NASCAR returns to cable television this Saturday, June 28, 2025, with the highly anticipated Quaker State 400, broadcast on TNT starting at 7 p.m. from EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The race, the 18th event of the Cup Series season, also kicks off the In-Season Challenge, a five-race tournament with a $1 million prize. Meanwhile, the Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series compete at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, with coverage on FOX and FS2. The renaming of Atlanta Motor Speedway to EchoPark Speedway and TNT’s return as the official broadcaster excite fans, who are set for an action-packed weekend of racing at two distinct venues. The event blends thrill, history, and a new setup for the season.
After five weeks of exclusive streaming on Amazon Prime Video, NASCAR resumes broadcasts on cable, bringing relief to fans who prefer the traditional TV experience. The Quaker State 400, covering 260 laps and 400.4 miles, will be the highlight of Saturday night, the first nighttime Cup Series race of 2025. In Lime Rock, the Truck Series makes its debut at the track, while ARCA rounds out the schedule.
- Key weekend events:
- Cup Series qualifying on Friday at 5:05 p.m. on truTV.
- Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 race on Friday at 7:30 p.m. on CW.
- Truck Series LiUNA! 150 on Saturday at 1 p.m. on FOX.
- ARCA Lime Rock Park 100 on Saturday at 4 p.m. on FS2.
- Cup Series Quaker State 400 on Saturday at 7 p.m. on TNT.
The variety of tracks and categories promises a spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts, with simultaneous action in two states.
EchoPark Speedway takes center stage
EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, underwent a significant rebrand in 2025. The 1.54-mile track, now under EchoPark Automotive’s banner, sports a refreshed visual identity with green hues dominating and a new logo across walls, grandstands, and Victory Lane. The change reflects a seven-year deal with Sonic Automotive, which operates 17 dealerships in the U.S.
Reconfigured in 2021 as a superspeedway with 28-degree banking in the turns, the track is known for thrilling races and close finishes. In February 2024, Daniel Suárez won by just 0.003 seconds, marking the closest finish in NASCAR history in a three-car battle. Expectations for the Quaker State 400 are high, with multiple lead changes likely, a hallmark of the track since its redesign.
The event also signals a new phase in NASCAR broadcasting. TNT, back after years away, covers the next five Cup Series races, bringing nostalgia to fans and robust coverage, with in-car cameras available on the Max streaming platform.
In-Season Challenge shakes up the season
The Quaker State 400 is more than just a race. It launches the In-Season Challenge, a knockout tournament featuring 32 drivers across five events. The winner will claim $1 million, with the competition culminating at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis in late July.
The tournament’s bracket-style format pits drivers head-to-head. Seedings were based on performances in the last three races (Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono). Notable matchups include:
- Denny Hamlin (1st seed) vs. Ty Dillon (32nd).
- Chase Briscoe (2nd) vs. Noah Gragson (31st).
- Kyle Busch (16th) vs. Brad Keselowski (17th).
Joey Logano, the reigning Cup Series champion, secured the pole position for the race with a time of 30.979 seconds (178.960 mph), followed by Josh Berry and Ryan Blaney. Logano, who won the 2024 Quaker State 400, is a favorite, but EchoPark Speedway’s unpredictable nature keeps the field wide open for surprises.
Lime Rock Park debuts in Truck Series
While the Cup Series shines in Atlanta, the Craftsman Truck Series makes history at Lime Rock Park, a 1.5-mile road course in Connecticut known for its technical turns and elevation changes. This marks the Truck Series’ first race at the venue, which previously hosted the K&N Pro Series East from 1993 to 2010. The LiUNA! 150, broadcast at 1 p.m. on FOX, promises unique challenges.
The Lime Rock schedule includes:
- Truck Series practice on Friday at 1:05 p.m. on FS2.
- Qualifying on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FS1.
- LiUNA! 150 race on Saturday at 1 p.m. on FOX.
- ARCA Menards Series Lime Rock Park 100 at 4 p.m. on FS2.
Drivers like Jordan Taylor, debuting in the Truck Series, add extra anticipation. The track, one of the Northeast’s most iconic, tests competitors’ skills in a setting unlike NASCAR’s traditional ovals.
History and stats of the weekend
EchoPark Speedway is one of NASCAR’s oldest venues, hosting races since 1960 when Fireball Roberts won the inaugural event. The track has seen 123 Cup Series races, with Cale Yarborough holding the record for most wins at six. Among active drivers, William Byron, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Busch lead with two victories each.
The Quaker State 400, with 260 laps split into three stages (60, 100, and 100 laps), boasts a purse of $11,055,250, one of the season’s highest. The Xfinity Series’ Focused Health 250 on Friday covers 163 laps with a $1,651,939 purse. Austin Hill, with five wins in the last six Atlanta races, is the driver to watch in the category.
Detailed schedule and accessibility
The weekend is packed with action, with broadcasts across multiple platforms for fans. On Friday, Cup Series qualifying at 5:05 p.m. on truTV sets the grid, while the Xfinity Series races at 7:30 p.m. on CW. On Saturday, the Truck Series kicks off at Lime Rock at 1 p.m., followed by ARCA at 4 p.m., and the Cup Series closes the night at 7 p.m. on TNT.
For streaming fans, Max offers in-car cameras for the Quaker State 400, while FloRacing covers additional events like regional races. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio broadcasts all races live, ensuring access for those on the go.
Tickets for EchoPark Speedway are available on the official website, with options including start-line access, Victory Lane, and a pre-race concert by Jet Black Roses. At Lime Rock, the experience is more intimate, with the track offering close-up views in a scenic setting.
Legacy and expectations for the event
The Quaker State 400 is more than a race; it’s a milestone in NASCAR’s season, blending tradition and innovation. TNT’s return, the Truck Series’ Lime Rock debut, and the In-Season Challenge elevate the weekend’s status.
Drivers like Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson are favorites in Atlanta, but EchoPark Speedway is known for surprises. Last year’s race saw Joey Logano win in a chaotic finish, and fans expect more excitement this Saturday. In Lime Rock, the Truck Series’ novelty adds unpredictability, with young drivers aiming to shine.
The event underscores NASCAR’s ability to evolve, introducing formats like the In-Season Challenge and tracks like Lime Rock to the schedule. For viewers, it’s a chance to witness the sport’s growth across two unique stages, with excitement guaranteed on TV and in the stands.
