Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott have built strong records at the track now known as EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway. One carries the pride of Georgia; the other carries the best average finish. The emotional win in 2022 still defines Chase Elliott at home, but the stats reveal a different leader. Quietly and consistently, Ryan Blaney has become the most reliable driver at Atlanta, even when the spotlight shines elsewhere. The truth becomes clear when the numbers speak.
Key Highlights:
Ryan Blaney leads all active drivers at Atlanta with a 9.6 average finish.
Chase Elliott’s 2022 win was emotional—but he ranks third overall in average finish (12.2).
Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch still sit in the top 5, showing lasting legacies.
Blaney has raced Atlanta 14 times and led 175 laps, despite low fanfare.
Carson Hocevar ranks fourth, though with a small sample of three starts.
Georgia’s Favorite Son: Chase Elliott’s 2022 Breakthrough at Home
For Chase Elliott, his 2022 win at Atlanta Motor Speedway was more than just another checkered flag—it was a career milestone, a moment of personal significance, and a love letter to the fans who’ve supported him from his early days. The Quaker State 400 saw Elliott dominate much of the race, leading 96 laps, and fend off a hard-charging field in a tense final sprint before Corey LaJoie’s crash brought out the caution on the final lap.
The win marked Elliott’s first Cup Series victory at his home track, an emotional moment amplified by the cheering crowd and his Georgia roots.
“I’m just so proud. This is obviously home for me and home to a lot of great fans who made a lot of noise today. Couldn’t be more proud of our team.” – Chase Elliott
Fans in Dawsonville, his hometown, rang the siren at the famed pool hall, a tradition reserved for Chase’s wins. The emotional resonance of that victory continues to define his relationship with Atlanta. Yet, despite the personal significance and fanfare, Elliott ranks only third in average finish among current NASCAR drivers at the track—with a 12.2 average across 13 career races.
Quiet and Consistent—Ryan Blaney Tops the Chart
When you look beyond the headlines and hometown heroes, Ryan Blaney’s name sits at the top of the stats sheet. With an average finish of 9.6 in 14 races, Blaney holds the best overall mark among all current drivers at Atlanta. He’s led 175 laps in that time and has consistently stayed in the mix, even if not always in the spotlight.
| Driver | Avg Finish | Races | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Blaney | 9.6 | 14 | 175 |
| Jimmie Johnson | 11.9 | 29 | 585 |
| Chase Elliott | 12.2 | 13 | 164 |
| Carson Hocevar | 12.3 | 3 | 1 |
| Kyle Busch | 12.8 | 31 | 623 |
Blaney may not have a dramatic homecoming story to pair with his performance, but his results are undeniable. Over 14 starts, his worst finishes have still kept him well within striking distance of the leaders. His combination of clean driving, patience on long green-flag runs, and strategic pit timing has made him one of Atlanta’s most reliable racers.
With Atlanta’s repaved and reprofiled layout changing the game in recent years—turning the track into something of a superspeedway hybrid—Blaney has adapted better than most. That flexibility has allowed him to continue stacking solid results, even as others struggle to find their footing.
Atlanta’s Elite—Ryan Blaney Joins the Company of Legends
Blaney’s quiet consistency at Atlanta places him in elite company. Two NASCAR greats—Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch—still sit among the top five in average finish at the track.
Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, competed at Atlanta 29 times, finishing with an average of 11.9 and leading 585 laps. His mastery of long runs and corner entry speed made him a perennial threat at the track during his prime.
Kyle Busch, known for his aggressive style and versatility, has 31 Atlanta starts under his belt, with an average finish of 12.8 and 623 laps led—the most among anyone in the top 5.
Even Carson Hocevar, though with just three starts, makes the list with an average of 12.3. It’s a small sample, but it shows how quickly the young driver has adapted to the track’s quirks.
Blaney’s consistency allows him to not just be a top-five average finisher—but one who holds his own against legends. And as Johnson nears full retirement and Busch moves toward the later years of his career, it’s Blaney who appears to be the current torchbearer for excellence at Atlanta.
News in Brief: Ryan Blaney Tops Chase Elliott at Atlanta Track
At a track where emotion, legacy, and fandom run deep, Ryan Blaney’s statistical dominance at Atlanta Motor Speedway stands out as a quiet revelation. Chase Elliott may always be Atlanta’s favorite son, and his 2022 victory will remain iconic—but in terms of consistent performance, Blaney is king of the “Atlanta.”
In a sport that often celebrates the loudest or the most dramatic, Blaney’s steady excellence reminds us that sometimes the most effective performances don’t need fireworks—they just need results. As Atlanta prepares to host another summer showdown, keep an eye not just on who wins, but on who always seems to be there when it matters most.
ALSO READ: Atlanta Motor Speedway Delivers Daytona-Level Thrills as Insider Praises Racing Intensity
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is favored to win at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
According to Caesars Sportsbook, Team Penske drivers headline the favorites for the NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway. Ryan Blaney leads the odds at +750, followed closely by teammates Austin Cindric and Joey Logano, both listed at +850 for the Quaker State 400.
Q. What is Chase Elliott’s favorite track?
A. “I don’t really know why that place has been good for me, but it has for sure and I’m thankful for it. I’ve enjoyed going up there. It’s a challenging track. I think it just kind of suits some of the things that I want behind the wheel.” – Chase Elliott on Dover Motor Speedway
