The NASCAR Atlanta weekend is upon us, and it's shaping up to be an intense battle on the track! But before we dive into the action, let's address the elephant in the room:
The Legal Battle: A Team vs. Its Former Director
Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking a hefty $8 million in damages from their ex-competition director, Chris Gabehart, alleging a scheme to steal confidential information. But wait, there's a twist! Gabehart vehemently denies these claims, setting the stage for a dramatic legal showdown. And this isn't the only controversy brewing...
The Weekend's Racing Schedule:
The 2026 NASCAR Atlanta weekend is a triple-header extravaganza, with a jam-packed schedule:
Friday, February 20:
- 3 pm EST - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying on FOX SPORTS 1
- 5 pm EST - NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying on CW App
Saturday, February 21:
- 11 am EST - NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on PRIME VIDEO
- 1:30 pm EST - Craftsman Truck Series race (135 laps) on FOX SPORTS 1
- 4:30 pm EST - O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race (163 laps) on CW App
Sunday, February 22:
- 2 pm - NASCAR RaceDay pre-race show on FOX
- 3:19 pm EST - The main event! NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta (260 laps) on FOX, TSN (Canada), and other international channels.
And here's a fun fact: Tyler Reddick, who recently won the Daytona 500, will be starting on pole after qualifying was rained out on Saturday, adding an exciting twist to the race.
How to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta:
- Date: Sunday, February 22
- TV Start Time: 2 pm EST
- Green Flag: 3:19 pm EST
- Race Length: 260 laps, covering 400 miles
- Stages: 80 / 80 / 100
- Tires: 9 sets
- TV Channels: FOX, TSN (Canada), and various international options
- Live Stream: In-car cameras available on HBO MAX
- Radio: MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Weather Forecast:
Mother Nature might have a say in the weekend's proceedings. While Sunday looks clear, rain could disrupt Friday and Saturday's events. Intermittent showers are expected on Friday, with a higher chance of rain on Saturday morning, gradually clearing throughout the afternoon.
The Competitors:
38 teams are ready to battle it out, including some notable names. BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley are back after their early Daytona 500 exit. In the lower divisions, keep an eye on Kyle Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Carson Hocevar in the NCTS, while Ross Chastain flies solo as the only full-time Cup driver in the NOAPS race.
Qualifying saw some impressive performances, with Jake Garcia claiming pole for the Truck race and Sam Mayer doing the same in the O'Reilly Series. Adam Andretti, making his NCTS debut, qualified an impressive eighth.
Full Entry Lists and Starting Lineup:
For the curious fans, full entry lists for all three national divisions and the starting lineup for the Cup race are available at the provided link. And here's a teaser: there are some surprises in store with a few unexpected entries!
But wait, there's more! The world of NASCAR is full of thrilling races, controversial decisions, and passionate fans. What are your thoughts on the upcoming Atlanta weekend? Are you rooting for a particular driver or team? And what's your take on the legal battle between Joe Gibbs Racing and Chris Gabehart? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below. Let's get the conversation rolling!
