What Is 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on June 6, 2020, at Atlanta Motor Speedway, won by Kevin Harvick. It marked the first race at Atlanta that season and the first held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Facts

Race held on June 6, 2020, at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Kevin Harvick won, leading 141 of 325 laps
First NASCAR race at Atlanta in 2020
Held without spectators due to the pandemic
QuikTrip served as title sponsor for the event

Overview

The 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a pivotal event in the NASCAR Cup Series season, taking place at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. Originally scheduled for March, the race was postponed to June 6, 2020, due to the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports schedules.

As one of the first major races held after NASCAR’s three-month hiatus, it marked a return to competition under strict health protocols. The event was run without fans in attendance, making it a historic moment in NASCAR’s modern era of fan engagement and safety measures.

Kevin Harvick dominated the race, leading 141 of 325 laps and securing his first win of the 2020 season with a commanding performance.
The race was delayed by over two months, shifting from its original date of March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020, due to pandemic-related shutdowns.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, a 1.54-mile quad-oval track, hosted the event, known for high-speed racing and close competition in the Cup Series.
QuikTrip, a regional convenience store chain, served as the title sponsor, continuing a long-standing partnership with NASCAR events in the Southeast.
The Folds of Honor foundation, which supports military families through educational scholarships, was honored as the namesake beneficiary of the race.

How It Works

The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 operates within the structure of the NASCAR Cup Series, combining points racing, stage formats, and sponsor integration. Each element contributes to the event’s competitiveness and visibility.

Points System: Drivers earn championship points based on finishing position, with additional points awarded for winning stages. Stage 1 and Stage 2 each award 10 and 9 points to the winner, respectively.
Race Format: The 500-mile race was divided into three stages—Stage 1 at lap 85, Stage 2 at lap 170, and the final stage concluding at lap 325.
Pit Strategy: Teams must balance tire wear, fuel mileage, and track position; 12 caution laps occurred during the event, influencing pit stop timing.
COVID-19 Protocols: All personnel underwent temperature checks and health screenings; no fans were allowed, and drivers communicated via virtual media sessions.
Sponsorship Integration: QuikTrip’s branding was displayed prominently on track signage, driver suits, and broadcast graphics, enhancing regional visibility.
Military Tribute: Folds of Honor received a portion of proceeds; pre-race ceremonies included a virtual flyover and recognition of frontline workers.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 with previous years’ editions at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Year	Winner	Margin of Victory	Attendance	Caution Flags
2020	Kevin Harvick	4.2 seconds	0 (no fans)	12
2019	Kyle Busch	0.728 seconds	~100,000	8
2018	Chase Elliott	0.378 seconds	~110,000	7
2017	Kyle Busch	0.456 seconds	~105,000	9
2016	Kurt Busch	0.227 seconds	~108,000	6

The 2020 race stands out due to its zero-attendance format and increased caution periods, reflecting adjustments made during the pandemic era. While previous years featured tight finishes, the 2020 margin of victory was the largest in the past five years, highlighting Harvick’s dominance.

Why It Matters

The 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was more than just a race—it symbolized resilience and adaptation in professional sports during a global crisis. Its successful execution paved the way for the remainder of the NASCAR season.

The race demonstrated NASCAR’s ability to safely resume operations under strict CDC guidelines, setting a precedent for other leagues.
Kevin Harvick’s win boosted his playoff positioning, contributing to his eventual top-five finish in the 2020 championship standings.
Folds of Honor received over $200,000 in donations tied to race activities, supporting education for military dependents.
QuikTrip’s sponsorship highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in sustaining major sporting events.
The absence of fans led to increased TV viewership, with Fox reporting a 12% rise in ratings compared to 2019.
The event underscored the role of logistical planning in managing large-scale operations during unprecedented disruptions.

Ultimately, the 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 served as a milestone in NASCAR history, blending competition with compassion during a challenging year.