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!

Atlanta lived up to its reputation as a high-speed pressure cooker this week, delivering the kind of chaos that keeps us on the edge of our seats. We saw a staggering 10 cautions take out 13 cars, but the real story was Tyler Reddick somehow clinching the win in double overtime. On a track where aerodynamics is everything, Reddick defied the odds by taking the checkered flag while missing his entire right front fender.

Andy: After a disappointing Daytona, I was hunting for a bounce-back in Georgia. Well, that didn’t happen. Two of my heavy hitters, Zilisch and Larson, finished 30th and 32nd. Larson basically ended his own day making a move he just didn’t need to make, and it cost him. I was counting on Blaney and Elliott to carry the mail, but 10th and 11th place finishes just weren’t enough to save the day for Windy City Racin’. UGH! 😫🚫

Leesl: While Andy is over there licking his wounds, my Lone Star Racin’ crew drove like they were in a massive hurry to get out of Georgia and back home to Texas! We cruised to a 130-point win, placing five drivers in the top 10 and seven in the top 20. I hate to say I told you so (actually, I love it), but my team is officially 2 for 2 to start the season. Led by Reddick—who is now one of only six drivers in history to win the first two races of the year—and Bubba Wallace sitting 2nd in points, Andy is basically just chasing my taillights at this point! 🤠🔥

The Spotter’s Guide: Deep in the Heart of Texas! 🔭

Leesl: I may be a San Antonio native living in the DFW area now, but I know a Texas-sized challenge when I see one. Even though I haven’t made it down to COTA in person yet, I’ve been doing my homework on what the drivers are facing this weekend. Here is what we’re watching for:

• The Blind Ascent: The start of the race is wild. The cars roar up a 133-foot hill into Turn 1. It’s a blind corner, meaning the drivers have to commit to the turn before they can even see the apex. 😲
• The “Short” Course: For the second year in a row, NASCAR is using the 2.4-mile National Course rather than the full F1 circuit. It cuts out the long backstretch, which means more technical turns, more gear shifting, and a lot more opportunities for drivers to bump each other out of the way. 💥
• The “Don’t Cut” Rule: Keep an eye on Turn 6. NASCAR just announced they’ll be using “AI-generated” cameras to enforce track limits there this year. If a driver tries to cheat the corner to save time, the “eye in the sky” will catch ’em! 📸

Speeding Forward: Green Flag in the Hill Country!

Andy: We’re shifting gears now as we head to the first road course of the year: COTA in Austin. This track is a beast—a 20-turn circuit featuring that iconic 133-foot uphill climb into Turn 1. It’s built for technical, dramatic maneuvers, and my team is desperate to run up front all day and finally claw back some points. The comeback starts now.

Leesl: Now Andy, no need to panic just because you’re staring at my bumper! We’re only two races in, and all it takes is one dominant weekend to get back in the hunt. I’m not exactly praying for that to happen, but I guess it’s possible. Though, if your guys start driving with that “desperate” energy, it’ll probably just make it easier for me to pad my lead. 😂

Andy: I’m actually feeling a lot more confident heading into Austin. Bowman, Elliott, and Bell have all flexed their muscles here before. Plus, Larson and Blaney are typically masters of the road course. If my guys stay smartly aggressive from the jump, the Windy City comeback is happening. 🦾

Leesl: You’ve got some talent, I’ll give you that, but you’re coming into my backyard now. Tyler Reddick is a wizard at COTA—can he make it three straight wins to start the season? Plus, I’ve got William Byron and the road-course king himself, SVG (who racked up five road course wins as a rookie last year). Get ready, Andy, because Lone Star Racin’ is ready to show off for the home crowd. 👢🌵🏁

Chase for the Cup: Our 2026 Standings!

Team	Owner	Points	Status
Lone Star Racin’	Leesl	482	Leader 📈
Windy City Racin’	Andy	326	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 🏁

Andy: Look, I’m not digging my own grave just yet. Atlanta was a mess for Windy City Racin’, but road courses are where drivers like Elliott and Larson shine. I’m putting my money on a comeback in Austin to finally break Leesl’s streak. If my guys can just keep the fenders on the cars this week, we’re back in business.

Leesl: I’m coming into the COTA weekend with a 156-point lead and a whole lot of Texas pride. Tyler Reddick is looking like he’s playing a different game than everyone else right now, and I don’t see him slowing down just because there are a few extra turns in the road. Y’all better get used to seeing the No. 45 in Victory Lane! 👑🥇✨

Join the Crew!

Who do you think takes the checkered flag in Austin? Can Reddick make it a historic 3-for-3? Drop your predictions in the comments below! 👇