The late-night NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta was a thrilling spectacle, with a mix of surprises, drama, and unexpected winners and losers. Ryan Blaney dominated the race, leading the field from pole position and ultimately claiming the checkered flag. However, the race was far from predictable, with several drivers making their mark. Here's a closer look at the biggest winners and losers from this marathon race.
Winners
Ryan Blaney and Team Penske
Blaney's performance was nothing short of remarkable. He led the field for over three hours, showcasing his skill and determination. The No. 12 Team Penske Ford dominated the race, with Blaney leading 171 of 263 laps. This was a significant achievement, especially considering the challenging conditions. Team Penske's success didn't stop there; Joey Logano and Austin Cindric also had strong performances, securing top-ten and top-15 finishes, respectively. This was a big points night for all three cars, and it couldn't have come at a better time for Cindric and Logano, who are in the middle of the battle to make the Chase.
Erik Jones and Shane van Gisbergen
Jones and van Gisbergen had strong days, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. While they didn't gain a lot of ground in the Chase, their impressive runs prevented them from falling too far behind the Penske duo. Van Gisbergen, in particular, stood out with a sixth-place finish, despite admitting that nothing in his career had prepared him for this style of racing. His performance was all the more impressive, considering he has raced on four continents.
Todd Gilliland
The underdog story continues for Todd Gilliland, who advanced into the semi-finals of the In-Season Challenge. He faced off against Alex Bowman, and his victory was a significant moment. Gilliland now stands among the true titans, facing the 2020 Cup champion, Chase Elliott, at North Wilkesboro. If he can go all the way and secure the $1 million prize, it will be a remarkable achievement.
Losers
Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace had a frustrating night, finishing second but losing it all due to a penalty. He spun from inside the top five at the end of Stage 2, denying him any Stage 2 points. However, at the end of the race, he had a legitimate shot at the win, battling three-wide to the line. Unfortunately, NASCAR determined that he advanced his position by going below the yellow line, penalizing him. Wallace was sent to the tail of the lead lap, finishing 29th. It was a night to forget for the No. 23, despite spending most of it at the front of the field.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson had a valiant charge through the pack, passing almost twenty cars before reaching Denny Hamlin. However, his hopes were dashed when he moved up at the exit of Turn 2 when he wasn't clear, squeezing Hamlin and putting himself in the wall. It was the only major multi-car crash of the race, dropping Larson to 34th for the second consecutive race. Despite his efforts, Larson's mistake derailing his late-race charge was a significant setback.
AJ Allmendinger
AJ Allmendinger has been doing a lot with a little this year, but his drafting track opportunity didn't yield the desired results. A mistake while battling Michael McDowell sent Allmendinger spinning, and he was dejected on the radio. Soon after, a blown tire sent him careening into the wall. He scored just one point after finishing 37th, and was the biggest loser in the championship standings, dropping three positions.
Those Who Stayed Up Late
Finally, those who stayed up late to witness this race deserve a special mention. The late-hour addition to the race's grip made for nonstop action, with Stage 1 and Stage 3 looking like completely different races. While I applaud NASCAR for sticking with it and finishing it under the lights, maybe more people would feel inclined to stick around if this unfortunate delay unfolded on a Saturday night. It was a sensational race, and those who missed it are truly the losers.
In conclusion, the late-night NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta was a thrilling spectacle, with Blaney and Team Penske emerging as the big winners. However, there were also several losers, including Wallace, Larson, Allmendinger, and those who couldn't stay up late to witness the race. It was a night of surprises and drama, and it left a lasting impression on those who were there.
