Before the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, former NFL running back Warrick Dunn spent time with Georgia native Chase Elliott. Dunn, known for his football career with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joined former Auburn linebacker Takeo Spikes at the race, expressing his enthusiasm for the event.
EchoPark Speedway’s X/Twitter account shared footage of Dunn’s excitement about the race. He said,
“I’m really excited about the race, I’m ready for them to go zoom, zoom, zoom. It’s speed, it’s all about speed going around the track.”
—Warrick Dunn, Former NFL Running Back
Dunn, who has attended this event multiple times before, added,
“It should be a really amazing time. It’s good to be back here. This is not my first time. I’ve been here a couple of years, so I love the experience. NASCAR, you guys continue to accelerate. Stay safe and please, watch and enjoy.”
—Warrick Dunn, Former NFL Running Back
Warrick Dunn’s Connection to Atlanta and His Ongoing Football Legacy
Dunn played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2002 to 2007, earning two Pro Bowl selections during his career. He was honored with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2004 for his community service. Beyond his playing days, Dunn remains closely tied to Atlanta’s sports scene as a minority owner of the Falcons, a role he has held since 2009.
Reflecting on his transition from player to team partner, Dunn shared,
“Most people don’t know this, but I’ve been a partner since 2009, I’m just low-key with it. It’s been a great journey over the years, just an opportunity to, one, stay connected to the game, as close as I’ve been connected to it, of just being able to see the ups and downs of a football team franchise.”
—Warrick Dunn, Minority Owner, Atlanta Falcons
He further explained his evolving perspective, saying,
“Just in playing the game, I knew all of that, but now I’m looking from a business side perspective, all of the things that go into building the team, things that happen on game day outside the stadium, also inside the stadium, all those things. Just really learning the business side of the game has given me a really good outlook on opportunities and those things.”
—Warrick Dunn, Minority Owner, Atlanta Falcons
Chase Elliott’s Role in NASCAR and His Georgia Roots
Chase Elliott is one of the few NASCAR drivers who hail from Georgia, making his participation in the Atlanta race particularly meaningful. As a driver in the high-profile NASCAR Cup Series, he carries the hopes of local fans at EchoPark Speedway. Dunn’s interaction with Elliott highlights the growing connection between prominent sports figures and NASCAR’s expanding popularity in the region.
The Growing Excitement Around Atlanta’s Quaker State 400 Race
The Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway attracts fans and sports personalities every year, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with speed and competition. Warrick Dunn’s presence along with other notable figures, such as Takeo Spikes, adds to the anticipation surrounding the race. This event not only fuels local pride but also showcases NASCAR’s continued growth as a major motorsport nationwide.
With Dunn’s praise and enthusiasm, along with Elliott’s local ties and exceptional driving skills, the Atlanta NASCAR race remains an event to watch closely for both die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport.