Joe Gibbs Racing returns to EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta with determination, aiming to build on a strong legacy at the 1.54-mile track. As the organization prepares for another high-stakes NASCAR Cup Series event, the team seeks to capitalize on their previous accomplishments and secure another win—a key goal highlighted in this Joe Gibbs Racing Atlanta preview.
JGR’s Longstanding Success in Atlanta
Through 151 NASCAR Cup Series races at EchoPark Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has amassed a dominant record, boasting 12 wins, 44 top-five finishes, 66 appearances in the top 10, four poles, and nearly 3,000 laps led. Championship-winning drivers like Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Bobby Labonte, and Tony Stewart have all delivered victories for JGR in Atlanta, further cementing the team’s proficiency at the iconic speedway.
Highlights from the 2025 NASCAR Season
JGR ended last season with three drivers—Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell—earning spots inside the top five of the final standings. The team collectively secured 13 points-paying victories, made 47 top-five appearances, finished in the top 10 on 69 occasions, and captured 13 poles, all while leading nearly 2,500 laps. Christopher Bell also added a non-points win at the NASCAR All-Star Race, and Ty Gibbs claimed the inaugural In-Season Tournament title, showcasing the organization’s depth across its roster.
Denny Hamlin’s Path at EchoPark Speedway
Piloting the No. 11 National Debt Relief Toyota Camry XSE, Denny Hamlin enters Atlanta with a singular Cup Series win at the speedway. Over 31 career starts at EchoPark, Hamlin has achieved six top-fives, 11 top-10s, and led 452 laps. Since the track’s reconfiguration, his best results have been a pair of sixth-place finishes, including last February’s race. Hamlin’s signature Atlanta win came in September 2012, when a crucial late-race pit stop gave him the lead, which he held through an overtime restart to claim victory.
Last week at the Daytona 500, Hamlin was a frontrunner, spending most of the race within the top 15 and leading the pack in that category for 156 of 200 laps. However, a late-race incident left him finishing 31st, underscoring the unpredictable nature of NASCAR’s biggest events.
Crew Chief Chris Gayle’s Record in Atlanta
Crew chief Chris Gayle, guiding Hamlin’s efforts, brings a wealth of Atlanta experience, including four top-10 Cup finishes. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Gayle’s leadership led to three victories: two with Kyle Busch (2016 and 2021) and another with Ty Gibbs (2022). This rich history of success adds vital strategic insight to Hamlin’s bid for victory this weekend.
Denny Hamlin’s Primary Sponsor and Support
This race weekend, National Debt Relief will be featured as the main sponsor on Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota. Since its founding in 2009, the company has established itself as a leader in debt settlement, assisting hundreds of thousands of Americans in overcoming financial challenges. The continued partnership underscores both the team’s off-track support and its determination to succeed in one of the nation’s most recognizable venues.
Chase Briscoe Races Forward with the No. 19 Team
Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE, brings 14 prior Atlanta starts across NASCAR’s national series. His top Atlanta result is a ninth-place finish in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2020. Briscoe began the 2026 Daytona 500 on the front row for the second consecutive year, led 23 laps, but his race was derailed by a multi-car crash, ultimately resulting in a 36th-place finish, 12 laps down. Briscoe’s consistency and speed at superspeedways suggest a strong recovery is possible this weekend.
James Small’s Leadership with the Briscoe Team
James Small enters his seventh season guiding the No. 19 crew, now in his second year working with Briscoe after five years with Martin Truex Jr. Throughout Small’s tenure atop the pit box, his drivers have combined for 11 wins, 60 top-fives, over 100 top-10s, 13 pole awards, and a remarkable 4,700 laps led—testament to his effective leadership and technical acumen.
Bass Pro Shops Maintains Prominent Partnership
Bass Pro Shops, under the visionary stewardship of Johnny Morris, continues as Briscoe’s primary backer in Atlanta. The company’s ongoing dedication to conservation and American families stands out, especially since being recognized by Newsweek as
America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear
—Newsweek. This relationship reinforces the synergy between outdoor brands and motorsport, engaging a wide range of NASCAR fans and families.
Christopher Bell’s Momentum as Defending Race Winner
Christopher Bell enters the Atlanta weekend as the most recent race winner at EchoPark Speedway. Last February, Bell charged from a starting position deep in the field, ultimately moving to the lead in dramatic fashion as a caution secured his place at the front on the final lap. In 11 Cup races at Atlanta, Bell has three top-fives, four top-10s, a pole, and impressive results in multiple NASCAR divisions, including a O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win at the track and a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship season victory in 2017, where he started on pole and led 99 laps.
In the latest Daytona 500, Bell was competitive, battling near the front after starting 12th before getting caught up in a late incident with just nine laps to go, finishing 35th. He will look to leave misfortune behind and add another Atlanta win to his résumé.
DEWALT and its Atlanta-Based Partners
Bell’s No. 20 DEWALT Toyota will feature Lithko, a leading U.S. concrete contractor, on the lower hood this weekend, and Gardner-Watson Studs on the decklid. These partnerships underline DEWALT’s commitment to connecting with the working professionals who form a critical part of NASCAR’s fanbase.
Ty Gibbs Builds on Experience at EchoPark Speedway
Ty Gibbs arrives in Atlanta for his seventh NASCAR Cup Series race at the speedway. Having notched two top-10 finishes—most recently a ninth in March 2023—Gibbs continues to adjust to Cup Series challenges. His victory in the March 2022 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and strong showings in subsequent events hint at further breakthroughs to come. During the Daytona 500, Gibbs started 20th and, despite involvement in a last-lap crash, finished highest among JGR drivers in 23rd position.
Tyler Allen’s Strategy and Impact
Crew chief Tyler Allen is now in his second year partnering with Gibbs on the No. 54 team, having previously guided them to five top-fives, ten top-10s, and over 300 laps led. In the 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Allen’s efforts put JGR’s No. 20 team in victory lane eight times, supporting a runner-up finish in the owners’ standings. Allen’s insights and keen race management strengthen Gibbs’ prospects at Atlanta.
What’s at Stake for Joe Gibbs Racing in Atlanta
EchoPark Speedway remains a hallmark for Joe Gibbs Racing’s proud tradition, and this weekend’s event is another opportunity for the team to reinforce its status as a powerhouse in NASCAR competition. With seasoned winners like Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe’s drive to rebound, Christopher Bell defending last year’s win, and Ty Gibbs pushing for another breakout moment, all four entries will be at the center of attention in Atlanta. Their results will play a critical role in shaping not only the momentum of their season, but also the ongoing reputation of JGR as a relentless competitor at one of NASCAR’s most storied tracks.
