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Editor’s note: Every Friday during the season, "Tweets You Might Have Missed" presents eight of the best NASCAR-related tweets from the week. 

 

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RELATED: Full schedule for Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. — NASCAR’s 2017 rules package will be put to the test for the first time in race conditions when Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams hit the track for this weekend’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.



Practice and qualifying for the series’ second stop of the season gets underway today at the 1.54-mile track, with Sunday’s race scheduled for a 2:46 p.m. ET green flag (FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

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RELATED: See Martinsville under the lights

2018 DAYTONA 500 VIP Ticket Packages are now available from PrimeSport! As the Official Ticket Exchange of Daytona International Speedway, PrimeSport has your access to all the action at the World Center of Racing! Receive $50 off per reservation when you book your 2018 DAYTONA package by Saturday March 4th. Use code DAYTONA18 at checkout. Coupon code DAYTONA18 is active now through Saturday March, 4th. | GO HERE

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RELATED: Read more Inside Groove


Many benefits come along with winning a Daytona 500, but there’s one that no other winner of the "Great American Race" could enjoy other than Kurt Busch.


Partying into the wee hours of the morning with New England Patriots tight end — and notorious party rocker — Rob Gronkowski. 


Busch, who shares a sponsor with "Gronk" in Monster Energy, talked about his wild and crazy night following his epic win to open the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season in a press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday morning.


"My phone was blowing up with Monster people," Busch said. "They were down at Razzle’s (Nightclub) and I was like, ‘Razzle’s, I remember that place, let’s go.’ Gronk was down there and had the VIP area so we went. 


RELATED: Gronk brings the Monter Energy party to Daytona


"I was there partying with Gronk and that is a cool stamp to put down to say that you did that. Mark Hull and Mitch Covington, all the top Monster people were there. All the top SHR people were there … Those are the celebrations you don’t forget about. … I left there about 3:15 or 3:30 a.m. and that is what it takes to pace yourself to make it to the breakfast event with Daytona pushing our car into the Hall of Fame museum the proper way on Monday morning."


While the vodka and Monsters were flowing and madness ensuing, however, there was a jewelry mixup that had yet to be resolved as of Friday morning.


Busch entered the media center and quipped about how there was an interesting story about the giant Daytona 500 winner’s ring, but didn’t expand.


RELATED: All of Kurt Busch’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories


Naturally, he was asked about it pretty quickly and the story was worth the (short) wait.


"So, there are three rings for winning the Daytona 500. Driver, crew chief and owner," said Busch, aiming for his fourth win at AMS on Sunday. "As we gathered to take the picture, I have two owners, Gene Haas and Tony Stewart. So, Tony Gibson, he got his and we moved him off to the side with his and I gave my ring to Tony Stewart. I figured I will get mine later on when they do a ring ceremony with all the crew guys. 


"I told Tony to take my ring. At Razzle’s later on that evening, the ring is floating around with all the crew guys taking pictures and I am like, ‘Whose ring is that?’ I thought Stewart had mine and Gene was already off to Barcelona for the F1 test and Gibson had his on. 


"So, Tony Stewart’s ring was floating around all the crew guys and one guy shows up at the breakfast deal the next morning, and he was pretty lit up, and we were like, ‘There it is, get it off his finger.’ 


"He had gotten a bit too drunk and didn’t remember to pass it to the next guy. So, this is Tony Stewart’s ring and I am going to give it back to him today and all the crew guys will get theirs later on."



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RELATED: Full practice results | Best 10-lap consecutive averages

Ryan Newman topped the leaderboard in Friday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice at Atlanta Motor Speedway at 187.875 mph in the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.


Right behind him was Jamie McMurray in the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Chevrolet at 187.735 mph.


Rounding out the top five were: Kyle Busch in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at 187.595 mph, Matt Kenseth in the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at 187.494 mph and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford at 187.487 mph.


Coors Light Pole Qualifying is the next scheduled Monster Energy Series event at 5:45 p.m. ET (FS1). 

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HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez has NASCAR national series experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but his notebook for navigating the 1.54-mile track in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is relatively bare.



A devoted student of the sport, Suarez religiously pores over race footage, especially at venues where his experience level could use a boost. But with his first premier-series start on an intermediate-sized track looming, Suarez has called in an expert tutor for an early season cram session.



Carl Edwards, a three-time Atlanta winner over the course of his career, was back in the garage area Friday, making the rounds ahead of Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Edwards’ surprise decision to step away from racing in January turned the seat of Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 Toyota to Suarez, the 2016 XFINITY Series champion who’s making the big leap to NASCAR’s top division this year.


RELATED: Suarez takes over the No. 19 Toyota from Edwards


Edwards’ return to the track isn’t a first. The 37-year-old veteran also attended an offseason organizational test at Phoenix Raceway, lending a hand both to Suarez and the Gibbs-owned team. But the 25-year-old Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate says this weekend’s visit stems as much from their personal connection as it does their working relationship.



"He’s a great guy, a very good friend," Suarez said before Friday’s first practice at the 1.54-mile track. "He just asked me, ‘Hey, Daniel, do you want me to go over there? Do you think it would be helpful?’ I said, ‘Man, to have a driver like you who has a bunch of wins here in Atlanta, it’s a big deal.’ Yeah, he’s going to be here to help me out, help the team out. It’s a team he knows very well. It’s going to be good to have him just to watch and to tell us what’s going on from his view."


RELATED: Edwards attends Phoenix test to guide rookie Suarez


Suarez consulted with Edwards early in the 85-minute opening practice, moments after a 14-lap first run to prep for Sunday’s 500-miler, the second race of the season. FOX Sports was quick to note in its broadcast that Edwards has some experience as a substitute teacher on his resume, something that he said may or may not come in handy.



"I didn’t teach much Spanish and that’s coming back to haunt me," joked Edwards, who also told FS1 that he had a hard time staying away from the site of so many successes, including his breakthrough Cup win. "But no, it’s really neat to see a guy like Daniel, he’s a self-made guy and he’s doing a great job. He really cares. To help him a little bit is really cool."



Besides learning the nuances of the well-worn Georgia asphalt from a master, Suarez is also getting a preliminary feel for the ebbs and flows of the NASCAR schedule in the big leagues. His season-long workload has gone up, as have his obligations — both at the track and away.



He’s just one race in, after a 29th-place series debut in the season-opening Daytona 500, but he already has an early sense of what the year may hold.



"I think it’s definitely more busy than the XFINITY Series, more going on," Suarez said. "You have more time in the race track than when you are home, but it’s good. I really enjoy a lot to spend time in the race track with my team, working hard to become a better person, a better driver. So far, I’m really enjoying this a lot."

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2018 DAYTONA 500 VIP Ticket Packages are now available from PrimeSport! As the Official Ticket Exchange of Daytona International Speedway, PrimeSport has your access to all the action at the World Center of Racing! Receive $50 off per reservation when you book your 2018 DAYTONA package by Saturday March 4th. Use code DAYTONA18 at checkout. Coupon code DAYTONA18 is active now through Saturday March, 4th. | GO HERE

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCARu00ae and Lilly Diabetes announced today that Lilly is expanding its involvement in NASCAR with a multi-year official partnership with the sanctioning body. The new collaboration designates Lilly Diabetes as the "Official Diabetes Health Partner of NASCAR."

The partnership with Lilly Diabetes builds upon its primary sponsorship of the No. 16 Ford Mustang driven by Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed, who last weekend won his second career NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Additionally, as a part of this new partnership, Lilly Diabetes will work with NASCAR on multiple health and wellness initiatives, including launching an editorial series on NASCAR.com.

"As a leader in diabetes care for more than 90 years, we understand the daily challenges that millions of Americans face managing this disease," said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. "Our partnership with NASCAR, along with our continued relationship with Ryan, emphasizes the critical role of ongoing discussions with your doctor about how to best manage the disease."

As the Official Diabetes Health Partner of NASCAR, Lilly Diabetes — part of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) — will expand its presence in the sport by introducing initiatives that educate fans about the disease. Lilly encourages fans to stay determined and take action to better manage their diabetes by talking to their doctor and making lifestyle changes like exercising and eating healthy. Approximately 30 million Americans have diabetes, and if current trends continue, 1 in 3 U.S. adults will develop diabetes by 2050

"The goal of Lilly Diabetes – driving awareness and education – is critical to NASCAR as many of our fans are affected by the disease," said Lou Garate, NASCAR vice president of partnership marketing. "The rate of Americans developing diabetes continues to rise, and we hope this partnership can help make a positive change in people’s lives."

Lilly Diabetes has played a significant role in the NASCAR community since 2013, when it first sponsored Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed and his No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Ryan has Type 1 diabetes and, through his work with Lilly, travels the NASCAR circuit raising awareness about the disease and encouraging fans to take action to better manage their diabetes.

"Our program with Lilly Diabetes is one that touches my life in a significant way, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 17," said Reed. "I have seen the positive effect our partnership with Lilly Diabetes has had on those impacted by this disease, and I can’t wait to see what NASCAR and Lilly can accomplish together."

Everyone’s journey with diabetes is different, requiring ongoing, rigorous management that can often be a burden for people with the disease. Through the sponsorship of Reed, and now the partnership with NASCAR, Lilly Diabetes wants to help fans see how small changes can add up to big wins in diabetes management, both on and off the track. Visit www.LillyDiabetes.com/drive today to learn more about Lilly Diabetes and find helpful resources.

The NASCAR XFINITY Series season will continue with the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

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MORE: Suarez: It’s going to be a great year | Edwards gives Atlanta advice

HAMPTON, Ga. — Carl Edwards flew to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday morning in his personal Cessna plane, presumably packing light. Though he stepped away from NASCAR competition in January, Edwards still made sure that his driver’s suit and helmet were part of his cargo.

Just in case.

Ever the racer, Edwards was back in his element at Atlanta, enjoying seeing the people and surroundings at a venue that catapulted him to NASCAR’s elite with a breakthrough victory nearly 12 years. His role Friday was as teacher and consultant, sharing lunch and working with rookie Daniel Suarez, his successor in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota.

Though his safety gear was in tow, Edwards reiterated that he was sticking with the decision he made in the offseason. And he also made it clear — despite rumors, hearsay and conspiracy theories to the contrary about his reasons for leaving — that Suarez had earned his place in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

"I think very quickly I’ll be out of the picture because it’s his team. He’s proven himself," said Edwards, dressed in a crisp black shirt with the logo of team sponsor Arris. "He doesn’t have to have me here. I’m only an addition to what he’s already got, and it’s only because he wants me here.

"I definitely don’t want to get in the way. I’m not a hanger-on type of guy. If they don’t want me here, I won’t be here."


MORE: Edwards goes to Phoenix to help Suarez


Edwards, who was unsure the length of his stay in the Peach State, tackled a wide range of topics in his informal afternoon gaggle with reporters behind the No. 19 hauler: His insistence that it’s not a "retirement," his chances for a return to the cockpit, his peace with the January decision, his potential political aspirations, Suarez’s development, and those pesky rumors that haven’t caused him to lose his sense of humor.

"Man, I should’ve started this a lot different. I could’ve messed with you guys somehow with all the rumors and stuff," Edwards said with a grin. "(Suarez benefactor) Carlos (Slim) pays me $1 million a race to come and hang out. Penske wants me to spy on the Toyotas."

Edwards was joking, but the act of stowing Nomex into his luggage did plenty to stir the intrigue. Even with his career resume, the 37-year-old veteran would have to complete certain compulsory tasks to turn laps.

He would have to have a current 2017 NASCAR competitor’s license (he doesn’t, NASCAR officials said), pass a drug test and receive approval from both the track and NASCAR’s competition department. As of Friday afternoon, Edwards said he was unsure about his status and indicated he’d filled out no paperwork.

"I snuck into a lot of race tracks and driven stuff, so I’m not above doing that," Edwards quipped. "I don’t know. I haven’t filled out any paperwork. I did tell (series director) Richard Buck this morning that I’m pretty sure that I’d pass the drug test, so that’d be good."

Edwards continued to shy away from the word "retirement," but with the roar of XFINITY Series cars practicing in the background, it was clear he missed the challenge of Atlanta’s worn asphalt. "This place, I love this place. I miss driving while I’m standing here."

Full-time driving remains out of the question for now, Edwards says, but even the lure of a partial schedule in any of NASCAR’s national series would be a tough sell.

"I don’t know. It’s kind of hard to come here and it’s hard to be kind of half-in, half-out," Edwards said, "so I’m going to try really hard to stick to my plan, step away, make sure I get my perspective right and if decide I want to drive something, I’m going to do it 100 percent, but I don’t know what I’m going to … right now, I don’t know … I’m certain that I wouldn’t agree to something full-time right now."

Edwards also touched on the possibility of a political run, something he broached in his January 11 announcement. The Missouri native reaffirmed his offseason stance, indicating that he had no concrete intent to campaign for office.

"I haven’t decided on the political stuff," Edwards said. "Like I talked about at the press conference, I really believe in individual freedom and liberty and what the United States is based upon. I think, like anybody, I’ve been paying attention and it’s a little scary what’s going on as a whole in our country and in the world. So if I can help with that down the line, great, but I don’t have any firm plans right now."