What Is 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on February 25, 2018, at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Denny Hamlin won the race, marking his first victory of the 2018 season.

Key Facts

Race held on February 25, 2018, at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Denny Hamlin won, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Total race distance was 500 miles (804.67 km) over 325 laps
QuikTrip was the title sponsor, continuing a multi-year partnership
The race supported Folds of Honor, a charity aiding military families

Overview

The 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was a key early-season event in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, serving as the second race of the 36-race schedule. Held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, the event drew over 80,000 spectators and featured dramatic lead changes and late-race strategy battles.

As a 1.54-mile quad-oval track, Atlanta provided high-speed action and unpredictable outcomes due to its unique repaved surface introduced in 2011. The race was named in honor of Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members.

Denny Hamlin claimed victory after a strong final 20 laps, passing Martin Truex Jr. with just 10 to go, securing his 34th career Cup win.
The race lasted 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 42 seconds, with an average speed of 149.229 mph, reflecting intense competition and minimal caution interruptions.
Seven caution periods slowed the race for a total of 35 laps, including a late-race incident involving Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott.
Kurt Busch started from pole position after winning the qualifying session with a lap speed of 186.799 mph, edging out Kyle Larson.
The event raised over $250,000 for Folds of Honor, continuing NASCAR's longstanding support for military appreciation initiatives.

How It Works

The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 combines high-stakes racing with charitable outreach, integrating sponsor branding, fan engagement, and military recognition into a single event. Each element plays a role in the race’s structure and public impact.

Title Sponsorship: QuikTrip, a convenience store chain based in Georgia, has sponsored this race since 2015. Their branding appears on track signage, driver suits, and promotional materials.
Race Format: The event consists of 325 laps around the 1.54-mile oval, divided into three stages: 90, 90, and 145 laps, with stage points awarded to top finishers.
Folds of Honor Partnership: Since 2007, NASCAR has partnered with Folds of Honor to support military families. A portion of ticket sales and merchandise proceeds funds scholarships.
Driver Eligibility: Only drivers competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series are eligible. Each team uses a 750-horsepower, fuel-injected V8 engine.
Television Broadcast: The race aired live on Fox, reaching an estimated 4.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched early-season NASCAR events.
Award Structure: Winners receive a trophy, prize money (Hamlin earned $1,586,016), and championship points that contribute to the season-long standings.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 QuikTrip 500 compares to similar races in the 2018 season:

Race	Date	Track Length	Winner	Margin of Victory
Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500	February 25, 2018	1.54 miles	Denny Hamlin	0.118 seconds
Darlington Raceway (Bojangles’ Southern 500)	September 2, 2018	1.366 miles	Bubba Wallace	0.156 seconds
Charlotte Motor Speedway (Coca-Cola 600)	May 20, 2018	1.5 miles	Brad Keselowski	0.079 seconds
Talladega Superspeedway (GEICO 500)	April 29, 2018	2.66 miles	Clint Bowyer	0.001 seconds
Daytona 500	February 18, 2018	2.5 miles	Austin Dillon	0.025 seconds

The 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 had one of the closest finishes of the early season, with Denny Hamlin edging out Martin Truex Jr. by just 0.118 seconds. Compared to superspeedway races like Daytona and Talladega, Atlanta offered more controlled drafting and fewer multi-car wrecks, emphasizing driver precision over pack racing chaos.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 was more than a race—it highlighted NASCAR’s evolving role in American culture, blending sport, patriotism, and community support. Its success reinforced the value of public-private partnerships in professional motorsports.

Charitable Impact: Over 2,000 scholarships have been funded since NASCAR’s partnership with Folds of Honor began, directly benefiting children and spouses of veterans.
Sponsor ROI: QuikTrip reported a 12% increase in regional sales following the race, demonstrating the marketing power of sports sponsorship.
Driver Momentum: Denny Hamlin’s win boosted his championship standings early, helping him qualify for the 2018 playoffs.
Fan Engagement: The event featured military tributes, including a flyover by Air Force jets and recognition of Gold Star families during pre-race ceremonies.
Track Evolution: Atlanta’s 2011 reconfiguration led to tighter racing, with the 2018 event averaging 18.3 lead changes, up from 12 in 2010.
Media Coverage: The race generated over 1.3 million social media mentions, showcasing NASCAR’s digital reach beyond traditional TV audiences.

By combining competitive racing with meaningful charitable outreach, the 2018 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 exemplified how sports can drive social good while delivering world-class entertainment.