William Byron had a tough outing last weekend at Atlanta, but according to his crew chief, Rudy Fugle, there’s much more happening at the track than meets the eye.
The recent changes to Atlanta Motor Speedway have made it one of the most unpredictable venues in the series, and Fugle offers a candid look at what drivers and teams are really up against. The track’s new style is challenging, and adapting to it is a work in progress for everyone, including Byron and Fugle.
A Changed Atlanta, According to Crew Chief Rudy Fugle
Since opening in 1960, Atlanta Motor Speedway has seen several major changes. The biggest shift came between 2021 and 2022, when the track underwent a significant reconfiguration. The banking in the turns was increased, and the racing surface was narrowed. Most recently, in June 2025, the track was rebranded and renamed EchoPark Speedway.
Once an intermediate track, EchoPark Speedway now resembles the drafting-style tracks found at Daytona and Talladega. Drivers have struggled to adjust to the new conditions, and Fugle acknowledges how difficult it is for them to figure out the best approach.
“Yeah, it just, you know, the track keeps, just the colour of the track is getting a little bit lighter here and there, which tells you that it’s losing a little bit of grip,” Fugle said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “It’s not as easy to run wide open. It’s definitely not easy to run wide open in a pack. Being the leader, you can run pretty wide open pretty easily. But it’s a game of runs, pushes, and slingshots.”
He continued, “I think that’s as much evolving as anything. You definitely need a car that can handle and that the driver has a lot of confidence in. But nobody’s car is gonna handle perfect unless you’re the leader, and when you’re the leader, you’re the most vulnerable. You are kind of hoping for somebody to help you. You get a pile of Fords up there like there was to start the race, but once you split that up, the leader is the most vulnerable person with the runs.”
Fugle also admitted, “I think as much as anything, I would point to the fact that the drivers collectively are figuring out how to race the track and use those slingshot moves to propel themselves forward, as much as the track causing differences….. get to the inside, help push themselves up and clear themselves. I think that’s the driving style of it.”
Strong Partnership Between Fugle and Byron
Since 2021, Fugle and Byron have developed one of the most consistent partnerships in the Cup Series. Fugle, an experienced crew chief, joined Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the 2020 NASCAR season.
Together, they recently won their second Daytona 500 earlier this year.
Despite their success, EchoPark Speedway remains a challenge for the pair. Fugle says the track stands out from others on the schedule and is exciting to watch, even if the results aren’t always what they hope for.
WILLIAM BYRON WINS THE DAYTONA 500! AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/hP3nCkcNRa
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“It’s so much different, and it’s a blast to watch. Just wish I was watching us at the end and not everybody else,” he said.
Fugle and Byron plan to learn from their experience at EchoPark Speedway and come back stronger next time. As the season continues, the pair will focus on improving their performance at EchoPark Speedway and other tracks.
Their ability to adapt and learn from each race will be key to their success, especially as the competition and track conditions keep evolving.