Reddick Victorious in Daytona 500, NASCAR Cup Series Shifts Focus to Atlanta

Following a dramatic and crash-marred 68th running of the Daytona 500, where Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing secured a thrilling victory in the final seconds, the NASCAR Cup Series is set to embark on its next challenge at the EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta. Reddick’s triumph at Daytona, achieved by skillfully navigating two last-lap incidents, propelled him to the top of the championship standings. The upcoming weekend in Atlanta promises a triple-header of racing action, featuring the Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Christopher Bell, piloting for Joe Gibbs Racing, is the reigning champion of the Atlanta event, having captured the win last season. However, Chase Elliott, a local favorite and driver for Hendrick Motorsports, holds the distinction of being the most recent victor at the Georgia track, adding an intriguing dynamic to Sunday’s Cup Series race.

Beyond the on-track competition, a significant off-track development has emerged. Joe Gibbs Racing has initiated legal proceedings against its former Director of Competition, Chris Gabehart. The lawsuit alleges that Gabehart engaged in a scheme to illicitly acquire and transfer sensitive team information to Spire Motorsports. This legal battle casts a shadow over the competitive landscape, highlighting the intense rivalries and proprietary information stakes within top-tier NASCAR teams.

This comprehensive report provides fans with all the essential details for the 2026 NASCAR Atlanta weekend, including a detailed schedule, broadcast information, weather outlook, and a complete entry list for all three national series.

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Atlanta Motor Speedway Weekend Schedule

The 2026 NASCAR Atlanta weekend officially kicks off on Friday, February 20th, with qualifying sessions for two of the national series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will hold its qualifying session at 3:00 PM EST, broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 1. Following this, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will conduct its qualifying at 5:00 PM EST, available on the CW App.

Saturday, February 21st, will feature a full slate of on-track action. The NASCAR Cup Series will begin its day with qualifying at 11:00 AM EST, which will be streamed on PRIME VIDEO. The first feature race of the weekend will be the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, a 135-lap event scheduled to take the green flag at 1:30 PM EST and broadcast on FOX SPORTS 1. Later in the afternoon, at 4:30 PM EST, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will compete in a 163-lap race, accessible via the CW App.

The pinnacle of the weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta, is slated for Sunday, February 22nd. Pre-race coverage will commence with the NASCAR RaceDay show at 2:00 PM EST on FOX. The green flag for the 260-lap Cup Series event is scheduled to wave at approximately 3:19 PM EST, with live broadcast coverage provided by FOX.

Weather Outlook for Atlanta

The weather forecast for the Atlanta Motor Speedway weekend presents a mixed outlook, with potential disruptions anticipated for the early part of the event. Forecasters predict a high probability of rain on Friday, with conditions potentially impacting qualifying and early practice sessions. Early Saturday is also expected to see significant rainfall, with an over 80% chance of precipitation. However, the weather is projected to improve significantly as Saturday afternoon progresses, with the rain moving out of the region. Sunday is forecast to be clear and considerably cooler, with a high of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, offering ideal racing conditions for the Cup Series finale.

Entry Lists and Notable Competitors

A full field of 38 teams is expected to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Atlanta, including two open entries vying for a starting spot. BJ McLeod, returning to the No. 78 team after an early departure from the Daytona 500, will be among the contenders. JJ Yeley is also slated to compete in the No. 44 entry for NY Racing Team.

The undercard series will also feature a strong contingent of drivers. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will see several prominent Cup Series regulars take to the track, including Kyle Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Carson Hocevar, all seeking valuable track time and potential victories. Ross Chastain, a full-time Cup Series driver, is the sole Cup regular scheduled to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.

A comprehensive entry list for all three national divisions participating in the Atlanta triple-header is available through a dedicated link, providing detailed information on all registered drivers and teams.

Background and Context

Tyler Reddick’s victory in the Daytona 500 was a testament to his resilience and strategic prowess. The driver of the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, managed to avoid a series of escalating incidents in the closing laps, capitalizing on a late surge to claim the prestigious "Great American Race." This win not only marks a significant achievement for Reddick and his team but also sets a strong precedent for the early stages of the 2026 season.

Christopher Bell, the 2025 Atlanta winner, has established himself as a consistent threat on the Cup Series circuit. His victory at Atlanta last year was a key moment in his season, showcasing his ability to perform on intermediate-length tracks. His return to the circuit will undoubtedly be met with anticipation as he aims to defend his title.

Chase Elliott, a 2020 Cup Series champion, has a strong affinity for the Atlanta Motor Speedway. His previous victory at the track underscores his comfort and speed on the 1.54-mile oval. As a prominent figure in the sport, Elliott’s performance at his home track will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.

The legal action filed by Joe Gibbs Racing against Chris Gabehart brings to light the high-stakes nature of intellectual property and competition within NASCAR. Gabehart, a seasoned figure in competition management, is accused of a calculated effort to undermine Joe Gibbs Racing by allegedly providing proprietary data to Spire Motorsports, a team that has been steadily growing its presence in the Cup Series. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for team operations and competitive integrity in the sport.

The EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, a facility that has undergone significant reconfigurations in recent years, continues to present a unique challenge for drivers. The repaved surface and modified banking have created a faster, more intense racing environment, often leading to close competition and unpredictable outcomes. The track’s blend of speed and potential for aggression makes it a popular stop on the NASCAR calendar.

As the NASCAR Cup Series transitions from the high-banked superspeedway of Daytona to the intermediate oval of Atlanta, the storylines and competitive narratives are already rich. With Reddick leading the charge, Bell defending his turf, and Elliott aiming for another home-state triumph, the 2026 Atlanta weekend promises a compelling display of racing talent and strategic maneuvering. The ongoing legal dispute involving Joe Gibbs Racing adds another layer of intrigue, reminding everyone that the drama in NASCAR extends far beyond the confines of the racetrack.