NASCAR: 3 upcoming races fans should circle on their calendars

NASCAR events to circle: No. 3 – Quaker State 400

While a midsummer race at Atlanta Motor Speedway doesn’t necessarily come across as a “must watch” event, there are several reasons that make this race one you are not going to want to miss.

This race marks the first night race at the track since 2014, and with the intense pack racing that the track has produced since its repave prior to last year, this event under the lights is sure to be an exciting one.

With the reconfigured track effectively being a superspeedway, there are a handful of drivers on or below the playoff bubble who will have a good chance to secure a playoff spot with a win. In the past, we’ve seen drivers such as Corey LaJoie, Justin Haley, and Aric Almirola contend for wins here.

It is very possible that someone such as these drivers takes home the checkered flag and shakes up the playoff picture. It is also possible that someone already locked into the playoffs picks up another win to improve their playoff seeding.

But even outside the potential for an upset winner, superspeedway races have always produced exciting, door-to-door racing from start to finish, and Atlanta Motor Speedway has been no exception in its short time as a superspeedway.

Add in the fact that the regular season will be starting to wind down and desperation will be starting to creep into the minds of some drivers on the playoff bubble, and this race has all the potential to be a thriller.