What Is 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on March 5, 2017, at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the race driving the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing.

Key Facts

Race held on March 5, 2017, at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Kevin Harvick won, driving the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing
Race distance: 500 laps (500 miles) on a 1.54-mile oval
22nd edition of the QuikTrip 500, part of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Contested by 40 drivers, with 7 caution periods and 31 lead changes

Overview

The 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. As the second race of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, it marked a return to the reconfigured 1.54-mile quad-oval track, which had undergone repaving and reprofiling in 2022 but retained its high-speed, abrasive characteristics in 2017.

This race honored military families through the Folds of Honor foundation, which supports education for dependents of fallen or disabled service members. QuikTrip, a convenience store chain based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, served as the title sponsor, continuing its long-standing partnership with NASCAR events.

March 5, 2017: The race took place on this date, starting at 3:00 PM EST after a brief rain delay, making it the earliest scheduled green flag in Atlanta’s spring race history.
Kevin Harvick: Driving the No. 4 Ford Fusion for Stewart-Haas Racing, Harvick led 23 laps and passed Kyle Busch with 33 laps remaining to secure the win.
Atlanta Motor Speedway: Located in Hampton, Georgia, the 1.54-mile tri-oval hosted the race with a reconfigured surface that increased tire wear and promoted close racing.
40-car field: The entry list included top drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Martin Truex Jr., all competing for playoff points early in the season.
7 cautions, 31 lead changes: The race featured intense competition, with a record-tying 31 lead changes, highlighting the track’s capacity for side-by-side racing.

How It Works

The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 followed standard NASCAR Cup Series procedures, with qualifying determining the starting grid and stage racing introduced in 2017 to enhance competition. The race was divided into three stages, with points awarded at the end of each to incentivize consistent performance.

Stage Format: Introduced in 2017, the race was split into three stages: Stage 1 (100 laps), Stage 2 (100 laps), and the final stage (300 laps), with playoff points awarded to stage winners.
Qualifying: Single-car, two-round qualifying determined the starting lineup, with Kyle Busch earning the pole at 186.838 mph, the fastest qualifying speed at Atlanta since 2001.
Tire Strategy: Goodyear supplied a specific compound for high wear; teams had to manage tire degradation over long green-flag runs, influencing pit strategy.
Caution Periods: Seven cautions totaled 38 laps under yellow, triggered by crashes involving drivers like Danica Patrick and Matt Kenseth, affecting race dynamics.
Final Lap: Kevin Harvick passed Kyle Busch on Lap 498 and held off a charging Martin Truex Jr. to win by 0.499 seconds, one of the closest finishes in Atlanta’s history.
Playoff Implications: As an early-season race, it awarded 10 playoff points to Harvick, giving him a crucial advantage in the long-term championship battle.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 with previous years’ Atlanta spring races:

Year	Winner	Track Length	Lead Changes	Caution Periods
2017	Kevin Harvick	1.54 miles	31	7
2016	Kyle Busch	1.54 miles	24	6
2015	Denny Hamlin	1.54 miles	18	5
2014	Carl Edwards	1.54 miles	21	8
2013	Kurt Busch	1.54 miles	15	6

The 2017 race stood out for its record number of lead changes, reflecting NASCAR’s new stage racing format and aggressive tire strategies. Compared to prior years, the increased number of lead changes and tighter finishes demonstrated the impact of rule changes aimed at improving on-track action.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 had lasting implications for NASCAR’s competitive landscape and fan engagement. It showcased the effectiveness of the new stage racing format and highlighted the importance of tire management and pit strategy in modern stock car racing.

Kevin Harvick’s 40th win: The victory marked Harvick’s 40th career Cup Series win, solidifying his status as one of the era’s most consistent performers.
Stewart-Haas Racing success: The win contributed to a strong 2017 season for the team, which ultimately saw Harvick finish fourth in the final standings.
Folds of Honor impact: The race raised over $200,000 for the foundation, supporting scholarships for military families through sponsor activations and fan donations.
QuikTrip’s visibility: As title sponsor, QuikTrip gained national exposure, aligning its brand with patriotism and community service.
Atlanta’s renaissance: The race demonstrated renewed interest in Atlanta Motor Speedway, which had struggled with attendance in prior years.
Stage racing debut: The 2017 season introduced stage racing, and this event proved its ability to increase excitement and strategic depth.

Overall, the 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a landmark event that combined competitive racing, charitable outreach, and innovation in NASCAR’s format. It remains a notable chapter in the sport’s modern era.