Some races come with clear favorites. Others carry more questions than answers. The Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the season. While one name has already made headlines from the pole, others are quietly gaining speed. The 1.54-mile oval, known for its tight packs and quick moves, has a way of shaking things up. And this year, several drivers could turn heads when it matters most.
Track History: EchoPark Speedway
EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, is a storied 1.54-mile oval located south of Atlanta, Georgia. Built between 1958 and 1959 as Atlanta International Raceway, the track hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race in July 1960, won by Fireball Roberts from the pole. Over the decades, the venue became a staple of the NASCAR calendar, hosting multiple Cup races each season until 2011, when NASCAR reduced its visits to once per year until the 2021 season.
In 1990, Speedway Motorsports purchased the track, and in 1997, it was reconfigured to its current length with 28-degree banked turns and 5-degree straightaways, enhancing speed and competition. From 1987 to 2000, the track hosted the Cup Series’ season finale. After a major reconfiguration in 2021—introducing even steeper banking and a new surface—the track was renamed EchoPark Speedway, reflecting a new era while maintaining its legacy as a challenging, high-speed venue for NASCAR’s top series.
History of the Focused Health 250
In 2025, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has featured the Focused Health 250 at two different venues, marking a unique chapter in the event’s history. The first Focused Health 250 of the year was held at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2025. This road course event saw Connor Zilisch claim victory after a dominant performance, starting from pole and leading the most laps.
Later in the season, the Focused Health 250 name returns, this time at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia, on June 27, 2025. This race is set on the high-banked, 1.54-mile tri-oval, a venue known for its fast, competitive pack racing and dramatic finishes. The dual use of the Focused Health 250 name in 2025—once at a road course and once at a superspeedway-style oval—reflects the evolving nature of NASCAR’s event branding and the series’ willingness to bring premier sponsorships to multiple marquee events in a single season.
Possible Winners: Spotlight on Current Drivers and the Pole Winner
Predicting the winner of the Focused Health 250 requires a close look at current drivers and their recent performances at road courses. The 2025 edition saw a field packed with rising stars and experienced road racers. Based on practice speeds, race results, and team strength, these five drivers stand out as favorites for victory:
Connor Zilisch (No. 88, JR Motorsports): The defending race winner and pole sitter, Zilisch led a race-high 26 laps in 2025, showcasing his road course prowess and composure under pressure. His practice speed was unmatched, and he translated pole position into a dominant victory.
- Jesse Love (No. 2, Richard Childress Racing): Consistently fast in practice and a strong contender in 2025, Love has proven his ability to run up front and challenge for wins throughout the season.
- Austin Hill (No. 21, Richard Childress Racing): Known for his consistency and top-5 speed in practice, Hill excels in technical sections and is a perennial threat
- William Byron (No. 17, Hendrick Motorsports): A Cup Series star with multiple road course wins, Byron finished second in the 2025 Focused Health 250, demonstrating his speed and experience on challenging circuits.
- Sam Mayer (No. 41, Haas Factory Team): Mayer finished third in 2025, showing strong late-race execution and the ability to capitalize on restarts and strategy calls.
News in Brief: NASCAR Focused Health 250 Predictions at EchoPark
The Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway features a strong mix of rising stars and proven talent. Connor Zilisch enters as the defending winner and pole sitter, with Jesse Love, Austin Hill, William Byron, and Sam Mayer all showing top speed and smart racecraft. Each has the tools to win on this fast, unpredictable track. With tight packs and late-race moves likely, any of them could take the checkered flag.
ALSO READ: 2025 Focused Health 250 Entry List: 38 Drivers Set for Friday Night Showdown at EchoPark Speedway
