NASCAR Cup Series

Podium Preview: YellaWood 500 at Talladega

by
Rob Tiongson
October 1, 2023

Cal Naughton Jr. aka Chase Briscoe rounds his way ahead of the YellaWood 500 at Talladega. (Photo: Teresa Bennink | The Podium Finish)

LINCOLN, Ala. — For the younger folks, the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway brings sudden reminders of a certain 2006 comedy film with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Then, for those who have followed NASCAR for at least the past 30 years, this race weekend distinguishes the brave from the fearful.

Since 1969, this race has tested the greats with its 33 degrees of banking in the corners and 16.5 degrees of banking in the tri-oval. Its long straights certainly evoke speed and aggression, particularly down the “Alabama Gang” superstretch measured at 4,000 feet.

Consider that the drivers will run three to sometimes four wide at about 190 mph in a pack and it does not take much to marvel at the logistics of this 188-lap race. With the big packs comes the threat of the dreaded “Big One” or the grinding, multi-car accident that leaves a path of destruction in its wake.

Still, the rewards outweigh the risk for those unafraid to mix it up toward the front of the field while understanding the draft. Although so few claim to see the draft like the late Dale Earnhardt, there have been other greats like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. who have conquered Talladega.

As Sunday’s race looms, Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace hope for great afternoons at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. For these four, “The World’s Fastest Superspeedway” is their best hopes to control their destiny ahead of next week’s Charlotte ROVAL race weekend.

Last year, Chase Elliott punched his ticket into the Round of 8 with a well timed Talladega victory with a hardy push from Erik Jones. Now, Elliott hopes to replicate this feat to find some kind of positive in an otherwise tough season.

Once the NASCAR official unfurls the green flag on race day, it is anyone’s guess as to who will prevail in this year’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega. For the time being, come along for the ride this and each race weekend with Podium Preview.

This weekend, Cody Shoppe, Jasmine Sharpe, Kobe Lambeth, Luis Torres and yours truly consider the importance of starting the Round of 12 off on a strong note at Texas plus who stands out as a contender for Sunday’s race.

Podium Perspectives

Question 1

William Byron does not have to worry about his fate in the YellaWood 500 at Talladega. (Photo: Teresa Bennink | The Podium Finish)

As the final oval race of the Round of 12, how pivotal is Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in terms of avoiding having one’s fate decided at the Charlotte ROVAL?

Torres : It’s anybody’s game at Talladega, but more so if you’re already in a hole after Texas. Like I’ve said last week, those who didn’t fare too well will have a tough time getting far.

However, a big wreck which you can still expect, can put somebody back in the hunt or dash their hopes completely.

This is the case for Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney, who had trouble last Sunday. Both are really good at Talladega, but a wreck can all but seal their fate of not making it into the Round of 8. A strong result is paramount, otherwise, they’re done for.

Lambeth : Whenever NASCAR comes to a track like Talladega Superspeedway, the drivers cannot always control their own destiny. Whether you run at the front, middle or back of the pack, trouble can find you anywhere in a superspeedway race.

The ultimate goal is to simply survive Talladega and head to the Round of 12 elimination race at Charlotte in a good enough position that does not put you in a must-win situation. Talladega is a nerve-racking experience and each driver wants to get out of Alabama unscathed, but that is going to be quite a challenge, given the unpredictable nature of this place.

Question 2

Kyle Larson would love to have a good day at Talladega. (Photo: Teresa Bennink | The Podium Finish)

Of the drivers who experienced problems at Texas, who is most likely to succeed and prosper on Sunday at Talladega?

Sharpe : This is the true “million-dollar” question. Last week, Kyle Busch hit the wall on Lap 74, driving backwards to make it back to pit road. He ended up in 34th, unable to repair the car under the DVP rules. He’s shown his incredible driving finesse at plate tracks so many times over the years, and in so many generations of vehicles that I feel that race fans should keep a close eye on him for Sunday afternoon.

Tiongson : As strange as it may sound, fate and destiny can be controlled a bit better here versus next Sunday at the Charlotte ROVAL. At Talladega, yes, it is basically a high speed chess match and thriller each lap. However, having the willingness to be aggressive and smart matters more here versus the Charlotte ROVAL where going over the line can mean trouble for Round of 8 prospects.

Then again, a conservative approach at Talladega is not ideal either. Kyle Larson finished inside the top 20 at Talladega figuring he had enough of a cushion to advance into the Round of 8. Instead, he proceeds to the Charlotte ROVAL with a subpar run and a critical unforced error with the wall that ruined his day and hopes.

This is a very important race for Larson, Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace. If they can manage to gain 20 to 25 points on their nearest competitors, it might just give a bit of breathing room when they return home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. In this case, I think Larson has the most to gain if he can succeed at Talladega.

With two laps around Talladega, let us all take a deep breath and reflect to last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. Let us look at the race and points reports from the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Texas, Race No. 29 of 36 comprising this year’s NASCAR Cup Series season!

Torres and Sharpe captured Texas triumphs.

Torres extends his points lead after four races in this year’s Playoffs.