Logano Wins in Atlanta, Advances to Rd of 12, Larson Holds P1 Ranking

8 September 2024
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News

HAMPTON, GA — Sunday’s opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs saw Team Penske’s Joey Logano win the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in another thrilling overtime sprint with Daniel Suarez finishing 2nd and defending Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney finishing 3rd. Christopher Bell and Alex Bowman rounded out the top 5 finishers.

Joey Logano, driver of the №22 Autotrader Ford, takes the checkered flag under caution to win the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Image Credit: Logan Riely Getty Images)

The victory was Logano‘s second at Atlanta, his second of the season, and the 34th win of his career. The Team Penske driver jumped to fifth in the playoff standings, but more importantly, locked him into the next round.

A strong run by Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman (Ally #48) who placed himself up front all day and finished fifth. Playoff drivers claimed nine of the top 10 positions.

GFT AI DRIVER RANKINGS after ATLANTA

Once again, the huge points advantage from the regular season keeps Kyle Larson as top-ranked driver in the GFT models, overcoming his early crash and 37th-place finish.

Kyle Larson, driver of the №5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and Chase Briscoe, driver of the №14 Mahindra Compact Tractors Ford, spin after an on-track incident. (Image Credit: Logan Riely Getty Images)

GFT NASCAR BOX SCORES

Go Full Throttle NASCAR Cup Series Box Scores following the Quaker State 400 on September 8, 2024 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Image Credit: GFT Digital)

After 27 Races …
Manufactures Box Score:
Chevrolet = 11
Toyota = 8
Ford = 8

Team Box Score:
Hendrick Motorsports = 9

Driver Box Score:
Kyle Larson = 4 wins

NASCAR CUP SERIES PLAYOFF PICTURE

After Race 1 of the Round of 16, Atlanta winner Joey Logano is locked in to the Round of 12, Kyle Larson falls from P1 to P10, and the four drivers below the cut line (Keselowski, Burton, Truex Jr., and Briscoe) have work to do this week at Watkins Glen.

GFT AI NASCAR Fantasy LIVE — back in the top 15%

Our models scored 190 points at Atlanta, with the GFT AI model remaining in the top 15% of all players (13.61%) in the TMD NASCAR Fantasy Live League.

Looking Ahead: The Next Race

The 2nd race of the NASCAR Playoffs — road course time!
Sunday, Sep. 15–3:00 PM ET
Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International