The 2025 Ambetter Health 400, the second race of the NASCAR Cup Series season, is set to take place today, February 23, 2025, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. This event will cover 260 laps on the 1.54-mile asphalt quad-oval, totaling 400.4 miles.
The race is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX, with radio coverage provided by the Performance Racing Network (PRN).
2025 Ambetter Health 400 Qualifying Highlights
In Saturday’s qualifying session, Team Penske showcased a strong performance, securing the front row for today’s race. Ryan Blaney earned the pole position with a lap time of 30.908 seconds (179.371 mph), marking the 11th pole of his NASCAR Cup Series career. His teammate, Austin Cindric, will start alongside him in second place, just 0.002 seconds behind. The second row features Josh Berry and Joey Logano, while Todd Gilliland rounds out the top five starters.
Race Dynamics
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s reconfiguration in 2022 transformed it into a superspeedway-style track, emphasizing the importance of drafting and pack racing. This change has led to unpredictable and thrilling finishes, as evidenced by last year’s three-wide conclusion. Teams and drivers have adapted their strategies accordingly, focusing on aerodynamics and drafting partnerships. The race is expected to feature tight packs and multiple lead changes, with drivers needing to balance aggression with patience to avoid incidents.
Weather Conditions
The forecast for today’s race indicates dry skies, providing optimal conditions for both drivers and fans. Clear weather minimizes the likelihood of delays and ensures that teams can execute their strategies without the variable of changing track conditions.
Broadcast Information
Fans can tune in to FOX at 3 p.m. ET to watch the race live, with commentary provided by Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer, and three-time Atlanta winner Kevin Harvick. For radio listeners, PRN will offer live coverage, featuring announcers Brad Gillie and Mark Garrow in the booth, with turn announcements by Rob Albright and Doug Turnbull. Pit road reporting will be handled by Brett McMillan, Alan Cavanna, and Wendy Venturini.
As the green flag approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and competitive race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the 2025 Ambetter Health 400 is poised to deliver high-speed action and memorable moments for NASCAR fans.
All odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook
2025 Ambetter Health 400 Predictions
Option 1: Ryan Blaney (+750)
Starting from the pole, Blaney has demonstrated exceptional performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Over the last five races at this track, he boasts the best driver rating, an average running position of 6.8, and an average finish of 5.2. His proficiency in drafting and superspeedway-style racing positions him as a formidable contender for today’s race.
Option 2: Daniel Suárez (+2200)
The defending champion of the Ambetter Health 400, Suárez clinched victory last year in a thrilling three-wide finish. Despite a challenging qualifying session that places him 29th on the starting grid, Suárez’s track record at Atlanta is impressive, with multiple top-six finishes since the track’s reconfiguration in 2022. His ability to navigate through the pack makes him a driver to watch.
Option 3: Chase Elliott (+1800)
A Georgia native, Elliott aims to capitalize on his home-track advantage. With a previous win at Atlanta in 2022 and eight top-10 finishes in 12 starts, he has consistently performed well at this venue. After a quiet showing at the Daytona 500, Elliott is poised to make a strong comeback in front of his home crowd.
Option 4: Ross Chastain (+2500)
Known for his aggressive driving style, Chastain has shown promise at drafting tracks like Atlanta. His ability to make bold moves could position him as a dark horse in today’s race.
Option 5: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (+5000)
With a history of strong performances on superspeedway-style tracks, Stenhouse is a driver to consider. He finished sixth in this race last year and has four career wins at drafting-style tracks. Starting from a mid-pack position, his experience could play a pivotal role in navigating the field.