The green flag is in the air – where the engines roar, the rivalry begins, and we shift into high gear for another week of racing action.

Welcome to this week’s recap!

Andy: The 2026 NASCAR season didn’t just start; it exploded off the line. Daytona was everything we love (and a few things we hate) about superspeedway racing. It was absolute chaos from green to checkered, setting a record with 25 different leaders.

It’s always a heartbreak to see strong contenders taken out by questionable moves. Justin Allgaier and Riley Herbst definitely ruffled some feathers with aggressive driving that ended the day early for several fast cars. But that’s Daytona—if you aren’t dodging wrecks, you aren’t racing.

Leesl: While the “Big One” took its toll, my team stayed focused. Just like last year, Lone Star Racin’ is off to a hot start! I’m currently sitting on a 26-point lead thanks to a masterful performance by Tyler Reddick.

Reddick timed his move perfectly, slicing past the last-lap carnage and overtaking Ricky Stenhouse and Joey Logano for the win. I’m not sure who was wearing a bigger smile in Victory Lane—Tyler, or his team owner, Michael Jordan! 🏀🏁

The Turnaround: Heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway! 🍑

Andy: We don’t have long to catch our breath because we’re heading straight to Atlanta. It’s another high-speed beast, but with a different personality. Since the track changes a few years ago, the speeds are slightly lower for safety, but the side-by-side racing is as intense as it gets.

To give you an idea of how the “new” Atlanta compares to the “old” school:

• The Record: 197.47 mph (set back in 1997)
• The Modern Pace: 179.37 mph (2025)

Leesl: It’s still plenty fast! However, Mother Nature decided to throw a wrench in the plans this morning. Rain washed out Cup Series qualifying, which means the field was set by the rulebook—putting Daytona winner Tyler Reddick on the pole. For Lone Star Racin’, having my lead driver start P1 is the ultimate momentum builder! 🤠

Andy: It’s a massive opportunity for me to close that 26-point gap, though. I have some heavy hitters in my lineup this week who are starting right up front with Tyler. Between Chase Elliott (starting P3), and Ryan Blaney, I have two drivers who know exactly how to find the front in Georgia.

The Spotter’s Guide: What to Watch for in Atlanta 🔭

If you’re tuning in this Sunday, keep an eye on these three factors that could flip our leaderboard:

• The “Hometown” Factor: Chase Elliott is heading back to his happy place. He lives just 80 miles from the track in Dawsonville. After a heartbreaking last-lap wreck at Daytona, he’s looking for a “home cooking” win to put Windy City Racin’ back on top.
• Superspeedway Lite: Atlanta now races like a mini-Daytona. Expect a lot of “pack racing” where drivers are glued together in two or three lanes. The big difference? The wrecks happen faster here because the track is a whole mile shorter than Daytona.
• Tire Strategy: Unlike the old Atlanta track that chewed up tires like sandpaper, this new surface is smooth. Goodyear is bringing a new right-side tire this week to encourage a bit more wear and better racing, so watch for who manages their rubber best in the final stage.

Chase for the Cup: Our 2026 Standings!

Team	Owner	Points	Status
Lone Star Racin’	Leesl	187	Leader 📈
Windy City Racin’	Andy	161	Chasing 📉

Our Rosters:

• Leesl’s Lone Star Racin’ – These boots are meant for racing!
  • Hamlin, Logano, Reddick (Win! 🏆), Byron, Briscoe, Wallace, SVG, Chastain.
• Andy’s Windy City Racin’ – From second city to first place!
  • Elliott, Larson, Blaney, Bell, Bowman, Buescher, Keselowski, Zilisch.

The Victory Lane Verdict 🏁

Leesl: I’m not worried about “home cooking” when I’ve got Tyler Reddick starting on the pole and a 26-point cushion. Lone Star Racin’ is playing defense this week, and I like our chances.

Andy: Defense is just another word for “waiting to be passed,” Leesl. With Elliott starting in the top three, that 26-point lead is looking very vulnerable. Consider the gauntlet thrown!

Who do you have winning in Atlanta? Can Chase Elliott take it home for the Georgia fans, or will we see another surprise winner? Let us know in the comments! 👇