The NASCAR Cup Series heads down to Atlanta and the always-eventful EchoPark Speedway on Feb. 22.
The pack-racing style on the intermediate track is unique to Atlanta in the Cup Series, and it features a different kind of racing in the draft than Daytona and Talladega.
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Daytona 500 champion Tyler Reddick has a couple top-5 finishes on the current configuration, so he should be in the conversation at the drop of the green flag.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta:
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Team captain Michael Jordan, left, celebrates with 2026 Daytona 500 winner Tyler Reddick on Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick pose for photos with the Harley J. Earl Trophy in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick reaches the finish line with a multiple car accident right behind him. The 2026 Daytona 500 held Feb.15 at Daytona International Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick is introduced before the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick speaks during a Pinnacle Financial Partners and 23XI Racing announcement at The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. The financial institution and racing team will be involved in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Super Speedway on June 1.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick walk onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – APRIL 06: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 McDonald’s Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Nasty Beast Toyota looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) and his wife Alexa during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Oct. 27: Tyler Reddick celebrates after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 20: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Jordan Brand Toyota, flips after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Aug 19, 2024; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Fire Keepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Aug 19, 2024; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Fire Keepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick carries his son Beau on the track after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) is introduced wearing a Hamburglar costume on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates after winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 13, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) crew push the car onto the pit lane before practice for the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick (1) races down the straightaway at the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Pit crewmen hurry as they service the Tyler Reddick’s no. 45 Toyota, Monday February 19, 2024 during the Daytona 500.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts in victory lane after winning the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick and his wife Alexa De Leon poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sep 24, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) during driver introductions before the AutoTrader EcoPark Automotive 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick salutes the crowd and celebrates with his team after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sept. 25, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sept. 10: Tyler Reddick celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 19, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) suits up before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) gets in his car before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) is introduced before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Mar 12, 2023; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) signs memorabilia for race fans while walking the red carpet for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on March 12, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gould/The Republic
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Jimmie Johnson and Tyler Reddick talk while waiting for the start of Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday February 15, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick current driver of the no. 45 Toyota and Kurtt Busch the former driver of the no. 45 watch the action on the giant TV screne towering over pit road, Wednesday February 15, 2023 during Daytona 500 qualifying.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sept. 25: Tyler Reddick celebrates winning the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) and his team climb the fence Sunday, July 31, 2022, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) holds up his son, Beau, on Sunday, July 31, 2022, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) gets a kiss from his wife Alexa De Leon, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) swings his son Beau Reddick. after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick (8) waves from a truck before the NASCAR Kwik Trip 250, Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Elkhart Lake’s Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wis.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Tyler Reddick (48) prepares for the Tennessee Lottery 250 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 25, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick does a burnout in the Burnouts on Broadway competition Wednesday, December 1, 2021, during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn.
NASCAR predictions for Atlanta Cup Series race: Here’s who wins the Autotrader 400
Mike Organ’s pick: Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Call me Captain Obvious, but how can you not pick Dawsonville’s Chase Elliott at his home track where he’s won twice before, including in 2025? I would pick him this week even if it wasn’t Atlanta after the way Elliott lost on the last lap last week at Daytona.
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Nick Gray’s pick: Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
Logano has two wins (and two finishes outside of the top 25) in his last six Atlanta starts, leading laps in each race. He was among the fastest last week and should be in the conversation for the full 400 miles at Atlanta.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Maybe I’m just a fan of the massive mustache. Or perhaps it’s his three top-five finishes over the past three years. Anyway, Team Penske tends to run well at Atlanta; just look at Joey Logano’s two wins since 2023.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Atlanta predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
