After a disappointing end to the NASCAR Cup Series’ West Coast swing, Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are aiming to get back on track in this weekend’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Historically, the Atlanta track has been one of the better venues for the Wood Brothers and their No. 21 team. In 111 starts they have 12 wins, nine poles, 33 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes. Most of the Wood Brothers success came on the original Atlanta configuration, but the most recent top-10 came last fall on the track’s current layout, its third, which made its debut last year.
“Heading into Atlanta, the No. 21 Ford team will look to rebound after a few tough weeks,” crew chief Brian Wilson said. “During our last trip to the new Atlanta we came away with a top-10 finish and plan to build from there.”
Wilson said the new layout of the 1.5-mile quad oval, which has more banking and is narrower than before, is unique.
“It’s a combination of speedway racing like Daytona or Talladega, but also has some handling characteristics like an intermediate track,” he said. “Balancing out aerodynamic drag versus downforce will be the focus of this week’s prep.
“As all the Ford teams showed in Daytona, our Mustangs will produce a great balance even while trimmed out for speed.”
Wilson said the March weather in Atlanta, which in the past has had races snowed out, is expected to be a factor this weekend as well.
“Looking at the forecast for this weekend they’re calling for cooler temps,” he said. “The denser air will produce more horsepower and downforce. I believe that will add up to a very entertaining race.”
There will be no practice prior to qualifying, which is set for Saturday at 11:35 a.m. with TV coverage on FOX Sports 1.
Sunday’s 400-mile, 260-lap race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. with the TV coverage switching to FOX.
Stage breaks are planned for Laps 60 and 160.
About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood 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 Omnicraft®
Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.
*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, that is 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 and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
*See seller for limited-warranty details.
Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.
