HAMPTON, Ga. (WSPA) - Racing returns Saturday to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
On Saturday, qualifying rounds will take place for both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series, followed by the Xfinity Series Focused Health 250.
“Oh, I love NASCAR," said Florida resident Kyle Fisher.
“We want to see a Watermelon smash," racing fan Lisa Grant said.
On Friday, as the teams and cars arrives at the track, so did hundreds of eager fans from across the country.
Over at Truist Park, with the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series championship trophies on full display, the Atlanta Braves hosted NASCAR Night ahead of an action-packed weekend at the track.
Former Cup Series champion Chase Elliott threw out the first pitch. Pregame appearances were also made by other championship contenders Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, and more.
“This was a great opportunity. They showcased a lot of the drivers prior to the game here at Truist Park, before the Braves game. And then get ready for a whole bunch of miles down at Atlanta Motor Speedway," said Dustin Bixby, vice president of marketing and promotions for Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Saturday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, Xfinity Series Qualifying kicked off race weekend at the speedway, followed by Cup Series Qualifying.
With only two races remaining in the Xfinity Series regular season, pressure is mounting for drivers who hope to continue racing into the post-season.
It's a different story for NASCAR Cup Series drivers, as they get set Sunday to go full speed into week one of the playoffs.
“I think the Xfinity guys are going to be in a much different situation because they’re still trying to set that playoff field," said Bixby. "Those guys, you’re probably going to see a lot of desperate drivers trying to make the Xfinity Playoffs versus what you’re going to see Sunday in the Cup race where you’ve got drivers who’ve already locked in. They’re going to be strategizing on how to make sure they survive the superspeedway-style racing that we have at Atlanta Motor Speedway."
The Xfinity Series will drop the green flag on the Focused Health 250 race Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
NASCAR Cup Series Playoff action will kick off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.
Champions will be crowned in November at Phoenix Raceway.