Much like OutKast’s classic “Stankonia,” the fourth edition of the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway could prove the most complete.
NASCAR is on a heater, rollicking in the delight of the wildly successful Chicago street race. Now comes the pressure: can stock car racing’s elite keep the momentum going in the A?
Conventional wisdom says yes. The Cup Series season is heating up, with results proving more vital with each passing race. Drivers outside the playoff cut line will start taking risks. Just look at Austin Dillon in last week’s race.
The chaos should make for an interesting sight. It might not make for the cleanest of racing. But if the competition is fierce and the battles fair, you can’t imagine fans minding too much.
MORE: Watch the Quaker State 400 with Fubo (free trial)
With that, here’s what you need to know about the starting lineup for Sunday’s race in Atlanta.
Who won the pole for Atlanta in 2023?
Aric Almirola took the pole for Sunday’s race, posting the fastest lap time in qualifying. He outpaced Ryan Blaney, who will join him in the front row. It’s Almirola’s fifth career pole and first of the season.
Almirola’s pole position highlights a standout run in qualifying for Stewart-Haas Racing. It will have three of the top six drivers, with Chase Briscoe lining up third and Kevin Harvick sixth.
Pole winner! 🏆@Aric_Almirola will lead the field to the green flag tomorrow at @ATLMotorSpdwy! #BuschLightPole pic.twitter.com/JdsIWZ3kkJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 8, 2023
MORE: Why NASCAR is on NBC instead of Fox
NASCAR at Atlanta starting lineup 2023
Leading the field for Sunday’s race are Aric Almirola and Ryan Blaney on the front row.
| Starting pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aric Almirola | 10 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 3 | Chase Briscoe | 14 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 4 | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| 5 | Harrison Burton | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
| 6 | Kevin Harvick | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 7 | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 8 | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 9 | Todd Gilliland | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 10 | Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
| 11 | Brad Keselowski | 6 | RFK Racing |
| 12 | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
| 13 | Ryan Preece | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 14 | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 15 | Chris Buescher | 17 | RFK Racing |
| 16 | Martin Truex Jr. | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 17 | Justin Haley | 31 | Kaulig Racing |
| 18 | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 19 | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
| 20 | Michael McDowell | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 21 | Cole Custer | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 22 | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 23 | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 24 | JJ Yeley | 15 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 25 | Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 26 | Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 27 | Ty Dillon | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| 28 | Corey LaJoie | 7 | Spire Motorsports |
| 29 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daugherty Racing |
| 30 | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 31 | Noah Gragson | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 32 | Austin Hill | 62 | Beard Motorsports |
| 33 | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Raacing |
| 34 | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 35 | BJ McLeod | 78 | Live Fast Motorsports |
| 36 | Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 37 | Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
