After being collected in an early crash in the season-opening Daytona 500 this past Sunday, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will try to rebound this weekend in the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
AMS, which measures 1.54 miles in length, is no longer the typical intermediate-length race track it once was. A reconfiguration in 2021 saw the banking in the turns increased from 24 to 28 degrees and the width of the corners decreased from 55 to 40 feet and the backstretch dropped from 55 feet wide to 42. Between the changes and the rules package used there, Atlanta now races much like the superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega with large packs of cars the norm.
Miles Stanley, crew chief on the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Dark Horse, said that while racing at AMS will resemble the action at Daytona and Talladega, there will be differences.
“The start of the season this year is unique with Atlanta immediately following Daytona – two superspeedway-style races back-to-back,” Stanley said. “Coming out of Daytona, we anticipate some similarities in the draft and strategy, but I also expect handling to play a bigger role this time around.”
Stanley said he sees lots of positives as he and the team prepare for this weekend’s 400-miler.
“While we didn’t get the finish we wanted at Daytona, the speed we showed throughout the week – combined with the strong performance of the Fords at Atlanta in recent years – gives us confidence heading into the weekend,” he said.
And, over the years, Atlanta has been a good track for Stanley’s car owners, who this year are celebrating 75 years in the sport. The Wood Brothers have run 115 races at Atlanta, with 12 wins, nine poles, 33 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes.
There will be no pre-race practice this weekend, and qualifying is set for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with TV coverage on Amazon Prime. Sunday’s 260-lap, 400.4-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. with Stage breaks planned for Laps 60 and 160. FOX will carry the TV broadcast on Sunday.
About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.
About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 100 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.
