Pre-Race Predictions: Talladega

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    Talladega Superspeedway always has seen exciting groups of drivers lead NASCAR Cup Series races, at the 2.660 mile track. This high-speed track also allowed some of the lower-tier teams compete with the big names.

Regardless of who wins this weekend, we’re going to see a wild show this Sunday as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Talladega for some superspeedway racing. 

Here are some drivers to watch for the win:

• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Hamlin has had an decent average in the 2021 season so far, but no win as of yet. Could that change at Talladega, where he has 2 career Cup Series wins? Based on his current performance, I think that’s a possibility!
• Erik Jones [No. 43 Chevrolet / Richard Petty Motorsports] - Jones has finished in the Top 5 in the last 2 races at Talladega (with Joe Gibbs Racing). In theory, if he gets a fast car from RPM he could bring the No. 43 back to victory lane, or at the very least a top 10.
• Ryan Blaney [No. 12 Ford / Team Penske] - Ryan Blaney has won 2 of the last 3 races at Talladega. If things go his way, Blaney could possibly wind the second, 2-time winner of the 2021 season!
• Aric Almirola [No. 10 Ford / Stewart-Haas Racing] - Talladega has proved to be a good track for Almirola. Aside from his win at the track in 2018, he has five Top 5 finishes, and nine Top 10 finishes. Those sound like good statistics, could this be where he turns his performance towards the right direction?!
• Tyler Reddick [No. 8 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing] - Besides running out of gas in the 2020 “Geico” 500, Reddick has been known to get up to the front fairly quick at Talladega. Will Reddick finally break into victory lane for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career? Maybe...

Other drivers to keep an eye on:

• Daniel Suarez [No. 99 Chevrolet / Trackhouse Racing]
• Austin Dillon [No. 3 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing]
• Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. [No. 47 Chevrolet / JTG Daugherty Racing]
• Brad Keselowski [No. 2 Ford / Team Penske]
• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing]

Did I miss anybody? Or do you think one of these drivers above was a bad pick? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love hear what you think!