5 drivers to watch in the 2025 Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway
The NASCAR Cup Series is ready for the 2025 Quaker State 400, and it will be a weekend of firsts. EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, will host its first races since the name change, while NASCAR begins the first of five rounds in its inaugural In-Season Challenge.
With only nine races left in the 2025 Cup Series regular season, the 36 drivers eligible for the championship must maximize their points and playoff points moving forward. However, EchoPark will be a risky venue for drivers, representing NASCAR's third superspeedway track alongside Daytona and Talladega.
Below, we dive into five drivers to watch during the 2025 Quaker State 400 at EchoPark on Saturday night!
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No. 20 Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell won the last Cup Series race at EchoPark in February, barely beating Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson in a three-wide photo finish. Bell has been strong at the venue over the last two seasons, and following a wreck at Pocono Raceway, he will be looking to sweep the season's two races at EchoPark for a fourth win in 2025.
No. 22 Joey Logano, Team Penske
Joey Logano won the 2024 Quaker State 400 at EchoPark, marking his first playoff win en route to a third Cup Series championship. Logano and Team Penske continue to lead the way on superspeedways, including EchoPark in February, when the organization led 131 of the 266 laps. The driver of the No. 22 car should be strong and competing for another victory.
No. 5 Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson has zero superspeedway wins in the Cup Series and enters EchoPark in a slump. Larson hasn't led any laps in the last four races, and despite his struggles on superspeedways, the track gives him optimism for this weekend. The driver of the No. 5 car finished in third place in February and could be knocking on the door for his first superspeedway victory.
No. 12 Ryan Blaney, Team Penske
There is no better driver at EchoPark than Ryan Blaney in the NextGen car era. Over the last six races at the venue, Blaney has a worst finish of ninth place, earning 36-plus points in each event. The driver of the No. 12 car hasn't won at EchoPark in the NextGen car era; however, his time could be coming soon on Saturday night.
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No. 77 Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports
Carson Hocevar nearly won his first career Cup Series race at EchoPark in February, and the No. 77 team's performances indicate that a breakthrough is coming soon. Hocevar has been very fast in the summer, and going back to a track where he nearly won in February could be the perfect situation. The driver of the No. 77 car is getting close to victory lane, and the night of the 2025 Quaker State 400 could be the moment.
More: How to watch NASCAR live at EchoPark Speedway in June 2025, schedule
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