NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 Race at Talladega Superspeedway: Preview and Prediction

The NASCAR Cup Series reaches the Talladega Superspeedway in what is expected to be an eventful race. If the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Truck Series on Saturday are anything to go by, the Cup Series could see some big game-changing moments, early on as well as in the final seconds.

While anything can happen at Talladega, it is tough to bet against Team Penske drivers. They have won nine of the last 17 races there, with Ryan Blaney winning the last two races. Interestingly, both by 0.007 seconds.

Penske drivers also have five wins in the last six playoff races at Talladega. Brad Keselowski has five wins in all at the track, while Joey Logano has three to add to Blaney’s back-to-back wins.

Can Blaney make it a hat-trick at Talladega?

Blaney credited his team for two incredibly close wins at Talladega. “It is a testament to fast cars and executing on all sides, not only my sides but my spotter at the end of these races and being very aware of what is around us and making the right moves that pay off,” he said.

Keselowski, meanwhile, said that avoiding crashing at Talladega is not an exact science. He believes one needs to sense when ‘someone is a place they shouldn’t be in’ and it all comes with experience.

There’s been times where I’ve kicked myself and said, ‘Oh, my god. I got in a wreck and I could see it coming. Should’ve known better’. There’s times where I back down and say ‘Oh they’re gonna wreck’, and they don’t wreck. It’s an inexact science,” he said.

For Blaney, he would be gutted that he is not in playoff contention going into Talladega. At the same time, he can see it as an opportunity to go in fearlessly and bag a hat-trick at the track. Keselowski and Logano, on the other hand, would fancy their chances and further improve their playoff chances.

Hamlin’s record; Busch’s quest for a NASCAR Cup Series 2020 win

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Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin not only has the advantage of starting ahead but also his strong record at superspeedways. So far in 2020, Hamlin has not finished lower than fourth place at superspeedways. His Daytona 500 win was also part of this streak.

After Harvick, Hamlin has most wins this season, and he is very much in contention to bag his seventh win just at the right time.

Meanwhile, Kyle Busch’s quest for his first win this season continues. He has come close recently and despite his concerns about Talladega, Busch can very well reach Victory Lane if luck stays with him.

Among the dark horses, Aric Almirola and Clint Bowyer will take inspiration from past wins at Talladega.

Prediction: Denny Hamlin to win the race, with Brad Keselowski in contention.

Read: COVID-19 Protocols in Place for the NASCAR YellaWood 500 Race at Talladega