The Atlanta Motor Speedway offers a unique and challenging proving ground for NASCAR’s finest. This storied track has been the stage for countless victories and nail-biting finish-line battles, with a rich history involving nine different manufacturers. Chevrolet has a notable lead with 45 wins to its name. However, will they be able to secure their 46th victory here?
The approaching Ambetter Health 400 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway is surrounded by a ripple of excitement. The track’s 2021 redesign has thrown predictability to the wind, upping the stakes with high-intensity racing. One of the most seasoned drivers on the field, Kevin Harvick, who also happens to be a former Atlanta champion, has shared his predictions on which team has the best shot at victory.
Despite a disappointing performance at Daytona, Harvick remains optimistic about Ford’s prospects. In a recent episode of the Happy Hour Podcast, he acknowledged Chevrolet’s successful track record at Atlanta, with Daniel Suárez clinching the Ambetter Health 400 in 2024, and Kyle Busch securing a commendable third place. However, Harvick stands firm in his assertion that Ford’s superior balance and handling, coupled with their resilience in taking strong pushes, positions them as the team to watch.
Harvick highlighted that Hendrick Motorsports has claimed three of the last six races using the new Atlanta-style racing. However, he believes that Ford’s power, as demonstrated in Daytona, makes it difficult to bet against them. This confidence remains despite Ford’s struggles at the Daytona 500, largely attributed to Ford driver Joey Logano’s lackluster performance. While Chevrolet’s William Byron seized the win, four Toyota drivers – Tyler Reddick, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Briscoe, and John Hunter Nemechek – rounded out the top five. The highest-ranking Ford was Ryan Blaney in seventh place, a far cry from the dominance Harvick had predicted.
However, Harvick was quick to point out that results don’t always paint an accurate picture of control: “I know they ultimately didn’t win the race, but I felt like they controlled a lot of the situations in the race.” He stressed Ford’s ability to navigate the draft and maintain stability gives them a competitive edge at superspeedway-style tracks such as Atlanta. According to Harvick, this difference in endurance and drafting could be a game-changer in Atlanta, where pack racing is more common than at traditional 1.5-mile tracks.
Despite its advantages, Ford’s chances at Daytona were compromised due to Joey Logano’s aggressive maneuver with just 14 laps remaining. His attempt to overtake Ricky Stenhouse Jr. resulted in a colossal wreck, eliminating key Ford drivers, including Logano and Ryan Blaney. This incident significantly dampened Ford’s chances of victory. However, Harvick is confident that Ford’s superior package will shine through at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
As the countdown to the Ambetter Health 400 continues, predictions are rolling in. Harvick is backing Austin Cindric, referring to him as the “mickiest mouse of NASCAR” due to his ability to excel in a pack, thanks to his experience and strong skills. Meanwhile, co-host Kaitlyn Vincie has faith in Joey Logano. She points to his two victories at Atlanta, his strong performance at Daytona (despite causing the crash), and his aggressive driving style as reasons for her confidence. Mamba Smith, on the other hand, is rooting for Bubba Wallace, a Toyota driver, who despite not having a win at Atlanta, has shown potential in earlier races.
Despite the varied predictions, the general consensus among experts leans toward Ford drivers. With their past triumphs and strong performance metrics, it is evident that Ford enters the race as the favorite. A thrilling showdown awaits at the Ambetter Health 400, and only time will tell if Ford’s apparent advantages will translate into tangible victories.