Quaker State 400 winner will receive unique Goodyear 2000th victory trophy

Not only will the winner of the Quaker State 400 receive the race trophy, Goodyear has a special gift for the victory as well. After all of the history that Goodyear and NASCAR have had with one another, it is fitting to have a trophy just for the 2000th victory for the tire company. While there are no tire wars anymore, the milestone is still major.

Atlanta Motor Speedway under the lights, a spot in the playoffs up for grabs, and a special Goodyear Tires trophy. That is all on the line for these Cup Series drivers this Sunday night. Those Eagles are going to look great on these cars like they always do, but with a little more meaning this weekend.

It isn’t the most impressive award, but it is plated in rhodium. A precious metal in the platinum family, rhodium is primarily used for catalytic converters in cars. This time, it is being used as the plating on this trophy.

So, what do you think of this trophy, via Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports?

Trophy plated in precious metal Rhodium going to Cup winner today in celebration of 2,000th Cup victory on Goodyear tires. pic.twitter.com/S2bDdxApg7

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 9, 2023

Goodyear has been there for decades in NASCAR. Without the contributions from the company, the sport wouldn’t be where it is today.

There are a few favorites ahead of the Quaker State 400. However, after Ford dominated the qualifying session, it might be a blue oval party in Atlanta. Who will this unique trophy end up going to?

Aric Almirola wins pole award for Quaker State 400

The fastest of the Ford group was Aric Almirola and it led to him earning pole position. There is no doubt that Almirola has had a hard time in the last few years. This could be the weekend where the 10 team turns it all around and gets back to the playoffs.

While the Fords are strong, there are some others to keep an eye out for. Kyle Larson was the only Chevy to make the final round of qualifying. He will be a driver that gets involved and makes the most of his car. So, expect him to be in the mix.

Of course, Chase Elliott needs a win. He took the checkered flag here last season. However, it doesn’t seem like he has the same speed or handling as he did then. Leaving his home state without a win could put Elliott in a rough position.

Other drivers failed inspection multiple times and are going to pay the price for it as well.

So, the Quaker State 400 is set and we are just minutes away from the green flag. This race is going to be interesting as the track changes from day to night. 400 miles of superspeedway drafting on an intermediate track – it is going to be a wild one for sure.