NASCAR Heads to Atlanta for Second Round of 2026 Season

Weekend schedule, weather, start time, and TV info for the NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The 2026 NASCAR Cup season is officially underway, and Round 2 takes place at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) on February 22nd. Tyler Reddick leads the championship standings after winning the Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing. This weekend features a NASCAR triple-header, with the Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series all in action.

Why it matters

Atlanta is a key stop on the NASCAR calendar, with the race often serving as an early indicator of which teams and drivers will be contenders throughout the season. The weather forecast could also play a factor, with rain likely to impact the schedule on Friday and early Saturday.

The details

Christopher Bell is the defending winner of the Atlanta Cup race, while Chase Elliott is the most recent winner at the track. This week, Joe Gibbs Racing filed a lawsuit against its former Director of Competition, Chris Gabehart, accusing him of a scheme to steal the team's sensitive information and provide it to Spire Motorsports.

  • The NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta is scheduled for Sunday, February 22 with a 3:19pm EST green flag.
  • NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying is on Friday at 3pm EST, followed by the race on Saturday at 1:30pm EST.
  • NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying is on Friday at 5pm EST, with the race on Saturday at 4:30pm EST.
  • NASCAR Cup Series qualifying is on Saturday at 11am EST.

The players

Tyler Reddick

Leads the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings after winning the Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing.

Christopher Bell

The defending winner of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta.

Chase Elliott

The most recent winner of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta.

Chris Gabehart

Former Director of Competition at Joe Gibbs Racing, who is accused of stealing the team's sensitive information and providing it to Spire Motorsports.

Joe Gibbs Racing

A NASCAR team that has filed a lawsuit against its former Director of Competition, Chris Gabehart.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.