Drivers to watch, drivers with questions to answer at NASCAR Quaker State 400

The NASCAR Cup Series is heading back to Atlanta this weekend and that means we’ve got a great Quaker State 400 on deck. Last season, Atlanta produced some thrilling races. This year, the first race at the track was… lackluster. Can we see a return to great racing on Sunday?

Since the Atlanta Motor Speedway reconfiguration, there has been somewhat of a trend. In 2022, Hendrick Motorsports won both races with William Byron and Chase Elliott, respectively. This year, two Fords finished P1 and P2 with Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski having solid races.

There were also four Toyotas in the top-10 back in March this season. Hendrick’s best finish in that race was P14 from Alex Bowman.

Drivers to watch at Atlanta Motor Speedway

William Byron
The three-time race winner this season has been eyeing another victory for a few weeks. Since the All-Star Race, Byron has two top-10s as well as a top-5 finish. He finished P13 and P14 in the other two races during that time. As a winner at Atlanta in March 2022, I’ve got Byron high on my list for the Quaker State 400.

Joey Logano
Even if Las Vegas and Racing Insights don’t believe in Logano, I do. Two top-5s and a top-10 in his last five races, Logano is not doing as poorly as it might seem. This is pretty much the only track that Ford has done well top to bottom at, so keep an eye on the Team Penske driver.

Denny Hamlin
As for Denny Hamlin, it has been up and down. Not quite checkers or wreckers, but it has been a struggle. Two DNFs in the last five races have not been great. However, P3 at Nashville was enough reminder that these Toyotas perform well on these intermediate tracks, even the superspeedway style racing we’ll see in the Quaker State 400. Oh, and he’s back in the Coca-Cola No. 11 Toyota Camry.

Drivers with questions to answer at Quaker State 400

Corey LaJoie
Top of this list of drivers because of the success he’s had at Atlanta, LaJoie has a lot to prove this weekend. He had a shot at winning this race last summer but wrecked on the final lap. He has two top-5 finishes at the new Atlanta track though and could have a huge day if he plays his cards right.

Chase Elliott
Until he is able to win a race, Elliott will stay here. He won the Quaker State 400 last season. He was dominant, in fact, winning the pole, both stages and the race itself. Elliott is predicted to finish P2 behind teammate William Byron. Can he push himself to a win?

Brad Keselowski
After finishing P2 here in the spring, Keselowski needs to prove that he can still win a race. His last victory came back in 2021 at Talladega. This year, Keselowski has had chances but has been unable to capitalize on those chances. This Quaker State 400 would be the perfect time to grab a win and get into the playoffs.