NASCAR Returns to Atlanta for Historic Weekend at Rebranded EchoPark Speedway

Georgia’s Hampton (41NBC/WMGT) The newly renamed EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, will host two nights of racing under the lights this weekend, marking NASCAR’s historic return to Atlanta.

This weekend is the first time the 66-year-old super racetrack has hosted an event since partnering with EchoPark Automotive for several years. The track debuted a new appearance that showcases the venue’s continuous development, including bold new paint work and updated signage.

After qualifying rounds, racing gets underway on Friday night. The Xfinity Series will be the main attraction at the Focused Health 250, which is free to enter for all kids.

This Saturday marks another first for NASCAR under the new EchoPark Speedway branding, as the Quaker State 400, which is sold at Walmart, becomes the first-ever in-season tournament race in Cup Series history.

Ahead of the big weekend, Brandon Hutchison, executive vice president and general manager of EchoPark Speedway, expressed his excitement.

Hutchison stated, “We’re just thrilled about all the news surrounding the speedway change.” The in-season competition excites us. This weekend, there will be more fans at EchoPark Speedway than there have been in a long time, and we are thrilled about our new broadcast partner.

It won’t take long for fans to notice that everything has changed. Our paint job is really fantastic. All of our signage has been updated. The place will get a makeover, but we’ve worked really hard to keep it looking as lovely as it always has.

Hutchison added that one of the main causes of some of the most thrilling racing in NASCAR today is the additional track banking that was implemented in 2022.

“We’ll make sure that we have something going on throughout the entire weekend for the fans who choose to join us,” he continued, even if the cars aren’t on the track. Our goal is to ensure that fans who do decide to visit us receive the best value possible.

Hutchison gave fans a preview of what to anticipate from the in-season competition.

There will be 16 separate brackets when they depart from here because they sat 32 drivers through Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono this past weekend. The 16 drivers will proceed. He stated that sixteen drivers would be finished. Fans will therefore be able to observe some fascinating storylines. Because there is a million dollars at stake, drivers will do anything to earn that much money.

Hutchison highlighted the value of fan input, pointing out that one factor in the choice to race at night in the summer is the Voice of the Fan survey that is completed before to each race.

Additionally, he urged supporters to vote for the player they believe would win the tournament by going to bracketchallenge.nascar.com.