By Zach Akers – Sports Writer
All three of NASCAR’s top series return to Alabama to try to tame the beast that is Talladega Superspeedway in three races that are sure to be thrillers. Only two more races remain for each of these series before the Championship 4 field is set.
We start things off with the Craftsman Truck Series, where Corey Heim* has already locked himself into the Championship 4, and the seven remaining drivers are separated by only six points — just three spots for seven drivers. Not a lot of room for error at a track that promises chaos.
Winner prediction: Kaden Honeycutt*
Top 5: J.J. Yeley, Corey Heim*, Parker Kligerman, Layne Riggs*
Next, our attention turns to the Xfinity Series, where nobody locked themselves in last week at Las Vegas, with Aric Almirola winning as a part-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Connor Zilisch* and Justin Allgaier* have to feel pretty secure with 40-plus-point cushions — Zilisch’s being more than 80 points. Things get pretty dicey near the cutline, as you’ll have drivers like Jesse Love*, Sam Mayer* and Brandon Jones* trying to secure their way in on points. You’ll also see drivers like Sheldon Creed*, Carson Kvapil* and Sammy Smith* needing a big points day or maybe even a win on the high banks of Talladega.
Winner prediction: Justin Allgaier*
Top 5: Austin Hill, Connor Zilisch*, Parker Retzlaff, Harrison Burton
The page now turns to NASCAR’s best, with Denny Hamlin* locking himself into the Championship 4 last week at Las Vegas. Drivers like Chase Elliott*, Joey Logano*, Ryan Blaney* and William Byron* enter the weekend with a lot of points to make up following some blunders in the Nevada desert. All four drivers who are outside the cutline have proven capable of winning on drafting tracks — including Talladega. This weekend is sure to have a ton of action, and the Cup race will be icing on the cake.
Winner prediction: Ryan Blaney*
Top 5: Michael McDowell, Denny Hamlin*, Carson Hocevar, William Byron*
This weekend will have a ton of action, and we look forward to coming back on Monday to wrap up the weekend and hopefully recap a lot of fun action from down in Alabama. Until next time!
Asterisks denote drivers still involved in their respective series playoff picture.
On this day in NASCAR history: Oct. 17, 1999 — Dale Earnhardt Sr. came from 27th place to win the Winston 500 at Talladega.
