STEWART-HAAS RACING NASCAR Xfinity Series: RAPTOR King of Tough 250
Date: March 18, 2023 Event: RAPTOR King of Tough 250 (Round 5 of 33) Series: NASCAR Xfinity Series Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval) Format: 163 laps, broken into three stages (40 laps/40 laps/83 laps) Race Winner: Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet) Stage 1 Winner: Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet) Stage 2 Winner: Parker Kligerman of Big Machine Racing (Chevrolet)
● Riley Herbst (3rd with 202 points, 46 out of first) ● Cole Custer (9th with 147 points, 101 out of first)
SHR Notes:
● Herbst earned his second straight top-five of the season and his second top-five in six career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta.
● This was Herbst’s third straight top-10 finish at Atlanta. He finished fourth and ninth, respectively, in last year’s races.
● Herbst has not finished outside the top-20 at Atlanta in his six Xfinity Series starts.
● Herbst is one of only three Xfinity Series drivers to finish in the top-10 in every race so far this season.
● This was Herbst’s eighth straight top-10 finish in the Xfinity Series, a streak dating back to an eighth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 22, 2022.
● Herbst finished fifth in Stage 1 to earn six bonus points and second in Stage 2 to earn nine more bonus points.
● Herbst led two times for 11 laps – his first laps led at Atlanta
● Custer earned his fourth top-15 of the season and his third top-15 in four career Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta.
● Custer has only finished outside the top-15 at Atlanta once in the Xfinity Series.
● This was Custer’s second straight top-15 at Atlanta. He finished second in his last start there in February 2019.
● Custer finished ninth in Stage 1 to earn two bonus points and ninth in Stage 2 to earn two more bonus points.
Race Notes:
● Austin Hill won the RAPTOR King of Tough 250 to score his fifth career Xfinity Series victory, his third of the season, and his second at Atlanta. His margin over second-place Daniel Hemric was .085 of a second.
● There were 12 caution periods for a total of 68 laps.
● Twenty-five of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Austin Hill remains the championship leader after Atlanta with a 46-point advantage over second-place John Hunter Nemechek.
Sound Bites:
“That one was tough. We had such a great Ford Mustang, and the speed to win. I saw a chance there coming to the checkered flag, but we got caught up in an incident. I’m proud of this No. 98 Monster Energy team for all of their hard work. It’s paying off, and I think people are taking notice. Hopefully, we can make it to victory lane soon.” – Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang
“You know, it was just an up-and-down day. We were kind of running toward the front and trying to make moves, but then a run wouldn’t work, and we would get shuffled back. I thought we had a solid No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang, but we just couldn’t get it all to work together. We learned a lot for the next time though.” – Cole Custer, driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule is the Pit Boss 250 presented by USA Today on Saturday, March 25 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The race begins at 5 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
HAMPTON, Ga. (March 18, 2023) – Austin Hill led for 103 of the 163 laps during the Xfinity Series RAPTOR King of Tough 250, but it was his efforts during the race’s final seconds which earned the Georgia native his second straight win at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Hill, who grew up an hour from the 1.54-mile track and raced at the venue as a junior, held off a charging pack down the homestretch. Runner-up Daniel Hemric crossed 0.085 seconds behind Hill and Ryan Truex placed third. Parker Kligerman slid into fourth with Riley Herbst holding on for fifth.
“I knew it was going to be tough today,” Hill said. “We were on it all night. Once I got the lead, I knew that it was wreck-it-or-check-it.”
Hill joined Mark Martin and Kyle Busch as the only drivers to win three of the season’s first five Xfinity Series races.
Hemric made a valiant charge into the mix on the final lap and made contact with Kligerman moments before the finish.
“Obviously, mayhem happened on the (last) corner,” Hill added. “I have no idea how I saved it.”
Filling out the top-10 were Brett Moffitt, Josh Berry, John Hunter Nemechek, Sam Mayer and Justin Haley.
A track-record 12 caution periods extended the race well into the evening hours, but the action-packed finish undoubtedly made it well worth the wait.
Racing weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway culminates Sunday with the Ambetter Health 400 (3 p.m. ET, FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Tickets remain available at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com or by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX.
About the Ambetter Health 400:
Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend is headlined by the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, March 19, with intense, door-to-door racing around the historic high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway.
More information on the Ambetter Health 400 weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.
Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:
Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.
RYAN TRUEX SCORES TOP-THREE IN HIS GR SUPRA Truex Claims Second Top-Five of 2023 Xfinity Series Season
HAMPTON, Ga. (March 18, 2023) – Ryan Truex battled through a record number of caution flags in Saturday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway to claim a third-place finish. Truex claimed the runner-up finish in last week’s race at Phoenix Raceway and continues his streak of top-three finishes with today’s performance in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra.
Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap NASCAR Xfinity Series Atlanta Motor Speedway Race 5 of 33 – 251 miles, 163 laps
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS 1st, Austin Hill* 2nd, Daniel Hemric* 3rd, RYAN TRUEX 4th, Parker Kligerman* 5th, Riley Herbst* 8th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 17th, SAMMY SMITH 30th, CONNOR MOSACK 35th, KAZ GRALA 37th, JOEY GASE *non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
RYAN TRUEX, No. 19 Toyota Genuine Parts Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 3rd
What did you see on that final lap coming to the checkered flag?
“I saw cars wrecking and I just didn’t lift. I saw a lane, but if it was like Talladega and the start-finish line was down there, I probably would have won. That’s racing. It was a crazy race. I didn’t expect it to be the way it was. Man, Parker Kligerman’s car was so good. We were riding single file there for a while and he just made his lane by himself and drove all the way to the front. That’s what pulled everyone with him. I ended up getting shuffled out and getting pushed to the back. Our GR Supra was fast enough to drive back through the field. I pushed Brett (Moffitt), my old buddy, as hard as I could that whole last lap. I never got off his bumper and I thought we would have had a chance at a side-by-side finish for the win. All in all, it was a good day. Glad we brought home another good finish.”
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 20 electrified options, with more in showrooms later this year.
Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
RSS Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway | Raptor King of Tough 250
Fast Facts No. 38 RSS Racing Team: Driver: Joe Graf Jr. Primary Partner(s): JACOB Companies Manufacturer: Ford Mustang Crew Chief: Steve Addington Spotter: Joe Campbell Engine: Roush-Yates Engines Driver Championship Point Standings: 16th Team Championship Point Standings: 19th Starting Position: 27th (Qualifying canceled due to inclement weather).
Notes of Interest:
New Home: After spending the last three seasons with SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (2020 – 2022), Joe Graf Jr. moved to RSS Racing during the offseason where he’ll spend the majority of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season competing for the Sugar Hill, Ga.-based team.
In addition to RSS Racing, Graf will also compete in a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule driving the No. 19 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Fast Start: With a career-best seventh-place finish earned at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with RSS Racing and two respectable top-15 finishes with Joe Gibbs Racing at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway and Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway respectively, Graf enters Saturday afternoon’s Raptor King of Tough 200 at Atlanta 16th in the championship point standings.
RSS Racing’s No. 38 team has also had a solid start to 2023 – which has the team 19th in the owner championship standings guaranteeing Graf into Saturday afternoon’s starting field.
Welcome Aboard: Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing welcome JACOB Companies, a multifaceted construction firm as the primary marketing partner of the No. 38 Ford Mustang for the fifth NASCAR Xfinity Series race of the 2023 season.
The Raptor King of Tough 200 will mark the company’s first event as a primary partner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing, respectively.
Sponsor Intel: JACOB is a nationally certified, WBENC, woman-owned, multifaceted construction firm with a focus on construction, design and building services, structural concrete and technology. Jacob specializes in Hotels, Stadiums & Athletic Facilities, Parking Garages, Hospital & Healthcare facilities, Assisted Living facilities, Automotive Dealerships and High-Rise Structures.
As a full-service organization, we provide our clients with a wide range of design and technical support services for architecture, engineering, technology, land planning and development. The key to our success is in understanding that we are an extension of the owner.
We act in the owners’ best interest from the inception of the project in order to ensure its success.
Thanks For Your Support: With just nine percent of the 2023 Xfinity Series season complete, Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing would like to thank their associate marketing partners: AVOID, Bass Reaper Bait Company, Bucked Up Energy Drink, CoverSeal, EAT SLEEP RACE Apparel, fgrACCEL, G-Coin, GTECHNIQ, Lefcourt Brothers Racing, Model Electronics and ShopRite for their continued support.
Catch Him On The Dial: Before Joe Graf Jr. straps into his No. 38 JACOB Companies Ford Mustang on Saturday afternoon, the RSS Racing driver will be featured on “The Frontstretch” on SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90 with host Pat Patterson on Saturday morning, March 18, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m. ET.
Graf will also spotlight a new commercial featuring CoverSeal in several spots throughout the weekend, including the full four-hour program on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Atlanta Motor Speedway Stats: Joe Graf Jr. will make his sixth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the 1.5-mile speedway on Saturday afternoon.
In his previous five starts, Graf has delivered a track-best of 23rd earned in the March 19, 2022, running of the Nalley Cars 250 after starting 23rd.
Overall, he has an average finish of 26.6 at Atlanta.
He has also completed 820 of 825 laps for a 99.4 percent lap completion.
Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Speedway Stats: At tracks classified as a speedway, Graf has competed in 49 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. He holds an average starting position of 25.7 and an average result of 25.9.
Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | United Rentals 200 Race Recap: In his most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Graf and the RSS Racing team showcased the No. 38 GTECHNIQ Ford Mustang in the fourth Xfinity Series race of the season.
After qualifying a respectable 24th – Graf battled the handling of his race car throughout the event leaving the Georgia-based team with a frustrating but lead lap 31st place finish at the checkered flag.
Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 90 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow every month.
The current estimated value of his collection tops $100,000.
From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Steve Addington is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.
He will crew chief his 268th NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Saturday afternoon and his 11th race in the Peach State.
In his previous 267 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected 11 wins, 10 poles, 68 top-five and 118 top-10 finishes.
Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has two teammates at RSS Racing.
Veteran Ryan Sieg will drive the No. 39 CMRroofing.com Ford Mustang, while younger brother Kyle Sieg will drive the No. 28 RSS Racing Ford Mustang.
Ryan Sieg is set to make his 306th career Xfinity Series start overall and 13th at Atlanta. His best Xfinity Atlanta track finish occurred twice but most recently in the 2022 Nalley Cars 250, where he finished 10th after starting ninth for his family-owned RSS Racing team.
Kyle Sieg is set to make his 23rd career Xfinity Series start overall and third at Atlanta. His best Xfinity Atlanta track finish occurred in the 2022 Alsco Uniforms 250, where he finished 16th after starting 29th for his family-owned RSS Racing team.
Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on TikTok (@JoeGrafJr), Twitter (@JoeGrafJr), Instagram (@joegrafjr) and YouTube.
For more on RSS Racing, please like them on Facebook (RSS283839) and follow them on Instagram (@rss283839) and Twitter (@RSS283839).
Joe Graf Jr. Quoteboard:
On Atlanta Motor Speedway: “First, I am very excited and thankful to welcome JACOB Companies to the RSS Racing team this weekend at Atlanta. JACOB Companies has invested a lot of money in NASCAR throughout the years and I’m excited to be partnered with a very loyal partner who is committed to my racing career.
“Atlanta has been an OK track for me. We were running in the top-10 last March and were taken out on a restart. That stunk because were fast. We salvaged the day with an OK finish but I definitely want more this week, especially considering how bad we ran last weekend at Phoenix.
“Everyone worked hard at Phoenix, but we missed the setup. Hopefully, Atlanta is kinder to us and we can contend for a top-15 or better on Saturday afternoon.”
On 2023 Season Outlook: “This is a year of opportunity for me. I’ll be competing for two different teams which brings some pressure for me but only because I want to go out there and do my very best in every race run for both Joe Gibbs Racing and RSS Racing.
“I just need to stay focused, communicate with my team and utilize the knowledge that I’ve gained over the past three years to have my best Xfinity Series season yet.”
Race Information:
The Raptor of King of Tough 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the fifth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Sat., Mar. 18 shortly after 5:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 (Satellite Radio).
About RSS Racing:
RSS Racing fields multiple entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series led by mainstay driver Ryan Sieg.
RSS Racing has competed in NASCAR events since 2009 from its headquarters in Sugar Hill, Ga.
AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway | Raptor King of Tough 250
Fast Facts No. 25 AM Racing Team: Driver: Brett Moffitt Primary Partner(s): AM Technical Solutions Manufacturer: Ford Mustang Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr. Spotter: Tony Raines Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 1058 Engine: Roush-Yates Engines Driver Championship Point Standings: 13th Team Championship Point Standings: 15th (Tied) Starting Position: 12th (Qualifying canceled due to inclement weather).
Notes of Interest:
Inaugural Journey: After spending the past several seasons as a full-time team in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, AM Racing will embark on its inaugural journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season with driver Brett Moffitt for the entire 33-race tour continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Raptor of King of Tough 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.
Future Focused: With AM’s inaugural Xfinity journey set to continue at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., the team has chosen veteran driver Brett Moffitt to lead the team’s campaign from the driver’s seat aboard the No. 25 Ford Mustang.
Moffitt, a native of Grimes, Iowa hails numerous starts across all three of NASCAR’s National Series, including the 2018 Truck Series championship with Hattori Racing Enterprises.
Moffitt, 30, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a stint at Our Motorsports.
Back For More: The Statesville, N.C.-based team will sport the signage of AM Technical Solutions on the No. 25 Ford Mustang for the fourth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season.
Headquartered in Austin, TX, AM Technical Solutions (AMTS) was founded in 1994.
AM Technical Solutions is a Global Architecture, Engineering & Construction firm specializing in the high-tech markets. AMTS has managed over $20B of global capital projects for over 170 different customers in 24 countries and across five continents.
Midnight Madness: For Saturday afternoon’s Raptor of King of Tough 250, AM Racing will feature a black No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Ford Mustang paint scheme.
Before the start of the season, the team held a social media campaign where race fans were able to vote for a number of black-themed AM Technical Solutions paint schemes for the first of two trips to Atlanta this season.
In an astounding voting process, the on-track product received more than 60 percent of the vote.
Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2023 season underway, AM Racing and Brett Moffitt would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, CForce Bottling Company, Concrete Supply, Destiny Homes, Flying Circle, Kreuz Market, Lane Frost Brand, Mechanix Wear and Mobil 1.
Brett Moffitt Xfinity Atlanta Motor Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Raptor of King of Tough 250 will mark Moffitt’s sixth start at the 1.5-mile speedway.
In his previous five efforts, he has delivered one top-10, three top-15s and four top-20 finishes. His track-best result occurred during the 2021 summer edition of the Credit Karma Money 250 when Moffitt steered to a track best of sixth after starting 20th for Our Motorsports.
In addition to his previous five Xfinity Series races, the popular driver also has two NASCAR Cup Series starts at the Georgia race track to coincide with five NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts in the Peach State, including a victory in 2018 driving for Hattori Racing Enterprises.
Brett Moffitt Xfinity Series Speedway Stats: At NASCAR Xfinity Series tracks classified as a speedway 1.0-mile to 2.0-mile in length, Moffitt has made 45 starts throughout his career earning one pole and 15 top-10 finishes. He also holds an average finishing position of 15.7.
Brett Moffitt NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 88 career Xfinity Series starts, Moffitt has earned two top-five and 24 top-10 finishes, including a second-place outing at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2021.
In addition to 84 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 45 NASCAR Cup Series and 92 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to his credit.
Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | United Rentals 200 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Brett Moffitt and the AM Racing team continued to showcase their speed in their race cars in this year’s edition of the West Coast Swing.
A solid practice result for the No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Racing team was met with a respectable 17th-place qualifying effort.
During the United Rentals 200, Moffitt was able to rebound from an early race spin and utilize the remainder of the short 200-lap race to charge through the field and earn a respectable 13th-place finish.
In four races this season, Moffit has delivered one top-10, two top-15s and an average finish of 18.3.
From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams is Brett Moffit’s crew chief.
He will crew chief for his 103rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday afternoon and his sixth race at the 1.5-mile facility in Hampton, Ga.
In his previous 102 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), seven top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.
Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing) or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.
For more on Brett Moffitt, please visit BrettMoffitt.com, like his Facebook page (Brett Moffitt Racing) or follow him on Instagram (@brett_moffitt_racing) and Twitter (@brett_moffitt).
Brett Moffitt Quoteboard:
On Atlanta Motor Speedway: “I am very optimistic about going to Atlanta this weekend. Atlanta is still much a speedway-type race and the cooler temperatures will probably make it feel like the spring race in 2022. We’ve showcased good speed with our No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Ford Mustang this season, so I hope we are able to continue that on Saturday afternoon with another top-10 run.”
On 2023 Season Outlook: “There has been so much effort put into the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season and honestly, I am so excited about it. I cannot thank everyone on the AM Racing team enough for the opportunity and for taking a chance on me to lead them in the inaugural year.
“I believe we will exceed everyone’s expectations and not only will we challenge for race wins, but we will achieve them and contend for the 2023 Xfinity Series championship.”
Race Information:
The Raptor of King of Tough 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the fifth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Sat., Mar. 18 shortly after 5:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 (Satellite Radio).
ABOUT AM RACING:
AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.
Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.
The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series in its seventh year of competition.
The team has named Brett Moffitt and Christian Rose as their primary drivers for the 2023 Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series seasons.
Blaine Perkins No. 07 To The Point Inc. Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR Xfinity Series News and Notes
Event: Raptor 250 Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 Venue: Atlanta Motor Speedway Location: Hampton, Georgia Track Description: 1.5 mile(s) Race: 163 Laps/250 Miles
Giving It A Go: Blaine Perkins will make his first Xfinity Series start on the new Atlanta Motor Speedway configuration this weekend.
Meet Blaine: Blaine will be appearing at the Team Chevy display Saturday March 18th at 12:30pm ET.
Quote Worthy
Blaine Perkins, driver of the No. 07 To The Point Inc. Chevrolet Camaro for SS GreenLight Racing:
On racing at Atlanta: “Excited to get to Atlanta this weekend. We had good speed at Daytona and hopefully that translates to the reconfigured Atlanta track as well. I’ve always enjoyed pack style racing, just hoping we have luck on our side this weekend and come home with a good finish.”
Follow Blaine Perkins’ on Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, visit www.BlainePerkins.com or connect with Blaine Perkins on Facebook (OfficialBlainePerkins), Twitter (@BlainePerkins21) or Instagram (@blaineperkins21).
Blaine Perkins Statistics
SS GreenLight Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series History…Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015, the Mooresville, N.C. ,-based team has made more than 350 starts with multiple drivers. These include Cole Custer, Ross Chastain and Ross Chastain. SS GreenLight Racing has collected one win (Fontana 2022), eight top-fives, and 23 top-10 finishes.
Follow SS GreenLight Racing on Social Media: Keep up with SS GreenLight Racing news, notes, information, exclusive content and much more! visit www.ssgreenlight.com or connect on our social media channels. Follow along on Facebook (SSGreenLightRacing), Twitter (@SSGLR0708), Instagram (@ssgreenlightracing) and TikTok (SS GreenLight Racing)
SS GreenLight Racing Statistics
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Perkins and SS GreenLight Racing teammate Gray Gaulding head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway looking to rebound after a rough outing last weekend.. Gaulding will be behind the wheel of the #08 Panini NFT machine for team owner Bobby Dotter.
Card Collector: Blaine Perkins Racing has partnered with Panini America as a Brand Ambassador. Perkins joins SS GreenLight Racing and Panini sponsored teammate Gray Gaulding as a Panini athlete. To start your collection, visit Panini. #whodoyoucollect
Catch the Action … The NASCAR Xfinity Series RAPTOR King of Tough 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be broadcast live on FS1 on Saturday, March 18, at approximately 5:00 PM ET. It will also be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network (PRN).
COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST Atlanta NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview
• Event: RAPTOR 250 (Round 5 of 33) • Date: Saturday, March 18 • Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway • Layout: 1.54-mile oval • Time/TV/Radio: 5 p.m. EDT on FS1/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Cole Custer Notes of Interest
• Coming off of NASCAR’s three-week West Coast swing, Cole Custer is ready for a little change of scenery in the Southeast during Saturday’s RAPTOR 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’ll be the No. 00 Haas Automation driver’s first NASCAR Xfinity Series race on the recently reconfigured Atlanta oval after contesting both NASCAR Cup Series events there in 2022. The 1.54-mile oval was reconfigured prior to last season’s events, and racing there now resembles what takes place on the behemoth 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and 2.66-mile Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway layouts. Atlanta’s banking in the corners was increased from 24 degrees to 28 degrees, the track width was reconfigured to vary from 55 feet to 40 feet, and the entire track was repaved with fresh asphalt. The goal of the project was to recreate the kind of pack-style racing at Atlanta that fans enjoy at Daytona and Talladega.
• The RAPTOR 250 will be Custer’s fourth Xfinity Series start at Atlanta. In his three previous outings from 2017 to 2019, his best result was a second-place finish from the pole in the February 2019 race. Custer also has six starts outside of the Xfinity Series at Atlanta – one in the NASCAR Truck Series and five in the Cup Series. His best finish of ninth came in his most recent visit to the track with the Cup Series last July.
• After starting the season with a strong ninth-place finish at Daytona, misfortune ruined what was shaping up to be another victory the following weekend on his home track, Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. After winning the opening two stages and leading 46 laps along the way, a cut right-front tire ended his victory bid and relegated Custer to a 27th-place finish. He closed the West Coast swing with a pair of 12th-place finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway. Custer showed great speed at Phoenix, laying down the fastest laps in practice and earning his first pole of the season in the No. 00 Ford Mustang and the 10th of his Xfinity Series career. He arrives at Atlanta eighth in the driver standings.
Riley Herbst Notes of Interest
• Riley Herbst is on a roll in the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang. In his first four races of 2023, Herbst is continuing the momentum he closed the season with in 2022. Dating back to an eighth-place finish on Oct. 22, 2022, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Monster Energy driver has scored seven straight top-10 finishes. He is one of only three Xfinity Series drivers to finish in the top-10 in every race this season – Austin Hill and John Hunter Nemechek are the others. After running in the top-three for a majority of the season opener at Daytona, the Monster Energy driver avoided mayhem in the final laps to finish sixth. When the series rolled into Fontana three weekends ago, he ran in the top-10 for most of the day before finishing seventh. In his hometown of Las Vegas two weekends ago, he was clocking some of the fastest laps of the race on his way to a eighth-place finish. Last weekend at Phoenix, he had a fast Ford Mustang for the entire race, earning valuable stage points on his way to a solid fourth-place finish, his first top-five of the 2023 season. He arrives at Atlanta tied for fourth in the Xfinity Series standings with Chandler Smith.
• Saturday’s RAPTOR 250 will mark Herbst’s sixth career Xfinity Series start at Atlanta and his third on the new layout. When Xfinity Series drivers competed on the new layout for the first time last March, it suited Herbst well as he finished fourth – his best result in four Atlanta starts. He followed that up with a ninth-place result when the series returned to the track last July. Herbst’s sixth-place finish in the March 2021 race was the best of his three Xfinity Series outings on the old Atlanta surface.
• In addition to his top-10 streak, Herbst has yet to finish outside the top-10 in any form of motorsports since last season. In November, Herbst returned to his off road roots to race in the Baja 1000, where he drove the final leg of the journey and earned a third-place finish in a Terrible Herbst Motorsports entry. Then, in February, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 65th running of the Daytona 500 in the No. 15 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing, and came away with a 10th-place finish. He became just the fourth driver in NASCAR history to earn a top-10 in all three of his first starts in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series.
Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang
You earned your best Atlanta Xfinity Series finish of second in your most recent outing there in 2019, which came on the old surface. What are your thoughts as you head back there in the new Xfinity Series car on the new configuration, having experience on it during your two Cup Series starts there last year?
“I know I’ll have to adjust to it pretty fast, but this is an interesting style of racing for me. It’s a mix between a mile-and-a-half and a superspeedway. You just kind of have to hope that everything goes right for you. There’s honestly a little bit of luck involved, too. Hopefully, we can find that luck, be fast, and keep ourselves out of trouble until the end.”
After the speed you showed last weekend at Phoenix, what are the expectations for the team for this weekend’s race at Atlanta?
“Riley (Herbst) had some really strong races at Atlanta last year, so I think it’s just a matter of learning from what he did and continuing to build that notebook. We’re always going to the racetrack looking to win. In the end, it’s all about putting it all together correctly – a perfect day with a fast car, speed, and no mistakes. That’s what we’re hoping for at Atlanta.”
Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang
You’re coming off your best finish of 2023 so far with a fourth-place result at Phoenix. On top of that, you have not finished outside the top-10 in any form of motorsports that you’ve participated in since October 2022. What’s helped you build this consistency?
“I think just the experience I’ve gained over the past few year has helped me as a driver. It’s crazy to see that top-10 statistic, but you also have to realize that, as a driver, you take it race by race. I’m focused on the next race, running well, and continuing to grow. This No. 98 team has worked so hard over the past few years, and I’m thankful for each and every one of them. I’m happy that we’re being consistent and finishing races, but as a racer, you want to win. I think that’s the next step and hopefully we’ll get it done soon.”
You finished fourth and ninth in last year’s two races, respectively, on the reconfigured Atlanta track. Are you a fan of the pack-style of racing that’s new to the 1.54-mile Atlanta oval?
“I didn’t know what to expect when we went there for the first race last year. This was a whole new concept, and I don’t think anyone knew what would happen. We struggled during that first race, too, going two laps down at one point. Ultimately, we got our laps back and fought until the end. It worked out in our favor with a top-five. We were solid again in the summer, but I think that while this track is still new, I’ve enjoyed getting to race there. I’m excited to see what this No. 98 Monster Energy team can do this weekend.”
Fort Worth, TX. (March 16, 2023) – Standout Management Group (SMG) and NASCAR Xfinity driver Gray Gaulding are proud to announce their most recent partner FollowMe Global Business Solutions, LLC (www.followme.llc) and their participation at multiple Xfinity race events throughout the 2023 race season. The partnership will debut at this coming Saturday’s March 18th “Raptor King of Tough 250” race occurring at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Gaulding is looking forward to returning to Atlanta after a challenging West-Coast swing that included right-front blowouts at both Fontana and Phoenix. “I cannot be more excited to debut our new partner FollowMe.llc this weekend at Atlanta. Jason and his team are helping guide and motivate businesses to be more successful which really inspires me as a professional race car driver. NASCAR is a sport that is so dependent on teamwork including with our sponsors and I am excited to see what we can build together starting at Atlanta this weekend and throughout the 2023 season.”
“We, at FollowMe Global Business Solutions, LLC (www.followme.llc), are very proud and excited to be a sponsor for Gray Gaulding, the great Number 08, and to work along with Standout Management Group. As this is a new venture for us, we are extremely pleased with the direction and guidance gained from Kenneth Cameron”, stated CEO Jason Slaughter. “We look forward to being a part of the NASCAR family and fans as a sponsor. Our goal is to increase the viewer ship among the African American community in such an AWESOME sport. We feel that our sponsorship of Gray Gaulding in that Black and Old Gold number 08 car will definitely grab attention.”
Make sure to catch all the race action on FS1 at 5:00 PM ET Saturday, March 18th, 2023.
About FollowMe.llc (www.followme.llc)
We are a diverse, multi-industry, multi-divisional strategic business development consulting firm that specializes in functional group assessments, marketing, and sales value systems (training), operational expertise, acquisitions & integrations, human resources (policy, procedures, diversity training and code of ethics), and growth strategies.
We create truly unique deliverables through our patented products, award-winning services, and proprietary systems to help you solve any problem. We influence influencers. FollowMe to become even more proficient in scaling the capacity and quality of your health, wellness, and wealth. Our humanitarian efforts to support water treatment systems, Indoor Air Quality, and renewable energy across the globe has gained the attention of many large organizations and countries.
Our Divisions:
FollowMe Racing (FMR) is the official team sponsor for NASCAR driver Gray Gaulding, No. 08. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by visiting FollowMe.racing.
FollowMe Token (FMT) is the exclusive, patented cryptocurrency for services, materials and supplies within the home improvement industry. To learn more about FMT, visit FollowMe.llc/token
FollowMe Investment Club (FMI) is an asset-backed educational club specializing in hard commodities including gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, and other precious metals and gems. We currently have more than $1 Billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit FollowMe.investments.
FollowMe Energy (FME) is an energy consulting and services company (ESCO). We provide energy efficiency as a service (EEAAS) to government buildings and commercial spaces. We are FEMA certified and registered with USFCR (CAGE CODE: 9C8A8). Learn more by visiting FollowMe.energy and www.healthseal.org
FollowMe Africa (FMA) is our international operations division specializing in in-ground asset monetization through mining, water treatment, agriculture, and renewable energy production. Learn more by visiting FollowMe.africa.
About the Owner
With over 30 years of proven results in business development and profitable growth, Jason Slaughter exemplifies a perfect symbiosis of theoretical and real-world application through his engaging and intuitive motivational teaching style. Having served over three hundred clients across seven industries, Jason Slaughter is changing the way people think about business through education and training with his proprietary systems designed to help you become even more successful.
To learn more about what we do and how we do it, please visit FollowMe.llc.
About SMG
Standout Management Group is a sports and entertainment talent management and activation agency headquartered at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. SMG is considered as an “outside the box” agency that works with brand partners and celebrities to help brands “stand out” from the rest by leveraging motorsports, music and other professional sports platforms. Additionally, SMG uses advanced technology solutions and data capture methods to maximize activation results. For more information, visit www.standoutmg com.
NASCAR Cup Series Next Race: Ambetter Health 400 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Sunday, March 19 The Time: 3 p.m. ET The Purse: $8,725,965 TV: FOX, 2 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 400 miles (260 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 60), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 160), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 260)
NASCAR Xfinity Series Next Race: RAPTOR King of Tough 250 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Saturday, March 18 The Time: 5 p.m. ET The Purse: $1,274,624 TV: FS1, 4 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 251.02 miles (163 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 40), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 80), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 163)
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Next Race: Fr8 208 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Saturday, March 18 The Time: 2 p.m. ET The Purse: $673,693 TV: FS1, 1 p.m. ET Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 207.9 miles (135 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 30), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 60), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 135)
NASCAR Cup Series
Red Hot William Byron heads to Atlanta looking for third straight victory in 2023
The last two NASCAR Cup Series races have seen cautions in the final laps giving Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron the last chance opportunities he needed to snag the two victories at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway. Now, the 25-year-old, Byron, heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m. ET (FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) looking for his third straight victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. If he accomplishes the feat this weekend, he will become just the sixth active driver to win three or more consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races and the 25th all-time. Byron is the defending spring race winner of the newly remodeled Atlanta Motor Speedway, taking the win over second-place Ross Chastain by a scant 0.145-second last season – the fourth closest finish in the series at Atlanta all-time.
The five active drivers that have won three or more consecutive Cup races are Kyle Larson (twice in 2021), Kyle Busch (2015, 2018), Brad Keselowski (2018), Kevin Harvick (2018) and Joey Logano (2015).
In four starts this season, Byron has put up two wins (Las Vegas, Phoenix) and has led 240 laps. His average finish this year is 15.3. His season-to-date driver rating is 107.2 (series-best), his average running position is 7.8 (second-best) and he has spent 84.1% of his laps completed running in the top-15.
Looking ahead to this weekend at Atlanta, Byron has made seven series starts at the 1.54-mile track posting one win (2022), one top five and two top 10s.
Atlanta Motor Speedway gears-up for Cup
The NASCAR Cup Series and Atlanta Motor Speedway go way back, 63 years to be exact.
Originally called Atlanta International Raceway, the track was then a 1.5-mile paved speedway, and it hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race on July 31, 1960. The inaugural Cup race was a 300-mile/200 lap event that had 45 competitors and was won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Fireball Roberts from the pole position in a 1960 Pontiac. Cotton Owens led the most laps that day (52), but Roberts took the lead with just 13 to go to grab the victory.
From 1960 – 2010, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted multiple NASCAR Cup Series races during each season; starting in 2011 the series began only visiting Atlanta once a year (2011-2020). The 2021 season marked the first time since 2010 that the series visited the facility more than once a year. Also, from 1987 to 2000 Atlanta Motor Speedway held the final championship race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
In total, there have been 117 NASCAR Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway since the first race there in 1960. The 117 NASCAR Cup Series races have produced 53 different pole winners and 47 different race winners. Seven of the 53 NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway pole winners are active this weekend.
Active Atlanta Pole Winners (7)
Poles
Season
Kevin Harvick
2
2017, 2014
Aric Almirola
1
2019
Kyle Busch
1
2018
Joey Logano
1
2015
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
1
2013
Denny Hamlin
1
2010
Martin Truex Jr
1
2009
NASCAR Hall of Famer Buddy Baker (1968, 1971, 1976, 1979 sweep, 1980, 1984) and Ryan Newman (2003 sweep, 2004 sweep, 2005 sweep, 2007) are tied for the NASCAR Cup Series most poles at Atlanta Motor Speedway with seven each. Kevin Harvick leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in Atlanta poles with two (2014, 2017).
Six of the 47 NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway race winners are active this weekend.
Active Atlanta Race Winners (6)
Wins
Seasons
Kevin Harvick
3
2020, 2018, 2001
Brad Keselowski
2
2019, 2017
Kyle Busch
2
2013, 2008
William Byron
1
2022
Ryan Blaney
1
2021
Denny Hamlin
1
2012
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway with nine victories (1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000). Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick leads all active NASCAR Cup Series winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway with three victories (2001, 2018, 2020).
All the NASCAR Cup Series on-track activity at Atlanta Motor Speedway begins this Saturday, March 18 with Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET on FS1.
Keeping The Streak Alive: Chevrolet has won the first four Cup races of 2023
The first four races of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season have seen only one manufacturer in Victory Lane – Chevrolet.
This season from the Chevrolet camp, JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the DAYTONA 500, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch won at Auto Club Speedway and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron has won the last two races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.
In the Modern Era (1972-2023), a manufacturer has only swept a season’s first four races four times and Chevrolet drivers are responsible for three of them – Chevrolet (1995, 2001, 2023) and Ford (1992).
A manufacturer has only swept the first five races of a NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era (1972-2023) twice – Chevrolet (1995) and Ford (1992).
The record for the most consecutive wins by a manufacturer to start at NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era (1972-2023) is nine straight victories by Ford in the 1992 season.
The most consecutive victories to start a NASCAR Cup Series season by Chevrolet was seven straight wins in the 1995 season – second-most in the Modern Era.
Alex Bowman is the only driver with four consecutive top-10 finishes this season
Consistency is paying off for Alex Bowman and the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 Chevrolet team, as they are the only NASCAR Cup Series team this season to score four consecutive top-10 finishes in as many races.
In four starts this season, Bowman has put up two top fives and four top 10s. He leads the series in average finish this year with a 6.3. Plus, his season-to-date driver rating is 95.7 (sixth-best), his average running position is 10.6 (sixth-best) and he has spent 81.4% of his laps completed running in the top-15 (sixth-best).
Bowman will look to keep the early success going this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he has made nine series starts posting two top fives and three top 10s. His average finish at the 1.54-mile track is 17.1.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s new configuration produced some stellar racing last season
When the NASCAR Next Gen car took to the newly reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway last March the expectations were really high, and the NASCAR Cup Series delivered – setting new statistical records even.
The race was won by Hendrick Motorsports’ driver William Byron, but not before seeing a track record 46 lead changes among a track record 20 different leaders.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Cup Series race on March 20, 2023 also produced a series record for green flag passes for the lead on 1.5-mile tracks with 141 green flag passes for the lead (GFPL). The previous record for green flag passes for the lead on a 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Cup Series was held by Texas Motor Speedway with 57 GFPL.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 2022 spring race also produced a NASCAR Cup Series record for total green flag passes on 1.5-mile tracks with 6,439 total green flag passes. The previous record for total green flag passes on a 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Cup Series was held by Charlotte Motor Speedway with 4,520 total green flag passes.
Last six Cup races at Atlanta have produced different winners
In the last six NASCAR Cup Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway have produced six different winners – Brad Keselowski (2019), Kevin Harvick (2020), Ryan Blaney (Spring 2021), Kurt Busch (Fall 2021), William Byron (Spring 2022) and Chase Elliott (Fall 2022). Now, with the series rolling into Atlanta this weekend, will the fans get to see a seventh different winner?
A total of six NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway race winners are active this weekend, led by Kevin Harvick (2001, 2018, 2020), and followed by Brad Keselowski (2017, 2019), Kyle Busch (2008, 2013), William Byron (2022), Ryan Blaney (2021) and Denny Hamlin (2012). The most recent winner at Atlanta, Chase Elliott, is sidelined this weekend with a broken leg from a snowboarding accident in Colorado.
One driver looking to add their name to the winners list at Atlanta Motor Speedway is Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, who finished runner-up in both of the NASCAR Cup Series races at the 1.54-mile track last season.
Harvick is one of a few first-time Cup winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway
The NASCAR Cup Series has seen six different drivers win their first series career race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and probably the most memorable was Kevin Harvick’s 2001 victory after replacing a late Dale Earnhardt at Richard Childress Racing.
The six drivers earning their first win at Atlanta are Carl Edwards (2005), Kevin Harvick (2001), Jerry Nadeau (2000), Jim Hurtubise (1966), Bob Burdick (1961), Bobby Johns (1960).
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick has made 34 career series starts at Atlanta posting two poles, three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s – all are series highs among the active drivers.
NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Update: Gibbs grabs third rookie of the race award at Phoenix – Through four races this season, Joe Gibbs Racing’s driver Ty Gibbs has won three Sunoco Rookie of the Race Awards and holds the rookie standings lead by 19 points over Legacy Motor Club’s Noah Gragson.
This season, Gibbs has put up one top-20 finish (16th at Auto Club) and has an average finish of 22.8. Gibbs will be making his series track debut at Atlanta this weekend.
In four NASCAR Cup Series races this season, Gragson has posted two top-25 finishes (24th at Daytona and 22nd at Auto Club) and has an average finish of 26.3. Gragson has made two series starts at Atlanta posting an average finish of 35.5.
Parmalee to perform pre-race concert at Atlanta Motor Speedway – Country music stars Parmalee will perform a live pre-race concert for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19.
The Platinum-selling band of brothers will play their catalog of chart-topping hits. The North Carolina natives have enjoyed success with hits like their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way,” and follow-up single “Take My Name” from their most recent album For You. Since debuting on country radio, Parmalee has earned more than 1 billion on-demand streams.
SAG Award-winning actor Jesse Metcalfe named Co-Grand Marshal for Atlanta – SAG Award-winning actor and producer Jesse Metcalfe – one of the stars of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming film On a Wing and a Prayer, streaming April 7 – will give drivers the command to start their engines for the Ambetter Health 400.
Metcalfe will utter the most famous words in motorsports as part of his Co-Grand Marshal duties for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19.
“As a big NASCAR fan and avid car enthusiast, I am super excited to be joining the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series here in Atlanta and uttering the most famous words in Motorsports,” said Metcalfe.
Tyler Reddick & 23XI Racing partner with Xfinity 10G – Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team are announcing their newest partner, Xfinity and the provider’s most powerful internet connection: Xfinity 10G.
The new partnership will debut on track at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19 and in addition to the sponsorship on the car the partnership will include Xfinity 10G network integration and Xfinity Rewards customer fan experiences such as Pit Box VIP access, driver meet-and-greet appearances with Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and more.
Reddick has made five NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway posting one top-10 finish.
Cup Series driver milestone starts to watch for – Over the next few races several drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will reach milestones starts if they continue to run fulltime in the series.
This weekend on March 19, Hendrick Motorsports’ driver Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will be making his 300th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Next weekend at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, Kaulig Racing’s A.J. Allmendinger will be making his 400th career NASCAR Cup Series start.
Then at Richmond Raceway in two weeks on April 2, Team Penske’s Austin Cindric will be making his 50th career NASCAR Cup Series start.
And at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt on April 9, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch will be making his 650th NASCAR Cup Series career start. Busch will become the 27th different NASCAR Cup Series driver all-time to make 650 or more starts.
Then at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick will be making his 800th career NASCAR Cup Series career start. Harvick will become just the 10th different NASCAR Cup Series driver all-time to make 800 or more starts in the series.
Jimmie Johnson announces two more stops on his 2023 schedule – This week seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Legacy Motor Club owner/driver Jimmie Johnson announced the next two races he will be competing in this season – Circuit of The Americas (March 26) and the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca Cola 600 (May 28).
“COTA has been on my racing ‘bucket list’ for a very long time,” said Johnson. “But my timing was off by a year or so. I was hoping it was going to be on the INDYCAR schedule – and it wasn’t – and then they added it to the NASCAR schedule after I left. I’m excited to finally be able to check this one off the list and thankful to Club Wyndham for making it happen. From everything I’ve heard, NASCAR drivers have had a lot of fun racing at COTA, so to say I’m looking forward to it is an understatement.”
Johnson made his return to the series in the season opening DAYTONA 500, where he started 39th and finished 31st.
Johnson has gone on record saying he plans to run 10 races on a part-time schedule this season for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. With Daytona, COTA and Charlotte already lined-up Johnson plans to announce the remainder of his schedule at a later date.
Cup Series Featured Matchups: 2023 Ambetter Health 400 – Below is a close look at the featured matchups fans can bet on heading into this weekend’s event.
William Byron vs. Kyle Larson
Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson will face off this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Byron is red hot right now winning the last two races on the 2023 schedule. But Larson has been upfront leading the most laps this year and posting two top fives. Byron might have the slight edge this weekend at Atlanta as he is the defending winner of this race, but Larson has the better career average finish (14.8) than Byron (18.1) at the 1.54-mile track.
Kevin Harvick vs. Tyler Reddick
Another great matchup this weekend is with the outgoing veteran Kevin Harvick vs. the rising star Tyler Reddick. Reddick got his first top-five of the season last weekend at Phoenix, and might have some momentum on his side, but it will be hard to pick against Harvick at Atlanta. Harvick leads all active drivers in wins (three), top fives (nine) and top 10s (17) on the 1.54-mile track. Reddick will have his work cut out for him this weekend at Atlanta, as the 23XI Racing driver was caught in incidents in both Atlanta races last season and did not finish.
Brad Keselowski vs. Bubba Wallace
Two top notch superspeedway racers will face off this weekend, RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski and 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace. Both drivers have won superspeedway races in the NASCAR Cup Series but when it comes to performances at Atlanta, the nod goes to Keselowski. In 16 series starts Keselowski has managed two wins, four top fives and nine top 10s. His average finish at Atlanta is 15.1. Bubba Wallace on the other hand has only made seven starts at Atlanta posting a career-best finish of 13th in this race last season. Wallace’s average finish at Atlanta is 19.5.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. vs. Austin Dillon
Another batch of great superspeedway winners are paired up this weekend for fans to bet on with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon and 2023 Daytona 500 champion and JTG Daugherty Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. going at it. Looking ahead to Atlanta both Stenhouse (21.1) and Dillon (21.6) are in a near tie in average finish. Both drivers suffered DNFs in both Atlanta races last season, so it will be interesting to see which of the two drivers will rebound better this weekend.
Ryan Blaney vs. Daniel Suárez
Two drivers that jump started their 2023 seasons and will go head-to-head this weekend are Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez. Both drivers have run well at Atlanta, but Blaney might be the one you will want to lean towards this weekend. Suárez has made eight starts at Atlanta posting one top fives and three top 10s. He posted his career best finish at Atlanta in this race last season (fourth). Blaney has made nine starts at Atlanta posting one win (2021) and four top fives.
Georgia has welcomed NASCAR since the early years – The state of Georgia has hosted a total of 176 NASCAR Cup Series races among 12 different tracks dating as far back as 1951.
Georgia Track Names
City
Cup Races
First Year With NASCAR Race
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton
117
1960
Augusta International Speedway
Augusta
12
1962
Lakewood Speedway
Atlanta
11
1951
Savannah Speedway
Savannah
10
1962
Middle Georgia Raceway
Macon
9
1966
Central City Speedway
Macon
7
1951
Jeffco Speedway
Jefferson
2
1968
Valdosta 75 Speedway
Valdosta
3
1962
Oglethorpe Speedway
Savannah
2
1954
Augusta International Raceway
Augusta
1
1964
Columbus Speedway
Columbus
1
1951
Hayloft Speedway
Augusta
1
1952
Totals
176
The first NASCAR Cup Series race held in the state of Georgia was on June 10, 1951 and held at Columbus Speedway, a half-mile dirt track, in Columbus, Georgia. The inaugural event in the state was a 100 mile / 200 lap feature that saw Atlanta, Georgia native Tim Flock win the race.
Atlanta Motor Speedway has hosted the most NASCAR Cup Series races of any track in the state of Georgia at 117 events.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Rookie Sammy Smith adds his name to the Xfinity Series winners list
With a near pole win last November in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Phoenix Raceway, we learned that part-time driver Sammy Smith had speed at the Arizona one-mile track, and after posting a top-10 finish in that Xfinity Series championship race, we knew he could handle himself in a Xfinity Series car.
Now in his first full-time season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Smith went back to Phoenix Raceway to post his first win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last weekend, becoming the youngest Xfinity Series winner at the track at 18 years old.
The win now puts Smith in sixth in the driver standings with 128 points, 67 points back from Austin Hill who currently leads the Xfinity Series driver standings. The victory also makes Smith the third different driver this season to already earn his spot in the Playoffs; joining Austin Hill (Daytona, Las Vegas) and John Hunter Nemechek (Fontana).
Smith will have a few days to enjoy the spoils of his victory before preparing to make his first start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Although this will be his series track debut at Atlanta, he does have some experience on 1.5-mile tracks.
Last season, he posted a top-10 finish (eighth) at Kansas Speedway. If Smith goes back-to-back and takes the checkered flag this weekend, he will also go down as the youngest winner at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a title currently held by Ty Gibbs at 19 years, 5 months and 15 days.
Up Next: Atlanta Motor Speedway
With the conclusion of the West Coast Swing, the NASCAR Xfinity Series now sets its eyes on Atlanta Motor Speedway for the RAPTOR King of Tough 250 on Saturday, March 18 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio as part of a doubleheader Saturday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, the FR8 208, at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
There have been 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway producing 21 different race winners and 18 different pole winners. Seven races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Kyle Busch in 2021.
NASCAR Cup Series regular Kevin Harvick holds just about every Xfinity Series record at the Atlanta, Georgia track – most wins (five), top fives (11), top 10s (13), lead lap finishes (13), laps completed (3,135) and laps led (973).
Two previous winners are entered in this weekend’s RAPTOR King of Tough 250 – JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier (2021) and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill (2022).
Allgaier snagged his win in 2021. In his 14 starts at the 1.5-mile track, he has posted one win, three top fives and nine top 10s.
Hill made the trip to Victory Lane in just his second start at Atlanta Motor Speedway after finishing runner-up in his first start as a rookie in the Xfinity Series.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series will be skipping practice this weekend and heading straight for qualifying on Friday, March 17 at 4:35 p.m. ET airing on FS1.
Who will be the “King of Tough”?
Obviously, the two favorites this weekend are the former Atlanta winners – Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill – but three drivers in the field that will be sure to give them a run for their money this Saturday are Riley Herbst, Daniel Hemric and Justin Haley.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst has given the Atlanta track a go five times in the Xfinity Series and has posted one top five and three top 10s. In last year’s Spring Atlanta race, he raced his way up to a fourth-place finish after starting in the 24th position.
Kaulig Racing’s Daniel Hemric has also put up some good stats at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In his seven starts, he’s posted two top fives and four top 10s. Most recently, he worked his way up to a fifth-place finish after starting the race in the 16th position.
Cup Series regular Justin Haley will be pulling double duty and driving the No.10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in this weekend’s Xfinity Series race at Atlanta, a track that has treated him well. In his four Xfinity Series starts, he has posted two top fives and four top 10s. His most recent Xfinity Series stint at Atlanta Motor Speedway was in 2021 where he finished fourth.
Xfinity Playoff picture heading into Week 5
As NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers head into their fifth race of the season, Austin Hill leads the standings with his two wins (Daytona, Las Vegas) and 195 points. In second is John Hunter Nemechek who clinched his spot in the Playoffs with his win at Auto Club and currently sits with 165 points.
Justin Allgaier (156 points) and Chandler Smith (155 points) assume the third and fourth place spots in the standings heading into this weekend’s race. Both drivers have posted three top fives and three top 10s this season thus far. Riley Herbst sits in the fifth position, tied with Smith on points (155).
Sammy Smith’s win last weekend at Phoenix Raceway bumped him to sixth in the standings (128 points). Sam Mayer (128), Cole Custer (118), Josh Berry (114), Daniel Hemric (106), Sheldon Creed (105) and Parker Kligerman (99) round out the current Playoff outlook.
Just outside the cutline is Brett Moffitt (-12) and Ryan Sieg (-13).
NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.
Chad Chastain to make NASCAR Xfinity Series debut – Chad Chastain, brother of NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, will be making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Chad Chastain will be behind the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet for DGM Racing.
“I’m thrilled to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with DGM Racing, a Florida-based team, driving a ‘Protect Your Melon’ Chevrolet just like I watched my brother do for years,” said Chastain.
Though this will be Chastain’s first Xfinity Series start, he had made four starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series posting a best finish of 30th at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Homestead-Miami.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
CRAFTSMAN Truck Series kicks off doubleheader Saturday at Atlanta
After an action-packed weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams had a week to rest up and prepare for the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which will kick off a doubleheader Saturday on March 18 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the RAPTOR Kings of Tough 250 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
There have been 21 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway track, producing 15 different race winners and 11 different pole winners. Five races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Christopher Bell in 2017.
Kyle Busch has made the most trips to Victory Lane (six) and has also posted the most top fives (nine) in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Atlanta. NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr. and Mike Skinner are tied for most poles at the track (three each); while Matt Crafton holds the record for most top 10s (11), lead lap finishes (16) and laps completed (2,656).
TRICON Garage’s Corey Heim is Atlanta Motor Speedway’s most recent winner in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series after snagging the lead from then Kyle Busch Motorsport’s teammate Chandler Smith on the final lap.
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will get the weekend jump started with qualifying on Friday, March 17 at 3:05 p.m. ET on FS1.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s fabulous four
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series drivers had last weekend off, but fans can be sure to expect some action-packed racing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway as four previous winners are entered in the Fr8 208 (March 18 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) – Corey Heim, Grant Enfinger, John Hunter Nemechek and Matt Crafton.
Heim is the most recent winner at the track (2022). He posted the win in his first and only start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. If he goes back-to-back, he will be the second driver in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history to post consecutive wins at Atlanta, after only Kyle Busch (2007, 2008).
Enfinger has seven starts at the track with one win (2020), three top fives and five top 10s. In last season’s Atlanta race, he led 14 laps and ultimately finished in 12th.
Nemechek, who is running fulltime in the Xfinity Series this season, will be piloting the No.17 Toyota for TRICON Garage this weekend. In his five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Atlanta, he’s posted one win (2016), two top fives and two top 10s.
Crafton has started 21 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, posting one win (2015), six top fives and 11 top 10s. He has led for a total of 188 laps and has an average start of 12.0 and an average finish of 12.2 at the 1.54-mile track.
Fast start for defending series champ Zane Smith
Front Row Motorsports’ Zane Smith made a name for himself last season with his season-opening win at Daytona and his victory in the championship at Phoenix Raceway.
Smith made sure to ride that momentum into the 2023 season and pulled off yet another season-opening win at Daytona and a runner-up finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Now as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series gears up for this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Smith can be sure that his name is on everyone’s minds as a possible winner.
Although he’s only made three starts at the 1.54-mile track, he’s posted two top fives and three top 10s. Last season, he even managed to work his way up to a fifth-place finish after starting in the 25th position.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
Sunoco Rookie class update – The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year class now has two races marked off and they’re all sitting close in the standings.
Nick Sanchez currently leads the rookies with 31 points. He won the pole in the season-opener at Daytona and has posted a best-finish of 26th this season. He will be making his series track debut this weekend at Atlanta.
Jake Garcia takes the second-place spot just four points behind Sanchez (27). He posted his first top-10 finish in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will look to make his first start at his home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend.
Just one point behind Garcia is Rajah Caruth (26). He’s posted 29th-place finishes in both races this season. He will be making his first start at Atlanta Motor Speedway in this weekend.
William Byron to run select races for Kyle Busch Motorsports – NASCAR Cup Series regular and KBM alum William Byron will be running a three-race schedule behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
His three-race stint will start at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt on April 8, followed by Darlington Raceway on May 12 and North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20.
Ambetter Health 400 Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Sunday, March 19 at 3:00 p.m. EST on FOX
Kaulig Racing has made four starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, all in the 2022 NCS season.
The team’s best finish came last year with Justin Haley earning a seventh-place finish in the 2022 Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart.
AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Action Industries Camaro ZL1
AJ Allmendinger has made 13 starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NCS.
Allmendinger has not raced in the NCS since reconfiguration of the track to superspeedway style.
“After Daytona, I think our superspeedway program is pretty good. Atlanta is a unique racetrack now after the repave and how tight it is but still being a superspeedway atmosphere. Last year, our cars were really good there so we’re looking forward to getting there and trying to have the same results and the same speed we had in Daytona. It’s a challenging race, track position is really critical and as we’ve seen there, anything can happen with pack racing like that. We’ll just try to stay clean and stay up front all day to give ourselves a chance to win.” – AJ Allmendinger on Atlanta Motor Speedway
Justin Haley has made four starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NCS.
Haley earned an 11th-place finish and a seventh-place finish, respectively, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the 2022 NCS season.
“Atlanta was a really great track for us last year. Obviously with it being a speedway track now, it has worked in our favor, but I think as it wears, it’s going to start getting a little bit more like a mile-and-a-half. It’s probably my favorite racetrack right now on the schedule. It’s just something so different than any other track we go to with the high speeds and it being an in-between track. I’ll also have the opportunity to get some laps in during the Xfinity race as well, so I’m really looking forward to this weekend as a whole.” – Justin Haley on Atlanta Motor Speedway
RAPTOR 250 Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Saturday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m. EST on FS1
Kaulig Racing has made 19 total starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NXS.
The team has earned one win, eight top fives, 14 top-10 finishes and has led 114 laps at Atlanta.
Justin Haley, No. 10 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camaro
Justin Haley has made four starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, all of which he finished in the top 10.
He also earned two top-five finishes and has led eight laps at Atlanta.
“Atlanta was a really great track for us last year. Obviously with it being a speedway track now, it has worked in our favor, but I think as it wears, it’s going to start getting a little bit more like a mile-and-a-half. It’s probably my favorite racetrack right now on the schedule. It’s just something so different than any other track we go to with the high speeds and it being an in-between track. I’ll also have the opportunity to get some laps in during the Xfinity race as well, so I’m really looking forward to this weekend as a whole.” – Justin Haley on Atlanta Motor Speedway
Daniel Hemric, No. 11 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet Camaro
Daniel Hemric has earned two top fives, four top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 14.7 in his seven starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Hemric has led 45 laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“With this being our third trip to Atlanta since the reconfiguration, I think everyone collectively involved is getting better on our to approach the weekend. It will be interesting with having no practice and the first lap on the racetrack being qualifying. The unknown of the new pit road that we are all going to face, and the limited amount of time that we have to learn it, will be a challenge. It is a weekend filled with questions, but a lot of opportunity for us to go and do something special.” – Daniel Hemric on Atlanta Motor Speedway
Chandler Smith, No. 16 Quick Tie Chevrolet Camaro
Chandler Smith will make his debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NXS this weekend.
In Smith’s last trip to Atlanta in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), he qualified on the pole and finished the race in fourth place.
“Atlanta is a place that means a lot to me. Growing up in Georgia, I went to the track as a fan many times and won a few championships racing Bandolero cars on the dogleg oval there. We’ve had a fast Quick Tie Chevy Camaro, and our team has had a lot of fun this season. I’m looking forward to hopefully keeping our top-five streak alive and going for a win at my home track.” – Chandler Smith on Atlanta Motor Speedway
About Kaulig Racing™
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and has won back-to-back regular-season championships. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 with Justin Haley piloting the No. 31 Camaro ZL1, and an all-star lineup featured in the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. Haley will continue to drive the No. 31 full-time in 2023, alongside AJ Allmendinger, who will drive the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. The team will continue to field three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by an all-star lineup that will be announced at a later date, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by Chandler Smith. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
