Mike Joy: It's time for the biggest and baddest oval in the world, the Talladega Superspeedway! High speeds, daring moves, and big crashes define this place, who will have the skill and luck to get through and win on this iconic racetrack?
Race Details
Track: 2.66 Mile Superspeedway
Race Length: 188 Laps/500 Miles
Stages: 60/60/68
Fuel Window: 30-35 Laps
Tire Wear: Low
Race Start: 2:00 PM
Weather: 90° Sunny
15% Chance of Rain
Starting Lineup
Row 1: Martin Truex Jr/Corey Heim (R)
Row 2: Kyle Larson/Todd Gilliland
Row 3: Joey Logano/Brad Keselowski
Row 4: Ryan Blaney/Ty Gibbs (R)
Row 5: Shane Van Gisbergen/Zane Smith (R)
Row 6: John Hunter Nemechek/Chase Briscoe
Row 7: Matt Kenseth/Sheldon Creed (R)
Row 8: Harrison Burton/Jimmie Johnson
Row 9: Chris Buescher/Brett Moffitt
Row 10: Noah Gragson/Anthony Alfredo
Row 11: Tyler Reddick/Chase Elliott
Row 12: William Byron/Myatt Snider
Row 13: Denny Hamlin/Matt DiBenedetto
Row 14: Kurt Busch/Kyle Busch
Row 15: Landon Cassill/Matt Tifft
Row 16: Ryan Sieg (R)/Ross Chastain
Row 17: Christopher Bell/Gracie Trotter
Row 18: Justin Haley/Casey Atwood
Row 19: Paul Menard/David Ragan
Row 20: Michael McDowell/Kaz Grala
Row 21: Hailie Deegan/Parker Kligerman
Row 22: Tyler Ankrum (R)
1/188
The biggest, baddest track in NASCAR is ready, we're green at Talladega! Martin Truex Jr gets a shove from Kyle Larson out into the lead as Corey Heim and Todd Gilliland on the top struggle to connect, as Truex pulls ahead into turn 1! The Roush veterans are working together really well down the backstretch and have everything under control for this particular start. Truex leads the first lap!
3/188
The outside line had trouble getting going and Corey Heim sits about 6 cars behind on the top, allowing for Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Shane Van Gisbergen, and John Hunter Nemechek to get clear and open up a move.
6/188
John Hunter Nemechek capitalizes on some momentum up top and moves up! The momentum is increasing as Nemechek looks to lead them forward.
8/188
Joey Logano jumps to the top in front of John Hunter Nemechek and he's aggressively sidedrafting off of Kyle Larson to try and split the Roush leaders up! It's Penske against Roush directly at the front.
9/188
Here comes Joey Logano for the race lead, pushed by John Hunter Nemechek on the high side! Martin Truex Jr can't block and Logano goes by.
14/188
Ryan Blaney catches Kyle Larson off guard and goes to the inside of the 17 on the exit of turn 2, Shane Van Gisbergen goes with him and the Roush cars can't cover the Penske teams, as Logano goes to the bottom and picks up Blaney.
18/188
Trouble, Tyler Ankrum around, into the inside wall off turn 2! An early incident and an early caution as the nose of that car has heavy damage. Ankrum lost it on his own after checking up on the bottom line.
20/188 -> Caution
It's a stretch on if anyone can make it to the end of the stage on fuel from here, but everyone's in for a gas and go. Joey Logano keeps the lead off of pit road.
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Joey Logano
2 - Ryan Blaney
3 - Shane Van Gisbergen
4 - Martin Truex Jr
5 - Kyle Larson
6 - John Hunter Nemechek
7 - Corey Heim (R)
8 - Todd Gilliland
9 - Brad Keselowski
10 - Zane Smith (R)
22/188
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney on the front row for this restart, we're back green and Logano immediately jumps down to the bottom to hook up with his teammate! The Penske duo working together into turns 1 and 2.
25/188
Lots of fuel saving going on throughout the pack as everyone is trying to make it to the end of this stage without a pit stop, all going on behind Joey Logano who's a bit vulnerable fuel wise.
29/188
We haven't seen much of the Chevies and Toyotas, they're still tucked up in the back after being overpowered by the Fords in qualifying. It's hard to beat Roush, Penske, and Yates in the draft with their engine power.
33/188
Ryan Blaney has hit his fuel target so he's gonna swap places with Joey Logano and take the lead here at Talladega to allow Logano to save some fuel.
36/188
Nobody has really been able to do anything about these Penske cars at the front, it's all calm and conservative as slow gains are made throughout the middle of the pack.
41/188
3 wide! The Chevies have had enough of riding around behind the Fords and they're looking to do something about it, there's Hendrick cars on the top, all 4 of them working together to try and get something going.
43/188
Joey Logano has met his fuel target and he's shoving Ryan Blaney so hard his hood flaps are flown open! High speeds and intensity throughout the pack as the end of the stage nears.
47/188
Chase Elliott leads those Hendrick cars on the top and they're slowing making progress with more Chevies ing them, there's the RCR cars and JR Motorsports cars up there with them.
50/188
The team alliances are strong at the front as Penske is all together, Roush is all together, and now Yates is all together. This Ford teamwork isn't gonna last long with stage points on the line.
55/188
Chase Elliott has pulled up to about the 3rd row now, he's in contention for this stage win as the long work forward is paying off. Patience has been key for Elliott today and now he's challenging for points.
58/188
It's go time for the Roush cars and here they come up the middle! Joey Logano tries to block from 2nd place but he can't and Corey Heim is gonna storm forward into the lead!
59/188
This jostling at the front is helping Chase Elliott, here he comes on the high side with a big run, Corey Heim goes to block and Elliott brushes the wall! Almost a huge wreck as Elliott saves it but that may be it for the high side's momentum as Heim returns to his teammates.
60/188
Final lap of this first stage, and it's Corey Heim leading the way now with 2 lanes to block! He's on the bottom with the Penske cars, trying to hold them off as Ryan Blaney hooks up to his bumper and pushes him out, then pulls back and leaves Heim out there with a big gap to the pack! They're gonna have a big run coming off turn 4, here they come! Blaney fakes high and goes low, Heim cannot defend and Ryan Blaney takes Stage 1 at Talladega!
Stage 1 Results
1 - Ryan Blaney
2 - Joey Logano
3 - Corey Heim (R)
4 - Shane Van Gisbergen
5 - Todd Gilliland
6 - Chase Elliott
7 - Brad Keselowski
8 - Kyle Larson
9 - William Byron
10 - Zane Smith (R)
62/188 -> Caution
Here come all the leaders into the pits for tires and fuel, everyone will take tires on this pit stop and Ryan Blaney has trouble exiting, costing him the lead and a lot of spots!
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Joey Logano (+1)
2 - Corey Heim (R)(+1)
3 - Todd Gilliland (+2)
4 - Brad Keselowski (+3)
5 - Shane Van Gisbergen (-1)
6 - Chase Elliott
7 - Kyle Larson (+1)
8 - John Hunter Nemechek (+3)
9 - William Byron
10 - Matt Kenseth (+2)
64/188
Joey Logano on the outside, Corey Heim on the inside and we're racing again but Heim spins the tires and nearly gets turned by Todd Gilliland! Big problems for the bottom line as Logano and Brad Keselowski get clear! Heim drops about 8 rows back and takes everyone on that bottom back with him.
67/188
Chase Elliott sits in 3rd now behind Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski and he makes his move with John Hunter Nemechek and Matt Kenseth in tow! Elliott goes to the lead as the Penske cars are stranded!
71/188
Chase Elliott is on a bit of an island in the lead as his teammates were caught up in that scramble on the restart, but it seems like the Yates cars are content with riding around for now.
77/188
The outside line is now led by the 24 of William Byron, both lines are now controlled by Hendrick cars and Byron is making progress to get to the front.
80/188
Big run from Byron on the top, and now we have 2 lanes at the front of the pack again as Chase Elliott slides up to work with his teammate and carry the momentum.
83/188
Toyota has been very quiet all race long, they're all still hanging out back waiting for their opportunity to strike! JGR and 23XI are dead last on purpose with this strategy.
85/188
Diving into pit road are the Toyotas now, they're trying to undercut everyone or bank on a caution coming out! They're just now in their window to make it to the end of the stage and the come out very neat and organized led by Kurt Busch in the 45.
88/188
Trouble, Sheldon Creed gets turned down the backstretch, and his car takes off and he's upside down! A massive blowover as Creed tumbles multiple times before landing on all 4 wheels, terrifying incident for the rookie as the caution is out!
89/188 -> Red Flag
The red flag is out for that scary crash as the medical team check on Sheldon Creed, he gets out and takes a seat next to his car, likely out of breath from the wild ride he took. It's gonna be a lot of cleanup that's better to do with no cars rolling.
90/188 -> Caution
After about 15 minutes of red flag, cars have begun to roll again and we're ready for pit stops. This caution comes at a perfect time for Toyota who already pit, here comes Chase Elliott and the rest of the field. Fuel only for everyone.
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Chase Elliott
2 - William Byron
3 - Matt Kenseth (+1)
4 - John Hunter Nemechek (-1)
5 - Chase Briscoe
6 - Corey Heim (R)
7 - Joey Logano (+2)
8 - Todd Gilliland (-1)
9 - Brad Keselowski
10 - Kyle Larson (-2)
93/188
Just shy of halfway here at Talladega, this race has been flipped upside down as Kurt and Kyle Busch lead us back to green on the front row! Kurt gets a huge push from Michael McDowell into turn 1 and gets clear! 23XI have been fast here every time they come here, no surprise to see one of the cars lead the way!
97/188
Joey Logano is making bold and brave moves as he goes to the outside of Chase Briscoe into the trioval and Brad Keselowski goes with him! Don't count out these Penske cars for the stage win just yet!
101/188
Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin have hooked up and they're going to the front past Kurt Busch! Both Denny and Kyle know how to get it done here, but they haven't won here in a long time!
106/188
The wind has started to pick up and these cars are on the edge, several drivers are complaining about the balance as they feel they're about to loop the car around!
110/188
Chase Elliott to the inside of Parker Kligerman, pushed by William Byron! They're trying to break the rule of the Toyotas at the front after that shakeup with the strategy.
114/188
Kyle Busch is doing a lot of blocking at the front against brother Kurt and teammate Denny Hamlin, he's gotta be careful out front!
118/188
Joey Logano is trying to make things happen with a third line but nobody's going with him! This pack is not going to do Penske any favors with how dominant those cars have looked today.
120/188
Final lap of Stage 1! Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin get clear of Kurt Busch and they both move to the bottom to get the shortest way around the track! Not much is happening with the other 2 lanes, Joey Logano on the high side is stalling the middle as they make their way down the backstretch! Busch leads Hamlin and Busch into turn 3, what will Kurt do to try and win the stage? Out of 4, a long way until the line and Hamlin pulls out, Kurt Busch goes with him and makes it 3 wide! Coming to the line, Kurt Busch wins the stage!
Stage 2 Results
1 - Kurt Busch
2 - Denny Hamlin
3 - Kyle Busch
4 - Joey Logano
5 - Christopher Bell
6 - Michael McDowell
7 - Brad Keselowski
8 - Chase Elliott
9 - William Byron
10 - Gracie Trotter
122/188 -> Caution
Another round of pit stops, this will be the last time we see scheduled tire changes today as Kurt Busch continues to lead with a great pit stop.
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Kurt Busch
2 - Denny Hamlin
3 - Kyle Busch
4 - Joey Logano
5 - Michael McDowell (+1)
6 - Christopher Bell (-1)
7 - Chase Elliott (+1)
8 - William Byron (+1)
9 - Brad Keselowski (-2)
10 - Gracie Trotter
124/188
The 45 car on the inside driven by Kurt Busch, and the man that owns that 45 car on the outside, Denny Hamlin, we're green again! Busch gets a big push from brother Kyle into turn 1, with Michael McDowell shoving his team owner Kyle into turn 1 as well! Big run from the bottom as Joey Logano goes to the outside of Denny Hamlin! Those 2 have differences from Richmond and neither want to work together but it costs the outside line big time! Kurt Busch leads the way with Kyle and McDowell.
126/188
Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano now find themselves way shuffled backwards and Hamlin had some choice words for Logano on the radio, this rivalry is starting to really heat up.
130/188
With the faltering of the outside on the restart, the pack has gone mostly single file and are willing to ride around until pit stops come around. Kurt Busch likes the sight of that as his lead is secure for now.
141/188
Kurt Busch and 23XI are discussing some strategies, as Kurt is on a bit of an island right now. He has Kyle Busch behind him, who's racing for himself, and Michael McDowell who drives for Kyle Busch Motorsports who will definitely go with Kyle when a move comes. Kurt just needs to manage the pace and not get out too far.
145/188
Big gap between Kyle Busch and Michael McDowell, and Chase Elliott is gonna catch McDowell with his pants down and lunge forward to move into 3rd! Incredible move by the 9 and incredible thinking to get himself in better position.
153/188
We have some pit stops and it's the Fords! Penske, Yates, and Roush come in together and are hoping for a big undercut. It'll be a gas and go and Zane Smith leads a long train of Fords.
156/188
Here comes Chevrolet into the pits, but there's trouble as Kaz Grala goes around and takes out Noah Gragson! We stay green as they're gonna fall off the draft and will have damage as Chase Elliott leads that group.
157/188
Toyota comes in, led by Kurt Busch and it's nice and neatly organized between JGR, 23XI, and XCI. Fuel only and Kurt Busch leads with Kyle Busch right behind him still, here's the blend and Zane Smith and the Fords have successfully jumped Kurt Busch! The Toyotas blend nicely but Smith now has the lead with 32 to go!
160/188
Chase Elliott lost a lot of ground in that exchange of pit stops but he and William Byron are linked up again and making things happen, back up to 10th and 11th after being in the 20s following pit stops.
164/188
Zane Smith leads, cool and calm, he's been in this position before and lost the win late. He's tucked on the bottom looking to gas it to the finish in 1st place.
168/188
The Yates cars are not content with sitting in line, here come John Hunter Nemechek, Chase Briscoe, and Matt Kenseth all together! Nemechek is gonna storm to the lead and take it from Zane Smith!
173/188
Chase Elliott and William Byron have picked up Jimmie Johnson from the pack, the Hendrick cars remaining in the draft are now together and going forward!
179/188
Chase Briscoe doesn't care about teammates, he wants the lead and he goes with a run from Chase Elliott and gets pushed to the lead! John Hunter Nemechek is furious with Briscoe for that move!
183/188
Joey Logano is furiously pushing Zane Smith and Smith gets to the inside of John Hunter Nemechek for 3rd! These Penske d cars aren't done yet here!
185/188
4 laps to go, Chase Briscoe leads off turn 2 and here comes a run from the top from Chase Elliott! Briscoe blocks late, Chase Elliott has to check up and gets turned by William Byron, it's the big one! Zane Smith into the outside wall, Elliott spins into the inside wall, Michael McDowell is collected, Matt Tifft, John Hunter Nemechek, David Ragan, Justin Haley, Brett Moffitt, Anthony Alfredo, Brad Keselowski, and Martin Truex Jr also collected with big damage.
189/194 -> Caution
Cleanup is going on and pit road is open, none of the leaders are in but we have some takers that are gonna top off on fuel and take 4 tires towards the back of the pack. Fuel is gonna become a real issue now!
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Matt DiBenedetto
2 - Chris Buescher
3 - Parker Kligerman
4 - Casey Atwood
5 - Ross Chastain
6 - Ty Gibbs (R)
7 - Paul Menard
8 - Myatt Snider
9 - Ryan Sieg (R)
10 - Hailie Deegan
193/194
Here we are, ready for overtime, with Chase Briscoe on the inside and Joey Logano on the outside, green flag! Briscoe doesn't get going, he's out of gas and he gets turned by Corey Heim up into traffic, another big wreck! Harrison Burton, Landon Cassill, Shane Van Gisbergen, and Chris Buescher all involved in this one. Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, William Byron, and Kyle Larson are all out of fuel as well.
197/200 -> Caution
Those who ran out of fuel under this caution are into the pits, a painful stop for fuel for those who were at the front as Joey Logano and Corey Heim are still up there with very low fuel.
Race Off Pit Road
1 - Kyle Busch
2 - Kurt Busch
3 - Kyle Larson
4 - William Byron
5 - Ryan Blaney
6 - Tyler Reddick
199/200
Let's try this again, another attempt at overtime and we are green again! Joey Logano and Corey Heim get going with no issues as Todd Gilliland pushes on the high side and Christopher Bell pushes on the bottom! Neither line has the advantage yet down the backstretch through the speedy-dry, and into turn 3! Logano edges ahead of Heim on the bottom, taking the shorter line around. These guys at the front are on fumes out of turn 4, they're coming to the white flag.
200/200
White flag is in the air, 2.66 miles of racing to go, do they have the fuel to get back? Joey Logano holds strong on the inside and pulls ahead of Corey Heim, the 22 is clear, but now he's getting too far out, they're gonna have a big run on him! Down the backstretch for the final time heading into 3, Heim goes high, Logano blocks high, Heim switches back, Logano blocks again and he's turned! They're wrecking, here comes Christopher Bell leading the way out of turn 4 but he's out of fuel! Denny Hamlin goes by and Hamlin is gonna win at Talladega!
Geico 500 Results
1 - Denny Hamlin (1 Lap Led)
2 - William Byron
3 - Todd Gilliland
4 - Jimmie Johnson
5 - Kyle Larson
6 - Kurt Busch (48 Laps Led/Stage 2 Winner)
7 - Kyle Busch (19 Laps Led)
8 - Matt DiBenedetto
9 - Gracie Trotter
10 - Ryan Blaney (27 Laps Led/Stage 1 Winner)
11 - Tyler Reddick
12 - Christopher Bell
13 - Casey Atwood
14 - Ryan Sieg (R)
15 - Ty Gibbs (R)
16 - Paul Menard
17 - Hailie Deegan
18 - Ross Chastain
19 - Justin Haley
20 - Parker Kligerman
21 - Matt Kenseth
22 - Joey Logano (59 Laps Led)
23 - Corey Heim (R)(2 Laps Led)
24 - Noah Gragson (-1)
25 - Kaz Grala (-3)
DNF
26 - Chris Buescher
27 - Landon Cassill
28 - Chase Briscoe (14 Laps Led)
29 - Shane Van Gisbergen
30 - Harrison Burton
31 - Michael McDowell
32 - Martin Truex Jr (8 Laps Led)
33 - John Hunter Nemechek (11 Laps Led)
34 - Chase Elliott
35 - Brad Keselowski
36 - Anthony Alfredo
37 - Zane Smith (R)(11 Laps Led)
38 - Brett Moffitt
39 - Myatt Snider
40 - David Ragan
41 - Matt Tifft
42 - Sheldon Creed (R)
43 - Tyler Ankrum (R)
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