2023 QUAKER STATE 400 PRESENTED BY WALMART
Last Sunday, July 9, the drivers of the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) were present at the Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) to compete for victory for the 13th edition of the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart.
Spectators filled the stands of the autodrome, still energized by last year's unforgettable race which was marked by multiple changes of leaders, close battles and drag races on track 1, 54 mi (2.48 km) freshly reconfigured.
The race was contested under the floodlights, the first time since 2014 at the AMS. As the sun set and the floodlights on the track came on, the 18 changes of lead between 12 drivers brought strong emotions to the spectators. Drivers had to push the limits of their vehicles due to bad weather, as they knew each lap could be the last before the race was stopped due to rain.
Under the bright lights, Quaker State’s iconic green illuminated the track, with two drivers sporting the brand’s paint schemes.
Daniel Suarez proudly sported the Quaker State logo on his uniform and car, a fresh addition in 2023 following Trackhouse Racing’s recent partnership and technical alliance with the brand. As the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro reached peak speeds on the track, Quaker State motor oil was underneath the hood, helping to energize the engine.
Daniel started 26th and raced his way to a well-deserved 2nd before the final restart of the race. With severe weather moving into the area, NASCAR made the decision to bring the cars to pit road, ultimately calling the race at 9:47 p.m. With 185 laps completed, Daniel Suarez secured a season’s best finish in second place.
Austin Cindric, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, made a strong start from the 10th position in his No. 2 Team Penske Ford Mustang. Continuing his sophomore year in Quaker State green, Cindric spent most of Stages 1 and 2 in the top 10. He then pitted after Stage 2 and was unable to reclaim his previous position before the race was halted and ultimately deemed official, leaving Cindric with a 12th-place finish.
Although the race was cut short due to the weather, it provided fans with plenty of entertainment.
Beyond the high-speed action on the track, The Quaker State Fan Zone energized race weekend with thrilling prizes, driver appearances, NASCAR LIVE, and music, delivering the ultimate experience for all those on the ground at AMS.
Fans also received an exclusive first look at two custom-designed 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 RSTs. The iconic builds, created by influencers and auto enthusiasts Coco Zurita and Anatalia Villaranda, were revealed at the NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade and will be offered as coveted prizes in the Quaker State Driven To Influence Sweepstakes.
A group of nearly 400 dedicated Daniel Suarez fans, known as Daniel’s Amigos got the chance to connect with the driver of the No. 99 at the track for an exclusive meet-and-greet. Greg Garza, fullback for Atlanta United, even came by the event to spend time with Daniel and his fans. Aiming to build an inclusive community in NASCAR, Daniel came up with the concept of Daniel’s Amigos in 2018 to introduce fellow Latinos to the sport.
Gary Elliot, a Canadian stock car racer, was also spotted at the track celebrating his 50th anniversary of Quaker State sponsorship.
GARY ELLIOTT CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUAKER STATE SPONSORSHIP AT THE QUAKER STATE 400
While race weekend was one to remember, Quaker State is energized for an action-packed second half of the 2023 season supporting Trackhouse Racing.