Playoff Race Intensifies as O'Reilly Series Returns to Atlanta

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Updated: 12:11 PM CDT Jul 10, 2026

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By Kansas City’s Own® KCWE

The countdown to the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase is on.

With only four races left before the postseason begins, teams head to EchoPark Speedway looking to strengthen their playoff position in one of the season's most unpredictable events.

Brandon Jones brings plenty of momentum into Atlanta after earning his first victory of the 2026 season last weekend at Chicagoland. Jones surged to the lead on a late restart and held on for the win, giving the Georgia native plenty of confidence as the series visits his home track.

Atlanta also produced one of the year's most memorable finishes the last time the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series raced there. As the field charged into Turn 3 battling for the victory, contact among the leaders opened the door for Sheldon Creed to score his first career series win, ending a long streak of runner-up finishes in dramatic fashion.

Big Machine Racing driver Dr. Patrick Staropoli finished 27th at Chicagoland.

Staropoli is 10th in the qualifying order for Saturday's session. He says he's looking forward to returning to Atlanta after he and the Big Machine Racing team recorded their best finish of the season at EchoPark Speedway in February.

BMR is a promotional partner with KCWE this season.

With the regular season winding down, every race carries added importance as drivers fight for playoff position before the Chase begins.

Qualifying for Atlanta can be streamed Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Central on the CW App or cwtv.com/sports.

Live coverage begins Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Kansas City's Own® KCWE and The CW.

UPDATE: Forecasts are calling for a chance of thunderstorms in the Atlanta area Saturday evening, which could affect the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race. If the event is postponed, KCWE will air the race Sunday, July 12, at 10 a.m. Weather has already played a significant role this season. Just last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, thunderstorms delayed the start of the race by about 4½ hours before the green flag finally waved later that night.