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HAMPTON, GA – MARCH 19: Fans watch a pack of cars enter turn four during the Ambetter Health 400 in the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 19 NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Icon230319026
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HAMPTON, GA – MARCH 19: Fans watch a pack of cars enter turn four during the Ambetter Health 400 in the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 19 NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Icon230319026
One year ago, in 2024, the Atlanta Motor Speedway delivered one of the wildest races of the NASCAR Cup Series history. Fans witnessed breathtaking four-wide action, daring overtakes, and an unforgettable photo finish. Notably, Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez edged out Ryan Blaney by a mere 0.003 seconds, while Kyle Busch finished 0.007 seconds behind the winner. “It was so damn close, man,” Suárez’s comments summed up the weekend. It was the kind of race that left fans on the edge of their seats, especially after a rain-affected season opener in Daytona.
Fast-forward to 2025. As the NASCAR caravan reaches Atlanta Motor Speedway, fans hope for another weekend full of uninterrupted and action-packed races. Notably, this year’s Daytona 500 was again affected by rain, delaying the start of NASCAR’s season by hours. However, as the Cup Series heads to Atlanta, early forecasts suggest a dry and sunny weekend ahead. Could we be in for another racing spectacle?
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Atlanta Spring Race Weather Forecast
Last week’s Daytona 500 faced its fair share of weather troubles. Rain showers hovered over the Florida track, causing multiple delays. After the cancellation of ARCA and Xfinity qualifying, the Daytona 500 also faced two rain pauses. However, NASCAR fans hoping for clear skies in Atlanta have good news as the weather forecast looks promising. The cold wave that affected Daytona is expected to stay far away from Georgia, giving fans an uninterrupted weekend of racing.
Notably, the weekend starts with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity qualifying on Friday, 21 February 2025. According to Raceweather.net, the weather will be mostly sunny, but the temperatures will be on the colder side. The temperature will reach 42°F, while the low will drop to 22°F. Winds will be light at 5 mph from the north, keeping conditions calm for the Truck and Xfinity Series qualifying sessions. However, things will be improved on Saturday as Cup cars will hit the track for the Qualifying session.
On Saturday, February 22, conditions will remain mostly sunny, but temperatures will rise slightly. The mercury will range between 48°F and 31°F. While winds shift to the southeast at 5 mph, there is no chance of rain as of now. This is great news for teams as they prepare for Cup Series qualifying, the Truck Series Fr8 208, and the Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250.
However, Mother Nature will be a little volatile on Sunday as Cup series drivers will fight in the Ambetter Health 400. While Sunday will bring increasing clouds, there are no significant weather threats. The temperature might reach up to 54°F, with a low of 35°F. Winds will pick up slightly from the west at 5-10 mph. While this will be a cold week compared to usual spring races, the dry track conditions will keep the racing fast and competitive just like in 2024.
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HAMPTON, GA – MARCH 19: Aric Almirola of the Smithfield Ford leads a pack of cars into turn three during the Ambetter Health 400 in the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 19 NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Icon230319034
Notably, last season, NASCAR fans witnessed the downside of Florida’s unpredictable weather. Heavy rainfalls and track conditions forced NASCAR to push the Daytona 500 to Monday. This was a bummer for the fans who waited for hours to witness the great American race. But when NASCAR arrived in Atlanta the following week, the skies were clear, and the race delivered one of the best finishes in recent memory.
This year, the story seems to be playing out the same way. Daytona faced delays, but Atlanta promises a weekend of perfect racing conditions. If Mother Nature cooperates, fans might enjoy another dramatic showdown like last year’s unforgettable finish. With a packed entry list and drivers eager to make an early-season statement, Atlanta might just steal the show once again.
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Trending
Kyle Busch is set to hit track twice in Atlanta!
As NASCAR heads into the second race of the season, Atlanta Motor Speedway promises a thriller. This year’s entry list for all three events has fewer than the allowed number of cars. In the Cup Series, 39 teams have entered, leaving one open spot on the 40-car grid. Notably, Corey LaJoie, J. J. Yeley, and B. J. McLeod will compete as non-chartered entries and their qualification is almost certain.
After his dramatic Daytona 500 win, William Byron will aim to carry his momentum into Atlanta. Meanwhile, last year’s photo finishers, Daniel Suárez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch will seek redemption. However, in the Xfinity Series, 38 drivers will take part in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250. Last year’s winner Kyle Busch returns to the Truck Series, driving for Spire Motorsports.
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Former Daytona 500 winner Michael McDowell will also race in the Truck Series, bringing more star power to the field. Aric Almirola will make a one-off Xfinity start for Joe Gibbs Racing. Mason Massey will compete for Alpha Prime Racing. Fans will also see Josh Bilicki back in the No. 91 car for DGM Racing. Fans will be able to watch the Cup race on Fox, while Prime Video will air Cup Series qualifying. The Xfinity Series will be on the CW, and FS1 will cover the Truck Series.
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Will Atlanta Motor Speedway deliver another nail-biting finish like last year's unforgettable showdown?
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Will Atlanta Motor Speedway deliver another nail-biting finish like last year's unforgettable showdown?
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