Following its redevelopment in 2021, Atlanta Motor Speedway—now named EchoPark Speedway—has rapidly become a center of discussion within NASCAR circles. Massive infrastructure changes, such as increased banking and narrower corners, converted the track into what many see as a smaller version of the iconic superspeedways, with 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney vocal about his preference for racing at Atlanta over traditional venues like Talladega and Daytona. This Ryan Blaney Atlanta racing preference reflects a shifting dialogue about what defines the best experience in NASCAR competition and fandom.
Since the renovation, Atlanta races have received widespread praise in the NASCAR community, being dubbed some of the most exciting on the circuit. Despite frequent large wrecks, fans and drivers alike note that races at the revamped track are unpredictable and highly competitive. Cars at the front struggle to maintain their lead, largely due to the technical challenges presented by the tighter, more demanding corners. This dynamic ensures that several of the top drivers retain a realistic shot at victory in the final laps, generating tension and excitement for spectators and competitors.
Blaney Explains the Challenge and Excitement of Atlanta
Ryan Blaney, now a leading voice on the topic, told fellow drivers and fans that Atlanta stands apart because of its racing dynamics. The unique difficulty of leading laps and handling tight corners sets it apart even among well-loved superspeedways.
“Throughout the race and especially towards the end, the leader couldn’t hold position. That place is just getting that way. The runs have always been big there, but I feel like it’s even more so now, because you handle worse in the corner, so it spreads a little bit more and that makes the runs that much bigger. So, the leader gets away.”
—Ryan Blaney, Cup Champion
Blaney further explained that the modern Atlanta track forces even experienced drivers into unpredictable situations. Multiple drivers losing control—sometimes spinning out without contact—has become a regular feature of these events. According to Blaney, both fan engagement and driver adrenaline are heightened by the constant potential for mishaps, as seen with competitors like Christopher Bell, who spun while seeking clean air in a recent race. As Blaney summarized:
“It’s getting to where it’s a handful. I mean, you saw multiple guys spin out on their own the other night. [Christopher] Bell spun out in that wreck, just trying to get clean air and he got offset and he just spun out. There was a lot of other guys that just lost it. Everyone had their handful. It’s becoming a pretty fun race. I’d say I have more fun at Atlanta, speedway racing, than Talladega and Daytona.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
This competitive unpredictability, combined with challenging handling conditions, is what draws Blaney and many fans towards Atlanta as the sport’s emerging jewel. The difficulty in controlling the vehicle through narrow, fast corners means neither leading nor following positions offer ease, contributing both to the track’s reputation and its risks.
Racers Remain Divided Over Old Versus New Atlanta
Even with its newfound popularity and spectacle, divisions persist among drivers regarding the transformation of Atlanta. Although Blaney now places Atlanta above Daytona and Talladega for overall excitement, he admits a personal affinity for the former layout—one that allowed racers more creative freedom on track.
“Like you said, it’s entertaining to watch. I think any racer will say, I like the old Atlanta, from a racer standpoint. Fans didn’t like it because, ‘Oh it gets strung out and yada yada,’ and stuff like that. And Atlanta, now it’s just more packed up and stuff.”
—Ryan Blaney, Cup Champion
Blaney claims that while the contemporary version of Atlanta provides close-quarters racing and dramatic moments—including the infamous wrecks at the latest Quaker State 400—this comes with chaos and less of the skillful maneuvering he admired in the previous design. The constant action may attract television viewers and live audiences, but seasoned drivers like Blaney view the modern racing as a trade-off between pure racing skill and entertainment value.
“But yeah, it’s a spectacle, that’s for sure. Is it like an amazing racer’s race? No, like it’s just pandemonium, chaos. There is fun moments, but, yeah, I prefer the old one.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
Fan Engagement and Future Prospects for Atlanta Races
Ultimately, the overhaul of Atlanta Motor Speedway was carried out in response to growing expectations for spectacle in one of NASCAR’s marquee markets and at the home track of popular drivers like Chase Elliott. By adapting the venue into a mini-superspeedway, organizers aimed to ensure Atlanta’s status as a premier destination on the racing calendar while maintaining its position as a cornerstone for both local fans and television audiences.
For competitors such as Blaney and others, the debate about the track’s best incarnation remains unresolved, with the merits of classic layout and new design weighed differently by drivers and fans. While many drivers—Blaney and compatriots included—miss the greater racing latitude of the older Atlanta, growing fan engagement and the possibility for surprise winners continue to define the event’s character, at least for now. Observers now look to the future, speculating on whether Atlanta’s approach will eventually eclipse Daytona and Talladega as the new gold standard for competitive and entertaining speedway racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Kyle Petty say about Ryan Blaney?
A. Ryan Blaney recently responded to Kyle Petty after Blaney won the Cup Series championship. In March 2023, ex-NASCAR driver Kyle Petty commented on Blaney’s performance. Petty mentioned that while people say Blaney has potential, he hasn’t proven it yet.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney clinched victory in the fall race at Talladega, finishing just 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. Despite an early pit road spin, he moved on to the Round of 8.
