NASCAR Cup - Atlanta II

The Atlanta II race represents the second NASCAR Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the 2026 season. This summer race at the Georgia facility offers fans another opportunity to witness high-speed competition on one of the most distinctive tracks in NASCAR. Atlanta Motor Speedway's unique configuration creates racing conditions that differ from most other venues on the circuit.

Race Information

Atlanta II takes place at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The race covers 400 miles over 260 laps on the 1.54-mile quad-oval circuit. The track's recent transformation has changed how teams approach this event. NASCAR typically announces the official sponsored race name, broadcast details, and complete schedule information closer to the event.

Circuit Details

Atlanta Motor Speedway sits approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton, Georgia. The track measures 1.54 miles in length with a quad-oval layout. The turns feature 28 degrees of banking, while the straightaways have 5-degree banking. This makes Atlanta one of the highest-banked intermediate tracks in NASCAR competition.

The racing surface consists of asphalt with varying widths across the track. The frontstretch measures 52 feet wide, the backstretch spans 42 feet, and the turns measure 40 feet in width. The venue holds 71,000 spectators. The facility also includes a quarter-mile oval on the frontstretch for Legends car racing.

Participants and Competition

The NASCAR Cup Series fields approximately 36-40 cars at each event. Major manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota provide vehicles for teams competing in the 2026 season. Kyle Larson, the defending Cup Series champion, competes alongside other top drivers. Tyler Reddick won the first Atlanta race of 2026 and holds an early-season points lead. The complete entry list becomes available closer to race weekend.

Technical Specifications

Next Gen Car Features

The NASCAR Cup Series uses the Next Gen car, which first appeared in competition during the 2022 season. This car includes modern features such as independent rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and enhanced braking systems. The car runs a 5.86-liter V8 engine producing 510 horsepower for superspeedway configurations. Teams use a five-speed sequential shift transmission, replacing the previous four-speed manual gearbox.

The Next Gen car rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with a single lug-nut design. Goodyear supplies all tires for the NASCAR Cup Series, developing specific compounds for each track configuration. The wider, lower-profile tires work with the modern suspension to handle the demands of high-banked racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Aerodynamic Package

Atlanta Motor Speedway requires a superspeedway aerodynamic package due to its high banking and configuration. Cars use a 7-inch rear spoiler to reduce drag while maintaining stability. The sealed bottom features a full underbody and rear diffuser to manage downforce. The composite, symmetrical body panels improve durability and reduce aerodynamic advantages from asymmetrical designs. This package promotes close racing and competitive action throughout the field.

Track History and Character

Atlanta Motor Speedway opened in 1960 and hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race that same year. The facility underwent a major reconfiguration in 1997, creating the current quad-oval layout. From 1987 to 2000, Atlanta hosted the NASCAR Championship finale.

The track received another significant transformation in 2022. Teams repaved the surface and increased the turn banking from 24 degrees to 28 degrees. They also narrowed the racing surface. These changes created superspeedway-style racing similar to Daytona and Talladega. The modification fundamentally altered racing strategy at Atlanta, requiring teams to work together in drafting packs rather than running single-file.

Legendary drivers have left their mark at this facility. Richard Petty holds records for most top-ten finishes, starts, and laps completed. Dale Earnhardt earned the most wins and top-five finishes. The 1992 race witnessed Richard Petty's final career start and Jeff Gordon's Cup Series debut.

The Atlanta II race at Atlanta Motor Speedway provides teams and drivers with another test on this unique high-banked oval. The superspeedway-style racing creates unpredictable outcomes and close competition throughout the field. This nascar-cup event challenges teams to balance speed with strategic positioning for a strong finish.