NASCAR Cup - Atlanta II

The Atlanta II nascar-cup race returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the summer edition of racing at this high-speed quad-oval. This event marks the second NASCAR Cup Series race of the year at the facility, bringing stock car competition back to Hampton, Georgia. The race runs under the lights, providing fans with a unique night racing experience at one of NASCAR's fastest venues.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Circuit Details

Atlanta Motor Speedway sits approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton, Georgia. The track measures 1.54 miles in length and features a quad-oval configuration. The banking reaches 28 degrees in the turns and 5 degrees on the straightaways, creating high-speed racing conditions that challenge drivers throughout the competition.

The surface width varies across different sections of the track. The front stretch measures 52 feet wide, while the backstretch spans 42 feet. The turns are 40 feet wide. This variation in width adds strategic elements to racing lines and passing opportunities.

NASCAR Cup Series Participants

The nascar-cup field features teams and drivers from across the series. Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing will field entries alongside other competitive teams. Kyle Larson enters the season as the defending Cup Series champion.

Technical Updates

Chevrolet introduces a new body style for the ZL1 in the Cup Series, based on the Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit. Haas Factory Team and Rick Ware Racing have switched their manufacturer alliance from Ford to Chevrolet for the season. These changes add new dynamics to the competitive landscape at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Track History and Development

Atlanta Motor Speedway opened in 1960, with construction beginning in 1958. Glenn "Fireball" Roberts claimed victory in the first race on July 31, 1960. Bruton Smith purchased the facility in 1990, and it remains under the ownership of Speedway Motorsports, LLC.

The track underwent a major reconfiguration in 1997, transitioning from a true oval to a quad-oval design. The start/finish line moved, and two doglegs were added to the layout. A second major renovation occurred in 2021, when the banking increased to 28 degrees, transforming the racing characteristics significantly.

From 1987 to 2000, Atlanta Motor Speedway served as the NASCAR Cup Series season finale venue for 14 consecutive years. Dale Earnhardt holds the track record with nine career victories at the facility.

Unique Characteristics of Atlanta II

The track has become one of the fastest venues in NASCAR following its recent reconfiguration. The increased banking and wide racing surface create multiple grooves and frequent side-by-side racing. Pack racing and drafting play significant roles in race strategy at this facility.

The speedway complex includes Tara Place, a nine-story condominium building that provides unique viewing opportunities. The facility sits adjacent to U.S. Route 41, U.S. Route 19, and Georgia State Route 20, making it accessible from multiple directions.

When the track reaches capacity, Hampton temporarily becomes the fifth-largest city in Georgia by population. The NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series also compete at the venue, providing a full weekend of stock car racing action.

Former President Jimmy Carter worked as a ticket taker at the track during the 1960s and later attended races as Governor and President. The facility has also served as a filming location for Hollywood movies about car racing and even functioned as an impromptu shelter for Florida evacuees during Hurricane Frances in 2004.

The Atlanta II nascar-cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway offers fans high-speed competition on a challenging oval that tests driver skill and team strategy throughout the night.