NASCAR heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second race of the schedule. Denny Hamlin came out with the win at the Daytona 500 after a massive wreck spoiled the race’s final laps. With the big race out of the way, let’s take a look at everything to watch out for at Atlanta.
New Rules
NASCAR introduced a new Cup Series rules package for 2019. The new rules will be (Sort of) enforced during Sunday’s race. Cars are set to run with the 2019 spoilers and the brand new engine tapered spacers. However, one element of the new package will not debut this weekend. Cars will not run the new aero ducts meant to increase drag. The new rules are meant to “bolster competition” and create closer races. Nonetheless, that is yet to be proven during non-pack racing.
The Men Up Front
Aric Almirola won the pole position for Sunday’s race. He will take the checkered flag alongside Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Clint Bowyer and Daniel Suarez will start 3rd and 5th respectively. All three of Joe Gibbs Racing cars also qualified inside the top ten.
Drivers To Watch Out For
Kevin Harvick: Harvick got the win at Atlanta in 2018. Finishing inside the top ten at Atlanta has turned into a habit for him as he has finished near the front ever since his last year at Richard Childress Racing.
Matt DiBenedetto: DiBenedetto cames into Atlanta after a bittersweet Daytona 500. On the one hand, he had a great run for most of Sunday’s race. On the other hand, a wreck ruined what could have been the greatest race of his life. Number 95 could raise some eyebrows this Sunday as he comes in with plenty of momentum and a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing which could prove useful.
Daniel Suarez: The Mexican born driver could be this Sunday’s dark horse. Despite not being the flashiest of drivers, he has run very well at the bottom of the race track. Furthermore, his #41 car proved to be competitive while racing at the front. Suarez could have a strong finish at the Folds Of Honor 500.
Where To Watch
Live race coverage begins at 2:00 PM E.T on FOX and PRN.