Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500: Kevin Harvick wins Stage 2 at Atlanta
By Phil Naegely
Sunday’s Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 has been a much calmer race than last week’s Daytona 500. For the second straight stage, Kevin Harvick came in first at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kevin Harvick is off to an impressive start to the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. He performed well during a crash-filled Daytona 500 and won a stage during Saturday’s XFNITY Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. On Sunday, Harvick won his second stage of the day as he came in first during Stage 2 of the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500.
There have only been five lead changes and two cautions during the race, with one of them coming between Stage 1 and Stage 2. As of now, Harvick has earned 20 championship points and two playoff points. The No. 4 car has absolutely dominated on the intermediate-sized track, especially toward the end of the stage when he had a four-second lead on the next closest car.
Drivers who earned points during Stage 2 are below. Most of the names in the top 10 are Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series regulars. However, some of them are impressing during their young tenure in the top circuit.
- Kevin Harvick (10 points, one championship point)
- Chase Elliott (9)
- Ryan Newman (8)
- Martin Truex Jr. (7)
- Kyle Larson (6)
- Austin Dillon (5)
- Brad Keselowski (4)
- Erik Jones (3)
- Cint Bowyer (2)
- Trevor Bayne (1)
At this point, the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 is Kevin Harvick’s to lose. The competition caution between Stage 2 and the final stage closed up the gap he built yup. Yet his car has been driving well at Atlanta.
This race hasn’t featured as many lead changes as the Daytona 500 did. However, it’s still been an interesting race to watch. Harvick’s been the steady leader for most of the day but movement behind him within the top 10 spots has made this race worth watching.
Next: Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 live stream
If Kevin Harvick can hold on for the checkered flag, he’ll earn another 40 points and five playoff points. In total Harvick, would come away with 60 points and seven playoff points from Atlanta and climb into the top spot in the standings. He’d also earn his first win of the season, which is critical for qualifying for the playoffs as well.