NASCAR Truck - Atlanta

The FR8 208 brings NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing to Atlanta Motor Speedway, one of the fastest intermediate tracks in professional stock car racing. Located in Hampton, Georgia, this race covers 207.9 miles over 135 laps on the speedway's distinctive quad-oval configuration. The competition format includes three stages: the first two stages run 30 laps each, while the final stage extends to 75 laps.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Characteristics

Atlanta Motor Speedway features a 1.540-mile quad-oval layout with steep 28-degree banking in the turns, the highest banking of any intermediate track on the NASCAR circuit. This configuration creates high-speed racing conditions similar to traditional superspeedways. The straights carry 5-degree banking, while track width varies from 52 feet on the frontstretch to 42 feet on the backstretch and 40 feet through the turns.

The facility sits on approximately 850 acres and accommodates 71,000 spectators. The asphalt surface was constructed in a natural bowl formation, providing excellent sightlines throughout the venue. Modern drainage systems including an Open Drainage Layer help minimize weather-related delays by efficiently managing ground water.

Technical Racing Specifications

Competitors use superspeedway-spec trucks at Atlanta, equipped with 7-inch spoilers and 510-horsepower engines. This setup differs from standard intermediate track configurations and produces unique racing dynamics that emphasize drafting, pack racing, and strategic positioning throughout the race distance.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition

The series features multiple manufacturer entries for the season. Ram returns as a manufacturer partner with Kaulig Racing, marking the brand's first Truck Series involvement since 2012. Kaulig Racing fields entries for Brenden "Butterbean" Queen, Justin Haley, and Daniel Dye competing in Ram trucks.

Teams and Competitors

Several established teams compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway. ThorSport Racing campaigns Ford trucks, with Ty Majeski piloting the No. 88. McAnally-Hilgemann Racing runs Chevrolet entries, including Christian Eckes. Front Row Motorsports represents Ford, while TRICON Garage and Halmar Friesen Racing field Toyota trucks.

Additional teams include Spire Motorsports, CR7 Motorsports, and Niece Motorsports running Chevrolet entries. Parker Eatmon makes his Truck Series debut with Niece Motorsports. Young's Motorsports and Team Reaume also participate in the series, running Chevrolet and Ford respectively.

Speedway History and Development

Originally opened as Atlanta International Raceway on July 31, 1960, the facility underwent multiple transformations over six decades. Bruton Smith acquired the property in 1990 and renamed it Atlanta Motor Speedway. Major reconfiguration work in 1997 moved the start/finish line and reshaped the track into its current quad-oval layout.

Recent updates increased the turn banking to 28 degrees, fundamentally changing the racing product and establishing Atlanta as a premier superspeedway venue. The facility also includes a quarter-mile oval on the front stretch and a 2.5-mile road course configuration. A nine-story condominium complex called Tara Place provides permanent residential spaces at the track.

Race Format and Strategy

The three-stage race format rewards consistent performance throughout the event. Teams earn points at the conclusion of each stage, making strategy decisions critical. Fuel mileage calculations, tire management, and aerodynamic drafting all factor into team race plans across the 135-lap distance at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The high-speed nature of the track and superspeedway aerodynamic package create close racing where position changes happen rapidly. This race tests driver skill in traffic management, spotter communication, and split-second decision making at speeds approaching 180 miles per hour.