on the last lap to end the NASCAR Cup Series race.

 

It marks the second year that this race featured a three-wide run to the end. This time Bell was out front over second-year driver Carson Hocevar and 2021 series champion Kyle Larson as the final yellow flag flew. It was the the 10th career series victory for Bell, a 30-year-old Oklahoma native, and his first on a drafting-type track like Atlanta, Daytona or Talladega. It also marked the first victory for Joe Gibbs Racing since June of last year.

 

“I’ll tell you what, that right there is what you dream of,” an elated Bell said afterward. “To be able to restart on the first or second row on a restart at a speedway, you never know how those things are going to play out.

 

“But,” he added looking directly into the FOX television cameras with a huge smile, “I’ll be the first to tell you, ‘I love superspeedways.’

 

“I don’t know,” he conceded, “but this style of racing has always been a little bit of a struggle for me. Throughout the beginning of the day, obviously today we were just stuck way in the back. But [crew chief] Adam [Stevens] and these boys just did an incredible job of getting this thing fixed up so I could just hold my foot down and you’ve got to be able to just stay in the throttle and that last half of the race we ran our best.”

 

Had to soak that first AMS win in a little while longer#Ambetter400 pic.twitter.com/aFjrSxqZWz

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 24, 2025

Pole: Ryan Blaney

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 3:30 pm ET for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas.

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Dominates, 3rd Consecutive Win

 

The Atlanta Motor Speedway is Austin Hill’s home track after all — and the Georgia native proved again Saturday night that he absolutely “owns it.”

 

Hill dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 on the Atlanta high banks — leading 146 of the 163 laps to claim his first victory of the early 2025 season, driving the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet sponsored by the race’s title partner.

 

“Thank you to Parker Retzlaff for giving me that push, and then once I got clear and into [Turn] 1, I was just wide open and I was hoping they weren’t going to build up momentum,””Hill said, adding, “To be able to do this is something special.”

 

Brought the heat to Hotlanta. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PKcRsiMGcE

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) February 23, 2025

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:30 pm ET for the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas.

NASCAR Trucks

Kyle Busch Wins Truck Series Thriller

 

With seven previous Atlanta Motor Speedway trophies in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series already on his mantel, Kyle Busch was the odds-on favorite for Saturday’s Fr8 Racing 208. The veteran did not disappoint.

 

Pulling ahead of Stewart Friesen about 20 yards from the finish line, Busch’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet held on for a slight .017-second win as the two passed side-by-side under the checkered flag. It was Busch’s record eighth series victory at the track. He led a race-high 80 of the 135 laps but definitely earned his hardware this weekend with a half-dozen trucks going door-to-door with the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion in the closing 20 laps.

 

“Awesome run for this Spire Chevrolet and everybody at [sponsor] Gainbridge,” Busch said, thanking the fans in the grandstands for coming out in the cloudy 50-degree Atlanta weather.

 

“Just trying to make sure I stayed as far forward as I possibly could,” Busch said of how he held off the field in the closing laps. “Those guys would cycle to me and get to the next one in front, next one in front of me and I just made sure to keep battling back and got back to the front so I could control it the best I could. That inside [lane] was good, they were rolling forward so it made for a heck of a race.”

 

“I’m proud we had a heck of a race there to the finish and it wasn’t single-file. There was some mixing it up for these fans out here to see a cool show.”

 

Right to the line for the win! pic.twitter.com/MraNxCERXm

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 22, 2025

Connor Mosack

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 9:00 pm ET for the Ecosave 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Atlanta #NASCAR Weekend Campers

Great Entertainment and Racing Await

 

There’s no better way to experience a NASCAR race weekend than camping at the track – and Atlanta Motor Speedway is raising the bar for Ambetter Health 400 weekend campers!

 

From added entertainment, more time to camp, and action-packed racing, there’s never been a better time to roll up with an RV or pitch a tent at AMS.

 

Extended stay available in exterior campgrounds

Fans staying in campgrounds outside the speedway now can enjoy their campsite for two additional days! Exterior campgrounds opened on Monday, Feb. 17, at 12 p.m. ET, allowing campers who take advantage to extend their stay at AMS to a full week!

 

Trackside campgrounds opened at 9 a.m. ET today, followed by infield campgrounds on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. ET.

 

Party in the Peach Pit

One of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s most enjoyed traditions is also one of its newest, with the Peach Pit bringing the party to the infield for the last several years and getting bigger with each event.

 

This year will be no different, with laser lights, fireworks, games, and live music by ThunderBeard: A Tribute to ZZ Top.

 

Revamped THOR Camper Appreciation Party

The fan-favorite THOR Camper Appreciation Party returns in 2025 but moves into a larger, more centralized space within the AMS Fan Zone on Friday, Feb. 21.

 

Featuring free food, drinks, games, special guest appearances and live music by Smokey Jones and the 3 Dollar Pistols on the AMS Fan Stage.

 

The Best of NASCAR

All of this camping fun coincides with a weekend of races across all three of the NASCAR’s national touring series. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series hits the 28-degree high banks first for the Fr8 Racing 208 at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 22, followed by the second leg of Atlanta’s NASCAR Doubleheader: the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series event at 5 p.m. ET. NASCAR’s Cup Series stars then duel for 400 miles on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. in the Ambetter Health 400.

 

Happy #RandomActsOfKindnessDay. We are so grateful for our campers and all our fans so we went around with our Executive VP and GM, Brandon Hutchison, to do some random acts of kindness. pic.twitter.com/zrdN4BweFz

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 17, 2025

 

source: Atlanta Motor Speedway Media

Snowy NASCAR

Winter Blankets #NASCAR Tracks (2024-25 offseason)

Enjoy the snowy backdrops from some of NASCAR's tracks from this winter before the 2025 season begins.

 

The Cup Series is scheduled to return to competition on Sunday February 2nd 2025 at Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s Bowman Gray for the 200 lap ‘Cook Out Clash.’

 

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Dover Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Pocono Raceway

Richmond Raceway

Talladega Superspeedway

Texas Motor Speedway

 

Did someone say Snow Day? ❄️☃️ pic.twitter.com/l4W31ff8xB

— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) January 9, 2025

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Weekend Recap (Atlanta Motor Speedway)

Winners: Joey Logano (Cup) and Austin Hill (Xfinity)

NASCAR Cup

Joey Logano Wins Playoff Opener at Atlanta

Joey Logano and crew celebrate in Victory Lane  after winning the NASCAR
Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

With a strong last-lap push from Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano rocketed into the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with an overtime victory in Sunday‘s Quaker State 400 available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

In a two-lap shootout that sent the first playoff race of the 2024 season six laps past the posted distance of 260 laps, Logano had the lead by more than a car-length when NASCAR called a caution on the final circuit for a mid-pack wreck behind the leader.

 

The victory was Logano‘s second at Atlanta, his second of the season and the 34th of his career. The driver of the No. 22 Ford vaulted to fifth in the playoff standings, but the win guaranteed him a spot in the next round.

 

“They just give me really fast cars on superspeedways, and we always find ourselves towards the front of them, (but) we just end up wrecking more times than not,” said Logano, who led twice for nine laps, a far cry from teammate Austin Cindric‘s race-high 92.

 

“So, to be able to finally capitalize on a fast race car and win here in Atlanta again, I lived right over there in condo 805 for a long time (as a child racing Legend Cars), waking up dreaming of just racing on this race track.

 

“So, pulling into Victory Lane here is always a special one. We had such a really good team here today. It‘s awesome to get (sponsor) Autotrader into Victory Lane, and the JL Kids Crew (one of Logano‘s charitable enterprises) are here today, so it‘s really cool to finally win with them here.”

 

HE’S THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 12!@joeylogano wins the #NASCARPlayoffs opener at @ATLMotorSpdwy! pic.twitter.com/GZymH1NH51

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 8, 2024

Pole: Michael McDowell

Click Here for Race Results  

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday September 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. 

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Wins Wild Xfinity Series Race at Atlanta for Season Sweep

Austin Hill celebrates with RCR team owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer,
Richard Childress in Victory Lane at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

Austin Hill defended stout charges late from numerous competitors to score the NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday.

 

Hill, winner of the series’ February visit to the 1.5-mile drafting-style track, was victorious by 0.34 seconds over Parker Kligerman, AJ Allmendinger, Chandler Smith and Corey Heim, who completed the top five.

 

“I‘m speechless right now,” Hill said in Victory Lane. “Our Bennett Chevrolet had speed all day, but the handling just was not there the way that I would like. You come to these superspeedway-style events, and you want to have a car that‘s trimmed out. You don‘t worry too much about handling.”

 

“But I thought handling was going to be an issue, and it definitely played a part today. We made some right moves at the right time between my spotter, Derek Kneeland, and me. We got up to second and when we had that restart (on Lap 150), I was contemplating ‘Do I go top, or do I go bottom? ”

 

“We both agreed that we have to go bottom and try to get to the lead, and if the bottom didn‘t work out, then so be it.”

 

The hometown kid does it again!@_AustinHill gets his fourth win at @ATLMotorSpdwy! pic.twitter.com/rPudq5u3e4

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) September 7, 2024

Pole:  Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday September 14, 3:00 pm ET for the Mission 200 at the Glen at Watkins Glen International.

 

NASCAR Trucks

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Off Week

Good thing there aren't beige flags in NASCAR... 😅 pic.twitter.com/HPYsTFNEhS

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 28, 2024

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00 pm ET for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

ARCA

ARCA Truck Series – Off Week

Putting his dirt skills to good use, @BrentCrews11 ripped the top on the opening lap to take the lead at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, a move that has been selected as the @reeses Sweet Move of the Race! pic.twitter.com/0F29K5fntq

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 3, 2024

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 5:23 p.m.ET for the General Tire 100 at Glen at Watkins Glen International.

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Cup Playoffs Will Start with a 'Bang'

Atlanta Motor Speedway

 

For the first time ever, the postseason for NASCAR’s top series will kick off on the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.

 

The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will be filled with figurative fireworks as the stars of NASCAR battle door-to-door for the race win and 16 playoff contenders compete for the championship. Before the green flag flies, however, literal fireworks will signify the start of NASCAR’s postseason in a massive pyrotechnic sequence never before seen at AMS.

 

“The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend is going to be full of unbelievable moments, and this is one fans definitely don’t want to miss,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “Starting the playoffs here in Atlanta is a big deal, so we’re going to get things started with a bang!”

 

As the field begins the final pace lap before the green flag Sunday, 1,500 pyro devices will light up a one-mile stretch spanning from Turn 1 to Turn 4 of the speedway.

 

Just moments after the pyrotechnic sequence concludes, the field will take the green flag and start 400 miles of close-quarters racing action. It will be the culmination of a weekend full of NASCAR racing on track and entertainment off the track. On-track NASCAR activity starts Saturday with Bennett Transportation and Logistics qualifying followed by the Focused Health 250. Sunday’s main event, the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart, starts the NASCAR Cup Series 10-race playoffs at 3 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets and camping accommodations for the Sept. 6-8 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart NASCAR weekend are available at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com. 

 

Let’s get the #NASCARPlayoffs started 😎#QS400 | #NASCR pic.twitter.com/a8JdsPlJLI

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) September 6, 2024

 

source: Atlanta Motor Speedway Media

NASCAR Atlanta Motor Speedway Race Weekend Recap

Winners: Daniel Suárez (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Kyle Busch (Trucks)

 

NASCAR Cup

Daniel Suárez Slips by Blaney, Busch in Three-Wide Photo Finish for Atlanta Victory

 

It was a race of breathtaking four-wide action into corners not built to accommodate such derring-do.

 

And it was totally appropriate that Sunday‘s Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway ended in a three-wide photo finish, with Trackhouse Racing‘s Daniel Suárez eking out a victory over Ryan Blaney by what looked to be an inch or two at the finish line.

 

NASCAR timing and scoring showed Suárez ahead of Blaney by 0.003 seconds at the stripe, with Kyle Busch in third, 0.007 seconds behind the race winner. 

 

“It was so damn close, man,” said Suárez, still marveling that he was the winner. “It was so damn close. It was good racing. Ryan Blaney there, Kyle Busch, Austin Cindric also was doing a great job giving pushes. In the back straightaway, he didn’t push me because he knew I was going to (screw) his teammate, but, man, what a job.

 

“We wrecked (on) Lap 2. The guys did an amazing job fixing this car. I can’t thank everyone enough, Trackhouse Racing, Freeway Insurance, Chevrolet, all the amazing fans here. Let’s go!”

 

Stayed up all night thinking about this finish. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0V3LS8U1dp

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2024

Pole: Michael McDowell

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Wins in Overtime

 

Jesse Love had the dominant car at Atlanta Saturday evening but it was his teammate Austin Hill who took the Xfinity Series win.

 

The race came down to an overtime restart after Ryan Sieg ran out of fuel on the apron of the track. The final stage had run under green flag conditions as the drivers wondered if they would have enough fuel to make it to the checkered flag.

 

Hill managed to save enough fuel earlier in the stage and he capitalized on the opportunity before him. He took the lead and led the final two laps. Hill won at Atlanta, his home track, for the third time in three seasons. 

 

“We came to the restart, I’m like sloshing it around,” Hill said about his fuel to Fox Sports after the race. “We go through the gears and when I went to shift from — I think it was third to fourth — I actually stumbled.

 

“(Chandler Smith) hit me really hard and that like woke (the car) back up and I just had enough fuel to complete the lap.”

 

Let’s gooo!! Back-to-back wins to start the season! 🏁🏁 pic.twitter.com/HuiBGzF8oL

— Austin Hill (@_AustinHill) February 25, 2024

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, March. 2, 2024 5:00 pm ET for the The LiUNA! at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Kyle Busch Claims his 65th Career Truck Series Win at Atlanta

 

Driving the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in his first start of 2024, Kyle Busch inherited the lead from Grant Enfinger on Lap 129 of 135 and held off Ty Majeski and Corey Heim over the final five laps to win his seventh race at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the 65th of his career, extending his own series record.

 

Enfinger was out front for 21 consecutive laps before one of his tires began losing pressure, forcing him to the pits after Busch, Majeski, Heim, Taylor Gray and Nick Sanchez, last week’s winner at Daytona, sped past.

 

Busch crossed the finish line 0.187 seconds ahead of Majeski, who edged Heim for the runner-up position by 0.009 seconds. Gray and Sanchez came home fourth and fifth, respectively.

 

“I actually got a run on the 9 truck (Enfinger) down the backstretch,” Busch said of the pass for the win. “He must have been going flat down the backstretch and slowing down because it gave me – it sucked me up right to him. Then he got loose in the corner. I got loose in the corner. We all checked up trying not to crash.

 

“Thankfully, we didn’t. I thought that was a big moment. But then we got the lead right there, and after that, it was about trying to protect it. Majeski was a bit of a wing man today. Appreciate him – and the history we’ve had together growing up racing late models with him a lot in Wisconsin and around those parts.

 

“That was a lot of fun. Great to get Chevrolet to Victory Lane.”

NEWS: Inspection is complete at @ATLMotorSpdwy.@KyleBusch's 65th victory is official.

The No. 38 has been disqualified for violating rule 14.4.10.1.G - Windshield fasteners must remain tight and stationary for the entire event. pic.twitter.com/4W1JVVaeGp

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 24, 2024

Pole: Daniel Dye

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, March 1, 2024 - 8:00 PM ET for the Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 

 

ARCA

Off Weekend

General Tire Pole Award at Daytona was what Willie and
Dinah Mullins needed at exactly the right time (#ARCA)

 

There was no ARCA activity this weekend.

 

The first @reeses Sweet Move of the Race of the season goes to @mullins_racing for this immaculate save at @DAYTONA. 😎 pic.twitter.com/MS5EitCvuq

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) February 18, 2024

Next Race: The ARCA Series and ARCA Series West will return on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM ET. for the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

2024 Races Cancelled

 

Just in case you missed it:

 

The made-for-TV summer motorsports series, the Superstar Racing Experience, or SRX, abruptly “postponed” its fourth season last month. The summer series, founded by racer Tony Stewart and former NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham, announced that the series would not run the races it had planned in July and August, due to “market factors that have proven too much to overcome.” {Bummer}

 

Official Statement from SRX. pic.twitter.com/yyb2Ovh6RN

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) January 11, 2024

 

source: NASCAR Media

First Fans Arrive for Ambetter Health 400 Weekend

Fans Make a Lot of Their Own Fun in the Campgrounds

 

Sunny skies greeted campers as they arrived to setup their home away from home for the Ambetter Health 400 weekend.

 

It’s a sign of things to come as thousands of campers will fill campsites inside and around the speedway this week. All will enjoy more than 850 miles of NASCAR action this weekend that is forecasted to be accompanied by beautiful spring weather.

 

Fans make a lot of their own fun in the campgrounds during NASCAR weekend, but there’s a lot of great racing and entertainment on tap as well. It all starts Thursday with the Pedal Power Party bike ride around the track and Speedway Children’s Charities Laps for Charity track driving opportunity. Campers will also enjoy Friday night’s THOR Family of Companies Camper Appreciation Party - featuring free food, free beer, and special guest appearances – and the party in the Peach Pit Saturday night with live music, games, fireworks, and more.

 

All of this complements what is sure to be an action-packed weekend of racing across NASCAR’s three national touring series. The rising stars of the sport take center stage in Saturday’s NASCAR doubleheader in the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250. NASCAR’s best hit the track for 400 miles of white-knuckle, high-speed competition in Sunday’s main event, the Ambetter Health 400.

 

Great ticket and camping options are still available for fans who want to experience NASCAR in Atlanta for themselves this weekend. Grandstand tickets start at $49 for Sunday and kids 12 and under are just $10. Plus AMS has created more opportunities to make the Ambetter Health 400 an unforgettable experience with memories that will last a lifetime. Pre-race track passes now include access to victory lane before the race and even a chance to see The King Richard Petty as the NASCAR world celebrates 75 years of the Petty family in racing, in addition to access to pit road, the Jon Langston pre-race concert, and driver introductions.

 

Affordable ticket add-ons are also available with exclusive opportunities for fans to interact with some of NASCAR’s biggest stars. Fans can add a Q&A with Georgia’s own Chase Elliott; a Ross Chastain package that includes a Q&A, Watermelon Man swag, and an autograph from Chastain; or get the VIP experience from Coca-Cola, which includes a pre-race track pass, access to Coca-Cola’s VIP hospitality in Turn 1 with complimentary food and beverages, a guided garage tour while supplies last, and an exclusive Q&A with Coca-Cola Racing Family driver Denny Hamlin.

 

Best of all, AMS has delivered an option for fans who want a garage pass on Sunday of race weekend with the Ultimate Fan Pass. This ticket upgrade includes a guided garage tour and a garage pass that lets fans stick around and experience the raceday atmosphere and explore the garage on their own. This upgrade also features an exclusive meet and greet with AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison and an OGIO backpack.

 

In just a few days, this will be full of fans, free entertainment, driver appearances, and free carnival rides.

See all the Fan Zone fun here: https://t.co/t1ecyWPghE#Ambetter400 | #RAPTOR250 | #Fr8208 pic.twitter.com/tCk7dHRmNw

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 21, 2024

 

source: Atlanta Motor Speedway Media

Atlanta Motor Speedway Schedule

#NASCAR Xfinity & Trucks on Saturday with Cup on Sunday

 

The stars of the NASCAR Cup Series descend on Atlanta Motor Speedway this Sunday for the Ambetter Health 400 Spring 2024 NASCAR Weekend!

 

Two great races, the ‘RAPTOR King of Tough 250’ Xfinity Series and ‘Fr8 208’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series doubleheader will kick off the weekend on Saturday.

 

Let’s hope that Mother Nature is agreeable and leaves all that wet weather behind.

 

Atlanta Motor Speedway Schedule

Friday, February 23, 2024

• 11:00 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade Presented by Raceway Ministries
• 2:00 p.m. Parking Lots Open
• 3:00 p.m. Gates Open
• 3:05 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Qualifying
• 4:35 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
• 6:00 p.m. THOR Industries Camper Appreciation Party
• 7:00 p.m. Legends and Bandolero Racing (Gates Open FREE to the public)

Saturday, February 24, 2024

• 8:30 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 9:00 a.m. Fan Zone Opens
• 10:30 a.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Autograph Session
• 11:00 a.m. Gates Open
• 11:35 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
• 1:30 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Introductions
• 2:00 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race
• 135 Laps (30/60/135) / 207.9 Miles
• 4:40 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Introductions
• 5:00 p.m. RAPTOR King of Tough 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
• 163 Laps (40/80/163) / 251.02 Miles
• 8:00 p.m. Peach Pit Party

Sunday, February 25, 2024

• 8:30 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 8:30 a.m. Speedway Children's Charities VIP Hot Laps
• 9:00 a.m. Fan Zone Opens
• 11:00 a.m. Gates Open
• 11:30 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Autograph Session
• 11:45 a.m. Pre-Race Track Pass Front Stretch Access Opens (View Map) https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/documents/2024_preracetrackpassaccessmap_v4.pdf
• 12:00 p.m. Trackside Live
• 1:15 p.m. Pre-Race Concert
• 2:20 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Driver Red Carpet Walk
• 2:30 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
• 3:00 p.m. Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race
• 260 Laps (60/160/260) / 400.4 Miles

Leave those jackets and sweaters at home. We've got nothing but good weather and sunshine planned for this weekend! 🌤️ ☀️

Get your tickets to a weekend of thrills now: https://t.co/OyhnPRPYkS #Ambetter400 | #RAPTOR250 | #Fr8208 pic.twitter.com/DgCL8pHASE

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 21, 2024

 

source: Alanta Motor Speedway Media

Chase Elliott Foundation “DESI9N TO DRIVE”

Returns to Home Track to Benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

 

The Chase Elliott Foundation is partnering again with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports in a return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the seventh edition of its “DESI9N TO DRIVE” art collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s). Elliott's race car and race uniform, from head to toe, will feature designs by two cancer patients at Children's for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 9.

 

“I’m excited for the return of the DESI9N TO DRIVE program to my home track since it really shines a light on the positive impact Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has on the region,” said Elliott, a Dawsonville, Ga. native. “With the race being run at night, I hope it creates an even greater atmosphere than years past. I can’t wait for everyone to see these summer nights-themed designs come to life at the race track.”

 

This year's DESI9N TO DRIVE program received dozens of submissions from patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's. The selected designs were sketched by 11-year-old Alex Corbin and 13-year-old Kayleb Duran-Rodriguez.

 

After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022, Alex went through surgeries, radiation, chemo, MRI tests, therapy, and now wears hearing aids due to side effects of chemo treatments. His design shows his love for smores on warm summer nights and will be depicted on Elliott’s Alpinestars racing suit, gloves, shoes, and Arai helmet.

 

Kayleb, diagnosed with Leukemia in 2020, designed Elliott’s No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to show his love for campfires with friends and family.

 

“We are pleased to support this wonderful campaign and the kids at Children's  for another year,” said Marti Walsh, vice president of marketing, NAPA. “We’re so proud of our longstanding relationship with the Chase Elliott Foundation and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and are excited to see the impact this event has on the greater Atlanta community every year.”

 

#Desi9nToDrive returns to @atlmotorspdwy for the Night Race on July 9 with a summer nights theme on my @thenapanetwork car and race uniform. Help me raise funding to benefit @childrensatl starting today at https://t.co/KmUbFfPJfv! pic.twitter.com/vBVukQUTIz

— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) June 14, 2023

The DESI9N TO DRIVE program has raised and donated over $350,000 to Children’s over its first six years.

 

Elliott's racing uniform and a VIP race experience are being auctioned off via The NASCAR Foundation’s auction page on eBay beginning Wednesday, July 5, and closing Wednesday, July 12, following the Atlanta race.

 

New for this year is the ability for fans to donate directly to the fundraising campaign starting today at desi9ntodrive.org.

 

All auction proceeds will go to the Chase Elliott Foundation to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. In addition, a portion of the proceeds of each die-cast sold of the specially-designed race car will be donated with the auction proceeds and online donations.

 

“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is thankful to collaborate with the Chase Elliott Foundation for the seventh year of DESI9N TO DRIVE,” said Beth Buursema, senior development director at the Children's Foundation. “We are very excited that two of our patients will have the chance to show off their creativity at an event that they will never forget. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is one of the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders programs in the nation, caring for more than 8,900 pediatric patients every year. This continued collaboration will bring hope to our patients while furthering our mission of making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”

 

 

 

source: Chase Elliott Media

NASCAR Triple Header in Race Weekend Recap (Atlanta Motor Speedway)

Winners: Joey Logano (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); & Christian Eckes (Trucks)

 

NASCAR Cup

Joey Logano Bags Atlanta Victory

 

Deftly maneuvering his No. 22 Ford through the final two laps of Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400, Joey Logano finished the NASCAR Cup Series race where he started – at the front of the field.

 

With a push from Christopher Bell on the backstretch on the final lap, Logano moved to the outside of leader Brad Keselowski with huge momentum and charged past Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford into the lead.

 

Logano pulled down to the inside lane through the final two corners and crossed the finish line .193 seconds ahead of Keselowski and .194 seconds ahead of third-place Bell.

 

“Yeah, first off so special to win Atlanta for me,” said Logano, a Connecticut native who began to refine his talent racing Legends cars at Atlanta. “So many memories of me and my dad racing right here on the quarter mile. This is the full circle for us. So many memories gritting over there with the Legends car, racing, having a big time.

 

“Dreaming of going straight at the quarter mile and going onto the big track. That was always the dream to do it. To finally win here means so much to me here personally, but the team.

 

“The Auto Trader Mustang – this thing was an animal. Very, very fast. Able to lead a ton of laps, race really hard there at the end, get a good push from the 20 (Bell) to clear myself. Huge victory. Nice to get one early in the season. Always feels better, but what a great day for us.”

 

Victory smiles. pic.twitter.com/L64ch5pOcA

— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) March 20, 2023

Pole:Joey Logano

Click Here for Race Results 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on March 26th for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Continues Superspeedway Dominance

 

Austin Hill notched his third Xfinity Series win of the 2023 season, edging Parker Kligerman on an epic final run that saw him hold strong even as Kligerman knocked into him and spun out as he and the field crossed the start-finish line.

 

That final run came thanks to a caution that surfaced with about 10 laps to go. It featured Hill (21 car) taking the inside line and moving and blocking Kligerman (48 car). The 48 car then got hit and was nudged into Hill, but the 21 somehow stayed steady and powered through to victory.

 

“Once I got to the lead, I knew it was wreckers or checkers,” Hill told the remaining fans who’d braved the cold weather. “When the 48 hit me in the right-rear, I’m guessing he got hit or something, I thought I was heading into the outside wall, but I was able to gather it up, bring it on home. This is so special. That was a tough one to win.”

 

🥺 🥺 🥺 @_AustinHill | @RCRracing pic.twitter.com/Ggk8lvNOuG

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) March 19, 2023

Pole:Sammy Smith

Click Here for Race Results 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on March 25th for the Pit Boss 250 presented by USA Today at Circuit of The Americas 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Christian Eckes Powers to Overtime Victory

 

Christian Eckes finished where he started Saturday’s Fr8 208 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway  – with a lot of turmoil in between.

 

Eckes claimed his second victory in the series in overtime, choosing the bottom lane and front-row position for a restart on lap 136 of 137.

 

“It’s been a tough offseason,” said Eckes, in his first year with owner Bill McAnally after driving for ThorSport Racing in 2022. “I’m driving harder than I ever have – I have a lot to prove. The people know who they are.

 

“I’m really happy. Thanks to (crew chief) Charles (Denike), everybody on this team. They work so damn hard. This is what makes it all worth it. I’m pumped. It’s going to be a really good year.”

 

P1. Thank you @BMR_NASCAR, @NAPARacing, @TeamChevy and so many more. We’re just getting started! pic.twitter.com/HtpamP86zj

— Christian Eckes (@christianeckes) March 19, 2023

Pole: Zane Smith

Click Here for Race Results 
Next Race: The Truck Series will return on March 25th for the XPEL 225 at Circuit of The Americas.

Weather Impedes Friday Qualifying Sessions at AMS

Zane Smith – Truck Series Pole / Sammy Smith - Xfinity Pole

 

Mother Nature got the best of Friday’s afternoon qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway for both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, as the respective sessions were canceled due to rain in the area.

 

NCTS points leader Zane Smith will start on the pole for Saturday’s Fr8 208 (2 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The subsequent lineup will be set by performance metrics per the NASCAR Rule Book: 15% of a fastest lap time position in the previous series event, 25% of the driver’s final race finish position in the previous series event, 25% of the owner’s final race finish position in the previous event and 35% of the Owner Points position.

 

Sammy Smith, who won last week’s showdown at Phoenix Raceway, will lead the pack to begin Saturday’s Xfinity Series RAPTOR King of Tough 250 (5 p.m. ET, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM).

 

While Mother Nature won the day Friday, forecasts for Saturday’s slate of on-track action at AMS are much more favorable. Qualifying for the Ambetter Health 400 precedes the doubleheader racing with the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 running back-to-back. The weekend culminates with the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday. 

 

 

Click Here for Truck Line-Up

 

Click Here for Xfinity Line-Up

 

Plan your race day with us! Here's what's happening before the #Fr8208 and #RAPTOR250! pic.twitter.com/sUd9spGjIx

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) March 18, 2023

 

source: Atlanta Motor Speedway Media

NASCAR Xfinity Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Austin Hill Wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway (July 9, 2022)

 

NASCAR Xfinity Series

• Next Race: RAPTOR King of Tough 250
• The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway
• The Date: Saturday, March 18
• The Time: 5 p.m. ET
• The Purse: $1,274,624
• TV: FS1, 4 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 251.02 miles (163 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 40),
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 80)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 163)

 

With the conclusion of the West Coast Swing, the NASCAR Xfinity Series now sets its eyes on Atlanta Motor Speedway for the RAPTOR King of Tough 250 on Saturday, March 18 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio as part of a doubleheader Saturday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, the FR8 208, at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 

There have been 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway producing 21 different race winners and 18 different pole winners. Seven races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Kyle Busch in 2021.

 

NASCAR Cup Series regular Kevin Harvick holds just about every Xfinity Series record at the Atlanta, Georgia track – most wins (five), top fives (11), top 10s (13), lead lap finishes (13), laps completed (3,135) and laps led (973).

 

Two previous winners are entered in this weekend’s RAPTOR King of Tough 250 – JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier (2021) and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill (2022).

 

Allgaier snagged his win in 2021. In his 14 starts at the 1.5-mile track, he has posted one win, three top fives and nine top 10s.

 

Hill made the trip to Victory Lane in just his second start at Atlanta Motor Speedway after finishing runner-up in his first start as a rookie in the Xfinity Series.

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will be skipping practice this weekend and heading straight for qualifying on Friday, March 17 at 4:35 p.m. ET airing on FS1.

 

Welcome to your home for the weekend, @NASCAR_Xfinity 👋🏼#RAPTOR250 | #NASCAR75 pic.twitter.com/27tjUljPV6

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) March 17, 2023

 

source: NASCAR Media