Spire Motorsports is preparing for the upcoming Cup Series Atlanta Race, aiming to leverage recent lessons and positive momentum as they bring competitive entries to the track this weekend. Drivers Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar are set to drive for the team at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a unique venue that provides a challenging racing environment for both newcomers and seasoned racers.
Drivers Share Their Atlanta Perspectives
Daniel Suárez, who will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, emphasizes Atlanta’s distinct character, noting that it does not fit cleanly into the mold of either a superspeedway or an intermediate track. Instead, he views Atlanta as a hybrid, which presents its own demands for drivers and teams. Suárez’s approach is reflective of his understanding of how quickly events can unfold during the race, and he is keen to adapt to the ever-changing racing conditions.
“I don’t think it’s either in my opinion. I think it’s a hybrid track and the reason why I like it so much is because it is very different. It doesn’t race like a 1.5-mile track but it also doesn’t race like a superspeedway, either, because everything happens so quick. The way the track is built, the speed in the corners, the banking is just completely different when you compare it to another 1.5 mile track, for example, Kansas Speedway. So, the way I see it, yes maybe on paper people call Atlanta a superspeedway with that style of racing, but to me it’s a hybrid.”
— Daniel Suárez, Driver
Suárez also underlines the mental demands required by this racetrack, comparing the relentless pace and lack of breathing room to other circuits on the schedule. He points to the constant attention required lap after lap, regardless of running position.
“Atlanta is very mentally exhausting. At most 1.5-mile tracks, you usually get some space after five or 10 laps to move around, and at superspeedways, it’s intense but mostly in the first 15 laps. At Atlanta, you never get space—you can’t relax or reset. Even running 25th, it’s still super intense. You have to go full speed and constantly learn and adjust during the race. There’s no time to think about what just happened because everything happens so fast.”
— Daniel Suárez, Driver
Focus on Recent Experiences and Team Momentum
Michael McDowell, behind the wheel of the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, draws from last season’s challenges at Atlanta, aiming to convert experience into a stronger result. Despite facing adversity in previous races, he is optimistic thanks to the team’s ability to recover and recent strong performances, including the fast cars at Daytona, which also require drafting skills that will be valuable on Atlanta’s semi-speedway configuration.
“I am looking forward to going to Atlanta with B’laster on our Spire Motorsports Chevy. We obviously had some troubles there on the No. 71 last year and rallied back to the lead lap, but 77 had a great run there at the end of the race; Carson was one of the fastest cars. So, we have a good notebook and good momentum coming off Daytona with having cars that had lots of speed and handled well, now going to another drafting semi-speedway track to hopefully redeem ourselves from Daytona.”
— Michael McDowell, Driver
Hocevar’s Aggressive Approach and Atlanta’s Appeal
Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 77 car, is clear about his mindset for the Atlanta race. He emphasizes an attacking strategy as the path to success, prioritizing making bold moves on track over playing defense. Hocevar’s enthusiasm for the event is matched by his affinity for Atlanta’s current layout, which he likens to racing at Daytona during its bumpier years—a setup that allows for solo drafting and inventive driving.
“You just have to make moves. All offense, no defense.”
— Carson Hocevar, Driver
Reflecting on what makes the modern Atlanta configuration entertaining for him, Hocevar relates it to memorable Daytona races from the 2000s, enjoying the chance to repeatedly try new racecraft tactics until finding what works. The freedom to make and time moves independently excites him, and he views Atlanta as an opportunity to put his skills to the test and potentially achieve the results he’s aspired to.
“I’ve been envious and watched a bunch of races at the old bumpy Daytona. Every time I get to run Atlanta it just makes me think about bumpy Daytona where you can draft by yourself. You don’t need anybody. You can just make moves and time things. It’s basically all offense. It just works for me. If this move didn’t work, I’ll get back in line and make the next one. And if that didn’t work, I’ll make the next one. Eventually, one of my six moves is going to work and I’ll gain spots. Ultimately, I’m just smiling the whole time because it reminds me of those nostalgic 2000s era races at Daytona. Atlanta provides the opportunity and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so that’s the best thing we got.”
— Carson Hocevar, Driver
Bouncing Back After Daytona
Hocevar is determined to leave behind any disappointment from the Daytona 500 and channel renewed confidence into the Atlanta weekend. Despite narrowly missing out on a strong finish at Daytona, he remains focused on growth and execution for the Cup Series Atlanta Race Advance. His attitude embodies the resilience needed in motorsports.
“Well we ran second in the Duel on Thursday, and were right where we needed to be on Sunday. We were leading coming to the white, but obviously, things just didn’t work out. I’m not too disappointed knowing we were where we needed to be and there isn’t really anything I could have done to prevent the outcome. If anything, I am more confident for Atlanta this weekend.”
— Carson Hocevar, Driver
Significance for Spire Motorsports and the Atlanta Race
The Cup Series Atlanta Race Advance marks a key test for Spire Motorsports, as the team aims to capitalize on recent car speed and prepare for the challenges posed by Atlanta Motor Speedway’s unique configuration. With Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar each taking lessons from recent races and adopting individually tailored approaches, Spire Motorsports is positioned for a competitive showing. Their performance may influence team strategy as the season progresses and serve as a confidence boost as the schedule moves forward, especially with a race as unpredictable and demanding as Atlanta’s. The team’s collective adaptability and determination will be crucial as they navigate the relentless demands of Atlanta and look to make a significant impact in this year’s Cup Series.
