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Talladega Today
By the People, for the People
Hendrick Motorsports Duo Favored at Atlanta's EchoPark Speedway
William Byron and Chase Elliott have dominated drafting-style tracks since the Next Gen Car's debut in 2022.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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After Tyler Reddick's win at the Daytona 500, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Atlanta's EchoPark Speedway for the second race of the season. While the Team Penske trio of Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano are usually the favorites on drafting-style tracks, the Hendrick Motorsports duo of William Byron and Chase Elliott have been the most successful drivers on these types of tracks since the Next Gen Car's debut in 2022.
Why it matters
The Hendrick Motorsports duo of William Byron and Chase Elliott have proven to be the drivers to beat on drafting-style tracks in the Next Gen Car era, with a combined seven wins between them. Their dominance on these types of tracks could set the stage for another showdown between the two teammates at Atlanta's EchoPark Speedway.
The details
Of the 25 races on drafting-style tracks since the Next Gen Car's introduction in 2022, William Byron has the most wins with four, including two at EchoPark Speedway. Chase Elliott is just behind him with three wins, two of which came at EchoPark. Elliott also has the best average finish (9.14) at the track since its reconfiguration, the best of any driver in the Cup Series.
- The Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET.
- William Byron won the spring 2022 and summer 2023 races at EchoPark Speedway.
- Chase Elliott won the summer 2022 and summer 2025 races at EchoPark Speedway.
The players
William Byron
A Hendrick Motorsports driver who has four wins on drafting-style tracks since the Next Gen Car's debut in 2022, including two at EchoPark Speedway.
Chase Elliott
A Hendrick Motorsports driver who has three wins on drafting-style tracks since the Next Gen Car's debut in 2022, including two at EchoPark Speedway, and the best average finish (9.14) at the track.
Austin Cindric
A Team Penske driver who is usually viewed as a favorite on drafting-style tracks, but had an unimpressive performance at the Daytona 500 with only 16 combined laps led.
Ryan Blaney
A Team Penske driver who is usually viewed as a favorite on drafting-style tracks, but had an unimpressive performance at the Daytona 500 with only 16 combined laps led.
Joey Logano
A Team Penske driver who is usually viewed as a favorite on drafting-style tracks, but had an unimpressive performance at the Daytona 500 with only 16 combined laps led.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
