NASCAR fans are in for a thrilling weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with all three national series set to battle on the high-banked superspeedway. With cool temperatures and minimal rain chances, conditions are shaping up for intense pack racing, strategic pit stops, and plenty of action under the Georgia sun.
Saturday: Trucks and Xfinity Take Center Stage
Saturday’s racing kicks off with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where drivers will go green at 1:52 PM ET on FS1. The race will feature stage breaks at laps 30 and 30, with a 75-lap final stage. Teams will have four sets of tires and a fuel window between 50-53 laps, making pit strategy critical on Atlanta’s tire-wearing surface.
Later in the evening, The CW takes over with coverage of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, starting with NASCAR Countdown at 4:00 PM ET. The green flag for the Xfinity race drops at 5:10 PM ET, with stages set at 45, 45, and 73 laps. Like the Truck race, teams will have four sets of tires, but a slightly longer fuel window of 62-67 laps.
With temperatures ranging from the 40s to 50s and only a 5% chance of rain, expect fast speeds and aggressive drafting as drivers fight for track position on the repaved 1.54-mile track.
Sunday: Cup Series Goes Under the Spotlight
The NASCAR Cup Series takes center stage on Sunday, with FOX bringing fans full coverage of the action. The pre-race show, NASCAR RaceDay, starts at 2:00 PM ET, setting the stage for a 400-mile showdown.
The green flag waves at 3:19 PM ET, with stage breaks at laps 60, 100, and 100. Teams will have nine sets of tires to manage throughout the race, while fuel runs will range between 65-70 laps.
With pack-style racing expected and temperatures in the 50s with only a 5% chance of rain, the cooler weather could lead to even more grip and higher speeds, increasing the potential for dramatic moments and tight finishes.
What to Expect
• Drafting and Pit Strategy: Atlanta’s current configuration races like a superspeedway, meaning teamwork in the draft and well-timed pit stops will be key.
• Tire Management: While Atlanta’s fresh pavement isn’t as abrasive as it used to be, teams still have to be smart with their tire usage, especially in the closing laps.
• Potential for Chaos: With close racing comes the risk of multi-car wrecks, particularly in the closing laps of each race. Expect bold moves and tight battles as drivers fight for valuable playoff points.
With all three NASCAR series in action and near-perfect weather conditions, Atlanta Motor Speedway is set to deliver a weekend full of high-speed thrills. Buckle up—this one is going to be a wild ride!
