Starting Lineup | Pit Stall Assignments
Stories to follow during Sunday’s running of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
New Rules Debut
The first on track competition for the much-anticipated new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rules package will be on display in Sunday’s race or at least a variation of the package. This is the first race with a variation of the lower (550) horsepower, high downforce and high drag rules package that will be used on oval tracks larger than a mile this season. The only exception this weekend is the absence of aero ducts that will be on the cars next week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
See Also: Atlanta Paint Schemes
Unknowns Abound
Drivers and teams have had practice and a qualifying session to assess the impact of the rules. However, there is not general consensus in the garage area of what will take place during Sunday’s race. Throw into the equation Atlanta’s worn out racing surface, which has been there since 1997 and is the oldest on the circuit, and drivers are expecting a major challenge.
Fast Fords
Qualifying saw the Ford stable enjoy a great afternoon with four of the manufacturer’s drivers taking the first five starting spots in Sunday’s race. Aric Almirola won his second career Cup Series pole and he has Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Clint Bowyer and Daniel Suarez in the top-five with him with fellow Ford driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. starting outside the front row. Bowyer was the fastest driver in Saturday’s final practice.
Final Practice Speeds and Best 10-Lap Averages
Busch to the Back
Kyle Busch, who will be making his 500th career start, will start at the rear after he was forced to a backup car in the final practice session. Busch was second fastest in the session and posted the best 10 consecutive lap average prior to making contact with the Turn 2 wall. (Read More)
See Also: Cindric Practices No. 2 Ford
Hamlin Riding High
It’s been quite the week for Denny Hamlin after winning the Daytona 500 to start the season. It was the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s second victory in “The Great American Race” and he’s enjoyed every minute of the celebration. Hamlin looks to start the season with back-to-back wins with an Atlanta victory on Sunday and had a strong qualifying effort earning him the fourth starting spot. (Read More)
Looking for Improvement
There were a number of drivers who saw their seasons get off to a bad start in Daytona who are looking for a better outing Sunday in Atlanta. Among those hoping to erase the bitter memory of last week’s season opener are Paul Menard, Kurt Busch, Bubba Wallace, Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick and Matt DiBenedetto, who led a race-high 49 laps before getting swept up in an accident.
