Chase Elliott Targets Repeat Win at EchoPark Speedway This Weekend

NASCAR returns to the reconfigured superspeedway in Georgia, where the hometown driver looks to build on his recent success.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Chase Elliott, a Georgia native and the most recent Cup Series winner at EchoPark Speedway, aims to defend his title at the reworked track this weekend as NASCAR returns to the venue for the second race of the 2026 season. Elliott came close to winning the Daytona 500 recently, finishing fourth, and is looking to build on his strong performance at the superspeedway-style EchoPark Speedway, where he holds the best average finish.

Why it matters

Elliott's success at EchoPark Speedway, the former Atlanta Motor Speedway, is significant as the track has evolved into a drafting-style superspeedway, creating intense pack racing similar to Daytona and Talladega. A repeat win for the hometown driver would solidify his standing early in the 2026 Cup Series season and maintain his momentum following a strong showing at Daytona.

The details

Located in Hampton, Georgia, EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, was reconfigured into a drafting-style superspeedway in 2022. According to NASCAR Insights, Elliott holds the best average finish at this venue, with two wins and six top-10 finishes, averaging a finish position of 9.14, reflecting his skill in pack-style racing conditions.

  • The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will race on Saturday, February 21.
  • The NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader 400 will take place on Sunday, February 22 at 3 p.m.

The players

Chase Elliott

A Georgia native and the most recent Cup Series winner at EchoPark Speedway, who is aiming to defend his title at the reworked track this weekend.

Tyler Reddick

The driver who passed Elliott in the final moments to win the recent Daytona 500.

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What they’re saying

“It's nice to say close to home, number one, but number two, I think it's the excitement and the energy. Got to experience that firsthand after the race there over the summer, which was just really cool to see and kind of feel that support.”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Chase Elliott's performance this weekend at EchoPark Speedway will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike, as a successful outing could solidify his standing early in the 2026 Cup Series season.

The takeaway

Elliott's strong record at the reconfigured EchoPark Speedway, combined with his near-miss at the Daytona 500, suggests he is poised for a successful start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, potentially adding to his growing reputation as one of the sport's top superspeedway racers.