Chase Elliott has emphasized that racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be no easy feat, calling it one of the most challenging and unpredictable tracks in NASCAR. As the Hendrick Motorsports driver gears up for the Quaker State 400, the first playoff race at the 1.5-mile oval since its reconfiguration in 2022, he highlighted the chaotic nature of the track. Known for producing high-speed, intense races, Atlanta is set to push drivers to their limits as they navigate the complexities of its newly revamped layout.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 8, at 3:00 PM ET, the Quaker State 400 marks the beginning of the playoff battle at Atlanta, a race that has been eagerly anticipated by both fans and drivers alike. Since its original opening in 1960, Atlanta Motor Speedway has undergone numerous changes, each altering the dynamics of racing at the track. The most significant reconfiguration took place in 1997, when the track was reshaped into a quad-oval. However, the most recent work between the 2021 and 2022 seasons saw the banking in the turns increased from 24 to 28 degrees, while the width of the track was reduced from 55 to 40 feet. These changes have transformed Atlanta into a drafting track, similar to the style of racing seen at Daytona and Talladega, where drivers race in tight packs and are constantly at risk of high-speed wrecks.
Daytona and Talladega are notorious for their high-speed crashes, often involving multiple cars as drivers lose control navigating the high banks. The new Atlanta has now joined the ranks of these superspeedways, known for producing thrilling, but often dangerous, races. The stakes are even higher for drivers as they enter the playoff rounds, where every race counts, and a single mistake could end their championship hopes.
Reflecting on the upcoming race, Chase Elliott expressed his concerns about the unpredictability and danger of the first playoff round. In an interview with Racing America featured on Sports Illustrated, Elliott noted that while many might expect the first round to be straightforward, Atlanta’s challenging nature requires a different approach. “The first round definitely needs to be respected because it’s not a cakewalk by any means,” Elliott explained. “That’s what you get when you have these short rounds every year, we put another speedway in there, and you are going to get craziness. You keep fabricating this stuff and that’s what you’re going to get.”
For Elliott, the Quaker State 400 holds personal significance, as Atlanta Motor Speedway has been a key track in his career. He has previously secured three pole positions at Atlanta and clinched a victory there in 2022. However, despite his familiarity with the track, he acknowledges the heightened pressure of competing in a playoff race at such an unpredictable venue.
The upcoming race also marks the second time in 2024 that the Cup Series will visit Atlanta. The track’s new configuration has kept drivers on their toes, forcing teams to constantly adapt their strategies. Goodyear’s introduction of a new tire compound for the Watkins Glen race, which will take place after the Quaker State 400, adds another layer of complexity. While teams prepare for the challenges of the road course at Watkins Glen, they must also contend with the hot temperatures and unpredictable conditions at Atlanta, which could result in severe tire wear and affect race outcomes.
Denny Hamlin, a fellow competitor and co-owner of 23XI Racing, agreed with Chase Elliott’s assessment of the challenges posed by Atlanta. Hamlin, who has experienced his own ups and downs at superspeedways, emphasized the uncertainty drivers face heading into the race. “He said it, I agree,” Hamlin said, referencing Elliott’s comments. “With a new road course in there at Watkins Glen in the playoffs, with an unknown tire, Atlanta—who knows? I haven’t finished a superspeedway NextGen race, I don’t think in my entire career. It’s just, who knows what can happen. We might have to go to Bristol and win, but if that’s the case, we will.”
Hamlin’s reference to Bristol Motor Speedway is significant, as it’s where he secured his first victory of the 2024 season. Known for its half-mile concrete track and sudden tire wear issues, Bristol will host the final race of the Round of 16, following the 220-mile race at Watkins Glen. The Bristol race, which spans 500 laps, will be the ultimate test of endurance and strategy for drivers looking to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Hamlin’s acknowledgment of the unpredictability of superspeedway racing highlights the challenge that lies ahead for all competitors. The combination of Atlanta’s reconfiguration, tire wear, and the high-speed nature of the track makes it one of the most unpredictable stops on the NASCAR calendar. For drivers like Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin, success at Atlanta could be the key to advancing deeper into the playoffs, while a single mistake could derail their championship aspirations.
As the NASCAR playoffs get underway, all eyes will be on Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the combination of high-speed action, unpredictable wrecks, and intense competition promises an unforgettable race. Chase Elliott and his fellow drivers will have to navigate the “craziness” of the track and hope that they can come out on top in this crucial playoff round.
