The 2026 season kicked off with a bang as Tyler Reddick claimed his first Daytona 500 victory in a thriller of a finish. Next up, NASCAR heads to EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway) for the 2026 Autotrader 400.
The excitement for the new NASCAR points format seems to have pumped some more energy into the season. We’ll see if that continues at Atlanta. Can Tyler Reddick go back-to-back to open the season, or will we see a new face in Victory Lane on Sunday?
Let’s dive in.
2026 Autotrader 400 Entry List
After having a full field last week at Daytona, NASCAR will have just two open entries joining the 36 chartered entries for this weekend. BJ McLeod will be back behind the wheel of the #78 while JJ Yeley pilots the #44.
IT’S OUR TURN. 🔥#Autotrader400 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/k5szXQXr18
— EchoPark Speedway (@EchoParkSpdwy) February 15, 2026
As for the type of racing fans can expect at Atlanta, this is a drafting-style track, nominally. However, handling plays more of a role with the 1.5-mile layout, something that might be exacerbated with NASCAR bringing a new tire compound for this race. As the tires wear, handling will become even more important, and I expect we’ll see some separation.
2026 Autotrader 400 Race Predictions
Though drafting style tracks are inherently unpredictable, I expect to see certain faces near the front. Chase Elliott was a front-stretch away from a victory at the Daytona 500 and has been a consistent factor in the race at reconfigured Atlanta. The #9 will likely factor into the equation come Sunday.
Back in the draft at @EchoParkSpdwy. pic.twitter.com/8QCYjGnkbO
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2026
I also expect Ryan Blaney in the #12 to run up front, along with his Penske teammates Austin Cindric and Joey Logano. The Fords of Penske consistently bring speed and teamwork to the drafting-style tracks, something that I’ve also seen out of RFK as well recently. Don’t be surprised if Preece, Buescher, or Keselowski are in contention at the end of this thing either.
I’m going to go with a bit of a wildcard winner for this race, however. I think we’re going to see Ross Chastain get to Victory Lane on Sunday.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this week!
Friday 02/20
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 2:00 p.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 4:00 p.m. CT on the CW App
Saturday 02/21
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 10:00 a.m. CT on Prime
Fr8 Racing 208 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying) – 4:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 02/22
Autotrader 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FOX and HBO Max
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