In 2017, many NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers are limited on Camping World Truck Series starts. It appears a few feel that the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is worth one of those starts.
37 trucks are on the initial entry list for Saturday’s 200 mile event. Among them, Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, and Alex Bowman. Bowman and Elliott will run team trucks for GMS Racing.
Elliott has 10 starts in the truck series, most recently in 2016 at Martinsville. His lone career win came in a controversial finish at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in 2013. Elliott made contact with leader Ty Dillon on the final lap, sending Dillon into the barrier. As Dillon crashed in the final corner, Elliott sprinted away to take the checkered flag.
Busch, the all time series wins leader with 46 victories, will run his own Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 51. Busch won two of his four starts in the truck last season.
For Bowman, the race is another opportunity to audition for a full time ride. Bowman did a masterful job filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr in the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 88 Cup ride while Earnhardt recovered from a concussion. Bowman won the pole at Phoenix in November and contended for the win, eventually coming home sixth. His final start in that car was in The Clash non-points event last Saturday, where he finished third. Bowman has one career start in the Camping World Truck Series. He posted an 11th place run at Michigan in 2015 in a Jr Motorsports Chevrolet.
Currently, 39 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams are entered for Sunday’s Folds Of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta. The last Cup race run without a full field of 40 cars was the race at Auto Club Speedway in March of 2016. 39 drivers participated in that event. However, there is still time for the number to grow via late entries.
About the author
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.
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