NASCAR saw a shocking Win with Shane Van Gisbergen capturing the flag on the Chicago Street Course, a feat that hasn’t been achieved in…a very long time! Complete outsiders to NASCAR typically don’t have success; we’re back to a 1.5-mile Intermediate this week with Atlanta — but remember: it’s fast!
Here’s what to look for:
–Aric Almirola snagged the Pole on Saturday, and he’ll start first. He’ll be the first of six Fords at the front of the field.
–Chase Elliott claimed his birthright last year by winning the race he was born to. His father, Bill Elliott, had won here five times, sweeping the ’85 and ’92 sets. No sweep for Elliott as he missed the Spring race due to injury, but he did win the last time he was here…
–Joey Logano was the victor back in April, leading 140 of 260 laps and starting from Pole. Logano will have a little more work to do this time — he’ll start 4th.
–Kevin Harvick had a VERY famous victory here way back in 2001. He replaced Dale Earnhardt (after his untimely demise at the DAYTONA 500) in what-would-be the #3, but they changed the number to #29. It meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but universally accepted by most as a positive moment. Harvick will make his final start at Atlanta today.
–Justin Haley nearly won the Grant Park 220 at Chicago last week, and surprised some last year after finishing 7th in this event (and 11th in the earlier Spring race). He didn’t do too hot this past March, but momentum is everything, and he’s the best finishing driver from last week in the field today.
Coverage of the race starts on USA at 7:00pm, green flag scheduled for 7:20pm.
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