When NASCAR repaved and reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2022, the intention was to create action-filled pack racing like the series sees at superspeedways Daytona and Talladega.
It delivered twice in 2022, and its first event in 2023 didn’t disappoint either as Joey Logano passed Brad Keselowski on the last lap to win the Ambetter Health 400.
Logano led the most laps in the race with 140, but was stuck behind Brad Keselowski for most of the home stretch. He got a push from Christopher Bell in turn two on the last lap and Keselowski was unable to block, allowing Logano to clear.
Some fans criticize NASCAR’s superspeedway racing for its unpredictability, claiming that its random nature devalues driver skill. However, the reconfigured Atlanta seems to be better than Daytona or Talladega in this regard.
In all three races on the new surface thus far, the driver who led the most laps has won the race. Drivers have also been able to navigate though the field and make passes without as much drafting help as is required on the other superspeedways.
There is always the factor of attrition in pack racing, but Sunday’s race was far from a crash-fest. There were only five caution flags, and only eight cars failed to finish. The final green flag run lasted for 44 laps.
In a way, the racing on the new Atlanta surface has been reminiscent of Daytona before it was repaved in 2011. Tire wear and handling come into play, and the cream usually rises to the top.
That was what happened on Sunday, and most of all, fans were provided with an exciting ending. This spells success—again—for one of NASCAR’s most recent innovations.
Keselowski finished second behind Logano, while Christopher Bell, Corey LaJoie, and Tyler Reddick rounded out the top five. Logano also takes over the points lead with his win, leading Bell by one marker.