Nascar Today: nascar today — Atlanta qualifying canceled, lineup set by metric
Qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway was canceled on Saturday after lightning in the area, and the starting lineup was set by the governing body's metric — a development that leaves Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team in good position. This update matters now because the field and broadcast plans are locked ahead of the Autotrader 400, with the race scheduled for 3 p. m. ET on Sunday and set to air on FOX.
Nascar Today: Chase Elliott to start fourth at Atlanta
Mother Nature claimed its first victim on Saturday in terms of the NASCAR schedule at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., when Cup Series qualifying was nixed due to lightning in the area. The starting lineup was set by the governing body's metric, and Chase Elliott — fresh off a fourth-place finish in last week's DAYTONA 500 — will line up fourth on Sunday afternoon. The No. 9 team is described as likely fine with the result.
Hendrick Motorsports contingent: Byron 13th, Larson 16th, Bowman 36th
Rounding out the Hendrick Motorsports contingent, William Byron will roll off 13th, Kyle Larson 16th and Alex Bowman 36th. Those placements follow the metric that set the grid after qualifying was canceled and will determine each driver's starting position for the Autotrader 400.
Race timing and broadcast set for Sunday at 3 p. m. ET on FOX
Sunday's race is set for a 3 p. m. ET start and will air on FOX. With the lineup fixed by the governing body's metric rather than on-track qualifying, teams will go into race day knowing starting positions ahead of the green flag.
How the cancellation unfolded at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Officials called off Cup Series qualifying when lightning moved into the area around Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday in Hampton, Ga., leaving the field to be determined without on-track timing runs. The announcement noted that the governing body's metric would set the lineup, and a full starting grid was provided afterward.
Website compatibility notice and related features
Separately, a news site displayed a "Your browser is not supported" message and said it built its site to take advantage of the latest technology to ensure the best experience for readers, making the site faster and easier to use. The notice asked users to download one of the modern browsers listed to get the best experience on that site. Related editorial items connected to race coverage include "The Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus dynasty, part one" and "More on Elliott and Gustafson's 10-year pairing. "
For now, the metric-driven grid leaves Elliott starting fourth, William Byron 13th, Kyle Larson 16th and Alex Bowman 36th, and teams will prepare for the Autotrader 400 on Sunday at 3 p. m. ET on FOX.
