Overview
- Tyler Reddick opened 2026 with wins at the Daytona 500 and Atlanta, becoming the first driver since 2009 to start 2-0 and taking the points lead.
- Bubba Wallace led 46 laps at Atlanta before a late overtime move cost him the win, finishing eighth as Michael Jordan consoled him post-race, and he sits second in points.
- Atlanta produced a record 57 lead changes with numerous cautions, and upstart outfits Spire and Trackhouse placed multiple cars in the top 10.
- Spire’s Carson Hocevar contended late, triggered an overtime crash with contact to Christopher Bell and still finished fourth, with teammate Daniel Suarez in fifth as the team’s form continues.
- COTA arrives with Shane van Gisbergen on a five-race road/street winning streak, Reddick owning a prior COTA victory and elite averages there, and Brad Keselowski’s status uncertain as Joey Hand stands by to relieve if needed.