The NASCAR Cup Series is revving up for the highly anticipated 2025 Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at 3 p.m. ET. After the buzz surrounding the season-opening Daytona 500, where William Byron clinched back-to-back titles, eyes now shift to Atlanta, known for its fast-paced and dramatic races.
Ryan Blaney leads the field as the favorite, boasting odds of 15-2, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Ambetter Health 400 where he finished as one of the top contenders. This year, he starts on the pole position, which is often considered advantageous at this high-speed track. Not far behind him is Joey Logano, the 2023 champion at Atlanta with odds of 10-1, who is eager to showcase his driving prowess once again.
The defending champion, Daniel Suarez, enters the race as a longshot with odds of 22-1. Last year's race ended dramatically with Suarez clinching victory just 0.003 seconds ahead of Blaney and Kyle Busch, marking one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. His strong performance at Atlanta's recent outings adds weight to his potential for another upset this year.
"You can't count out Daniel Suarez; last year he showed us all just how thrilling NASCAR can be," said SportsLine analyst Phil Bobbitt. Suarez's consistency at Atlanta, including several top finishes, means his odds could hold great value for those placing bets.
Also, keep your eyes on other competitive drivers this Sunday. Christopher Bell, at 20-1, has shown strong results with impressive finishes over the past races at this track. Having claimed multiple top ten results, Bell is another contender who could surprise. Despite his less favorable odds, he drives for Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team at this event with ten victories.
Weather conditions are always unpredictable, though. The forecast suggests cloudy skies with temperatures hovering around 50°F, which could affect car performance and strategy throughout the race. Teams will need to adapt quickly to any changes to maximize their chances.
Throughout the weekend, fans can watch the race on FOX, beginning with pre-race coverage at 2 p.m. ET. For those following online, the event will stream on the FOX Sports app, allowing dedicated NASCAR followers to stay connected.
At the heart of the race is the dynamic between speed and strategy. The 1.54-mile track often features tight racing, leading to dramatic finishes. Simulations predict the Ambetter Health 400 will once again provide nail-biting moments as drivers battle for position during the 260 laps, totaling 400.4 miles.
The race is divided across three stages: the first stage will run for 60 laps, followed by 100 laps for the second, and concluding with another 100 laps for the final stage. It’s during these pivotal stages where drivers will look to exploit their strategies, making for exhilarating viewing.
Fans can expect plenty of surprises as well. Many long-shots could pull off upsets, with drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., at +6600 odds, displaying the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing. He has previously challenged for race wins and is known for his aggressive driving style, which often lends itself well on tracks like Atlanta.
Each edition of the Ambetter Health 400 stands as proof of NASCAR's excitement, and with the 2025 season underway, the stage is set for another unforgettable experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Audience participation and engagement continue to grow, alongside anticipation as great talent emerges all season long.
For those planning to attend, tickets are still available, and it promises to be a fitting follow-up to the thrilling spectacle of the Daytona 500. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the best drivers compete for glory at Atlanta. Whether you’re at the track or watching from home, the energy surrounding the Ambetter Health 400 is sure to make Sunday’s event exceptional.
The NASCAR Cup Series is back with more edge-of-the-seat action, promising excitement we’ve come to associate with this beloved sport. Be sure to tune in and witness history being made.