NASCAR Travels to Atlanta Motor Speedway for Ambetter Health 400 Cup Series Race
After the thrilling and chaotic Daytona 500, NASCAR is gearing up for its next challenge at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This iconic track in Hampton, Georgia, will host the first of two Cup Series races this season, promising another exhilarating display of speed and skill. As drivers and teams recover from the intensity of the season opener, they will now face the unique demands of the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
A New Era of Racing
The Atlanta Motor Speedway underwent a major reconfiguration for the 2022 season, resulting in one of the most challenging and exciting tracks on the NASCAR circuit. The oval now boasts some of the steepest banks in the series, creating an environment that favors pack racing. This style of racing, characterized by tightly grouped cars battling for position, has become a hallmark of the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
William Byron: A Force to be Reckoned With
Fresh off his victory at the Daytona 500, William Byron enters the Ambetter Health 400 with a surge of confidence. Byron has proven himself at the Atlanta Motor Speedway before, winning both the July race last year and the spring race in 2022. With his recent success and familiarity with the track, Byron is undoubtedly a top contender for victory on Sunday.
The Ambetter Health 400: All You Need to Know
For fans eagerly anticipating the race, here is everything you need to know to get ready for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway:
Race Time and TV Coverage
The Ambetter Health 400 is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Fans can catch all the action on Fox, with a pre-race show beginning at 2 p.m. ET. If you prefer to stream the race, you can do so on the FoxSports website or through the FoxSports app.
Race Format and Length
The Ambetter Health 400 will consist of 260 laps around the 1.54-mile track, totaling 400.4 miles. The race will be divided into three segments, with each stage featuring a different number of laps. Stage 1 will comprise 60 laps, Stage 2 will consist of 100 laps, and Stage 3 will also have 100 laps.
Past Winners and Memorable Moments
The Atlanta Motor Speedway has witnessed some incredible moments in NASCAR history. In the most recent race at Atlanta, William Byron emerged victorious after rain shortened the event from 260 laps to 185. Byron led the final 19 laps before the caution flag waved, ultimately securing his win.
Looking back to one year ago, Joey Logano dominated the race, leading an impressive 139 laps. However, Brad Keselowski briefly took the lead on lap 231, only for Logano to reclaim it on the final lap. Logano crossed the finish line just 0.193 seconds ahead of Keselowski, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The Lineup: Who’s in the Race?
Here is the lineup for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway:
1. (34) Michael McDowell, Ford
2. (22) Joey Logano, Ford
3. (8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
4. (38) Todd Gilliland, Ford
5. (5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
6. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
7. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford
8. (2) Austin Cindric, Ford
9. (14) Chase Briscoe, Ford
10. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
11. (24) William Byron, Chevrolet
12. (19) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
13. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
14. (4) Josh Berry, Ford
15. (10) Noah Gragson, Ford
16. (21) Harrison Burton, Ford
17. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
18. (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
19. (45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
20. (41) Ryan Preece, Ford
21. (1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
22. (20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
23. (99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
24. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
25. (54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
26. (31) Daniel Hemric, Chevrolet
27. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
28. (9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
29. (71) Zane Smith, Chevrolet
30. (16) Josh Williams, Chevrolet
31. (51) Justin Haley, Ford
32. (7) Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet
33. (15) Kaz Grala, Ford
34. (42) John