The Daytona 500 has concluded, marking the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The next event on the calendar is set for Atlanta, where top drivers will compete at EchoPark Speedway.
In the previous season, Christopher Bell claimed victory in the spring race, while Chase Elliott triumphed in the summer. However, Atlanta has proven to be one of the most unpredictable tracks, making past performances less relevant.
Following his win at Daytona, Tyler Reddick aims for consecutive victories. Will we see another familiar face in victory lane, or could an unexpected driver take the win? For the latest odds in Atlanta, check out BetMGM Sportsbook to see the current standings of your favorite racers.
Ryan Blaney (+800)
Ryan Blaney heads into Atlanta looking to improve after finishing 27th at the Daytona 500. A prior winner in Atlanta (2021), he showed solid speed last year with a fourth-place finish in the spring. Currently 10th in the points standings (-22), he needs stage points to recover quickly. With Team Penske’s support, Blaney’s drafting talent may put him in contention.
Joey Logano (+800)
Joey Logano nearly kicked off the season with a bang, finishing third in the Daytona 500. As a two-time defending winner in Atlanta (2023 and 2024), he excels at this drafting-friendly track. Currently in second place in standings (-12), Logano is expected to race aggressively early to secure stage points, positioning him as a strong contender.
Austin Cindric (+1100)
Austin Cindric’s Daytona run ended prematurely with a 34th-place finish, placing him 29th in points (-45). However, Atlanta aligns well with his superspeedway experience, having finished third here in 2022. Despite rough results last year, his pace in the draft remains impressive, making him a potential sleeper if unexpected chaos arises.
William Byron (+1400)
William Byron had a decent yet unremarkable Daytona performance, finishing 12th. Although he had challenges in 2022, he secured victories at Atlanta in both 2022 and 2023, indicating a strong fit for the track. Currently sitting 18th in the standings (-33), early stage points are crucial for Byron, who could either excel or struggle depending on track position.
Denny Hamlin (+1400)
Denny Hamlin, who finished 31st at Daytona, now finds himself 33rd in points (-50) as he enters Atlanta. Despite a win back in 2012 and a sixth-place finish last spring, he’ll need a strategic approach to recover points quickly. As the race unfolds, Hamlin could become a formidable competitor if strategy plays a significant role.
