NASCAR
Stratta’s Six: Who Can Win Third Drafting Race from Atlanta Motor Speedway?
Exactly one month after the Daytona 500, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to superspeedway racing. Atlanta Motor Speedway is the site of this weekend’s NASCAR action, ending with Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400. Across both Atlanta races last year, big crashes and close finishes were aplenty. Who can win big in 2023’s second drafting race? Here are a few ones to watch for in Sunday’s race.
William Byron
Both Atlanta races last year were won by Hendrick Motorsports, with the spring race going to William Byron. The winner of the last two races, the 24 seemingly enters Atlanta with maximum momentum. However, Hendrick was handed out the largest single-team penalty in NASCAR history this week for illegal hood louvers from Phoenix. With a loss of 100 points and his crew chief, can Byron put the 24 back up front and find a third-straight victory?
“This past offseason we really took the time to evaluate where we were and what we needed to get better as a team,” Byron said. “I think this year has shown that so far, especially to have two strong runs and wins so soon. Everyone is putting in the time and effort to make sure we are improving. Now we’re heading back to Atlanta (Motor Speedway) as the defending winner of this race last year, and two wins under our belts. It gives us an extra boost of confidence but we’re not going to let up.”
Byron’s team will be in recovery mode this weekend, as will all Hendrick Motorsports cars. Despite being locked into the Playoffs with the last two wins, the 24 now sits 29th in points. Tune in Sunday to see if any Hendrick car can erase this week’s bad headlines, especially their hottest driver in the 24.
William Byron’s No. 24 Raptor Chevrolet Camaro on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Ross Chastain
Despite being involved in accidents at both 2022 Atlanta races, Ross Chastain finished second twice. The Trackhouse 1 led laps in each Peach State outing. An underrated superspeedway driver still looking for his first win, Chastain is confident of another strong race Sunday.
“My goal is to finish one spot better and win the race,” Chastain said. “Finishing second is great, but I want to win for my team and all of our partners. Racing at Atlanta now is more superspeedway-like and we had two strong finishes last year. Of course, it’ll be a little bit different this time since we’ve had more time with this car, but if you’re anywhere close to the front and there’s a late race restart, I’d say you have a good chance at winning.”
Even with his impressive Playoff run last season, we are fast-approaching the one year anniversary of Chastain’s last win. Over the next few weeks, expect the 1 to be a regular threat for wins again.
Ross Chastain’s No. 1 Advent Health Chevrolet Camaro on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Denny Hamlin
From an underrated superspeedway driver to one of the all-time best, Denny Hamlin could win big in Atlanta. The 11’s Atlanta results were not up to snuff last year, finishing 29th with a crash and 25th in July. Much like the Hendrick teams, Hamlin hopes to put an embarrassing week behind him and return to his winning ways. The 11 was up front when trouble happened last year; Hamlin is hoping for better luck this time around in Atlanta.
Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 FedEx 50 Toyota Camry on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Ryan Blaney
Another superspeedway ace coming off a big week, Ryan Blaney hopes to find Atlanta victory lane again. The runner-up from Phoenix a week ago, the 12 is now riding a 50-race losing steak. Blaney’s past Atlanta triumph came in 2021, prior to the track’s reconfiguration. The 12 is always a contender at Daytona and Talladega, coming off an eight-place recovery effort in the 500. Do not be surprised if the 12 is Sunday’s big winner.
Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Menards/Blue Def Ford Mustang on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Bubba Wallace
After leading laps in the Daytona 500, Bubba Wallace was turned at the head of the pack, having to settle for 20th. After climbing up to 13th in points, Wallace is poised nicely for another strong superspeedway race. The 23XI Racing team should be a front runner in the closing laps Sunday, as Wallace was across both 2022 Atlanta dates.
Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 McDonalds Toyota Camry on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Corey Lajoie
The most impressive underdog at both Atlanta drafting races was the 7 of Corey Lajoie. The Spire Motorsports driver recovered from a spin for a top-five last spring, and was second and went for the win on the last lap in July. Returning to the site of his Cup Series career high points, Lajoie is one to keep an eye on yet again. If the 7 is anywhere near the lead in Sunday’s closing laps, Lajoie may take no prisoners in his quest for Cup stardom.
Corey Lajoie’s No. 7 Celsius Chevrolet Camaro on the grid ahead of the 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19th. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Coverage of the Ambetter Health 400 begins Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Much like the Daytona 500, Atlanta is a prime opportunity for a surprise driver to win their way into the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs. Be sure to not miss a lap of the hair-raising superspeedway drama that could define one team’s entire season.
Written by Peter Stratta
Be sure to follow us on Twitter
Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter
Photo Credit to Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR
