NASCAR Cup Series Returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for Oval Track Race
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to an oval track with Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. After last week’s exciting street race in Chicago, drivers and teams are eager to hit the track at Hampton, Georgia.
The previous race saw Supercars driver Shane Van Gisbergen take the victory in his debut race for Trackhouse Racing. Van Gisbergen made an impressive comeback in the final laps, passing Justin Haley and holding off late restarts. However, given the unique circumstances of the street race in the rain, Van Gisbergen’s win was not entirely unexpected.
The focus now shifts to Atlanta, a pack racing track known for its unpredictability. Defending champion Chase Elliott is currently on the outskirts of the wild card playoff picture and is looking to secure a win to lock himself into a playoff spot. Elliott currently trails 16th place Ty Gibbs by 55 points.
In this week’s playoff picture update, we’ll see which drivers have clinched a playoff berth and who is fighting for a wild card spot.
Here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s race:
– Green Flag Time: The race is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. CT on Sunday, July 9.
– Track: The race will take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a 1.540 mile oval track in Hampton, Georgia.
– Qualifying: Qualifying will be held at 4:30 p.m. CT on Saturday and can be watched on USA Network.
– Length: The race consists of 260 laps, covering a distance of 400 miles.
– Stages: The race will be divided into three stages, with 60 laps, 100 laps, and another 100 laps.
– TV coverage: The race will be broadcasted on USA Network.
– Radio: PRN (102.5 FM in Nashville) will provide radio coverage.
– Streaming: The race can be streamed on the NBC Sports app (subscription required), and audio coverage is available on GoPRN.com and SiriusXM (subscription required).
– Xfinity Series: The Alsco Uniforms 250, a 163-lap race covering 251 miles, will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT on USA Network.
Additionally, the starting lineup for the Quaker State 400 has been announced. Aric Almirola will start on the pole, followed by Ryan Blaney in the front row. Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano make up the second row, while Harrison Burton and Kevin Harvick start in the third row.
The NASCAR Cup Series points standings and playoff picture will be closely monitored during this race. Currently, William Byron and Kyle Busch have already clinched playoff berths with three wins each. Martin Truex Jr. leads the regular season points and has secured a playoff spot with two wins.
In the wild card race, Kevin Harvick is currently in 12th place with a comfortable lead of 151 points ahead of 17th place. Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski are also in a good position on points. However, Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell are currently outside the cut-off line and are looking for a strong performance to secure their playoff chances.
The stage is set for an exciting race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With the playoff picture constantly evolving, drivers will be pushing hard to secure their spots in the postseason.