2026 Autotrader 400 Entry List: Cup Series Heads To Atlanta

The field is full, and the composition gives us a clear picture of what to expect on Sunday.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:55am

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The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second race of the 2026 season, just days after the Daytona 500. The entry list includes 38 drivers, reflecting a mix of championship contenders, established veterans, and smaller operations hoping to capitalize on the volatility Atlanta often produces. The race is expected to be characterized by tight lanes, limited space, and constant decision-making as drivers navigate the track's compressed, high-speed environment.

Why it matters

The transition from Daytona to Atlanta is always abrupt, as the track's reconfiguration has made it race more like a superspeedway with far less margin for error. Drivers who excel at reading air movement and anticipating runs tend to rise, while those who hesitate often find themselves caught in someone else's mistake. The race will reveal which teams and drivers can stay composed when the lanes tighten and the air becomes unstable.

The details

The 36 chartered teams bring the usual mix of championship-caliber organizations and mid-tier teams trying to maximize points early in the season. The two open entries round out the grid, with veteran drivers J.J. Yeley and B.J. McLeod expected to provide stability to the back half of the field. Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and William Byron are among the drivers to watch, with Toyota's presence also notable through Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.

  • The Daytona 500 is barely behind us.
  • The haulers are already parked in Hampton, Georgia.
  • The Autotrader 400 is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.

The players

Tyler Reddick

Arrives with the confidence that comes from winning the Daytona 500.

Chase Elliott

Atlanta is effectively a home race for him, and he has historically performed well here.

Ryan Blaney

Remains a consistent threat, with a win and four top-five finishes at Atlanta since 2022.

Joey Logano

Won the spring Atlanta race in 2023 and has been one of the most reliable superspeedway-style racers in the field.

Shane van Gisbergen

His oval development has been steady, and Atlanta will test his ability to manage air movement in a confined pack.

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The takeaway

The Autotrader 400 marks the first real test of how teams adapt from Daytona's wide-open racing to Atlanta's compressed, high-speed environment. The race will challenge every driver's ability to manage space, anticipate movement, and stay disciplined in the draft, revealing which teams and drivers can stay composed when the lanes tighten and the air becomes unstable.