This weekend, NASCAR’s top series makes its highly anticipated visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway, now officially known as EchoPark Speedway. The event promises to deliver high-octane excitement, with a full grid of 40 competing vehicles set to race on the historic Georgia track.

Record-Setting Entry Numbers in the 2023 NASCAR Season

Throughout the current season, the NASCAR Cup Series has seen only two races feature a 40-car starting lineup, both of which are considered marquee events. The first was the Daytona 500, where the field expanded to 41 cars due to Helio Castroneves receiving the Open Exemption Provisional, allowing him to compete beyond the standard limit. The second was the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race, where Ross Chastain made a remarkable charge from 40th position to claim victory, marking a historic moment in the series.

Atlanta’s 40-Car Field: A Mix of Full-Time and Open Entries

This weekend’s race at Atlanta will be the third event of the season to feature a 40-car grid, including four open entries beyond the 36 full-time chartered teams. Among these is Corey LaJoie, who will be behind the wheel of the No. 01 Ford for Rick Ware Racing. LaJoie is making his fourth start of the year, following a stint as a television analyst for Prime Video, adding a unique perspective to the race.

Another notable entry is rising star Connor Zilisch, who will pilot the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, sponsored by Red Bull. Zilisch, who recently secured his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Pocono with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as his crew chief, is set to make his third Cup Series appearance of the season. His participation highlights the increasing influx of young talent into NASCAR’s premier division.

The remaining open entries include B.J. McLeod in the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, and veteran driver David Starr, aged 57, in the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Garage 66 (formerly MBM Motorsports). These entries exemplify the diverse mix of seasoned veterans and emerging drivers competing in the series.

Additional NASCAR Series Action at Atlanta and Lime Rock

While the Cup Series takes center stage at Atlanta, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will also be competing at the same venue, providing fans with a full weekend of racing action. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Truck Series will venture north to Lime Rock Park for its inaugural race at this iconic road course, marking a new chapter for the series in 2023.

Complete Entry List for EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

As the race approaches, enthusiasts are eager to see how the field shapes up, with the current entry list reflecting a blend of established stars and promising newcomers. The event is expected to draw significant attention, given the high number of entries and the competitive nature of the season so far.

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