Talladega, USA – October 1, 2023
The NASCAR Cup Series round of 12 playoff race invaded Talladega 2.66-mile Superspeedway for the YELLAWOODS 500.
The facility is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln. Talladega Superspeedway nicknamed “Dega” and recognized as the longest NASCAR oval track on circuit can only be compared to Daytona International Speedway, which measures 2.5-mile diameter.
YELLAWOODS 500 – Stage 1 Recap:
With only 10 Stage 1 laps left, Kyle Busch bump drafted Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to the front as impatient contenders advanced.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. takes the lead of the pack and Austin Cindric contests. Austin Cindric battles door to door with Stenhouse Jr. for the top position. Unfortunately for Stenhouse Jr., his inadequate fuel levels slow down the Stage 1 contender. The confusion escalates with contact between Chevy patrons Kyle Bush and Ross Chastain, the later receiving the worst, inviting a Stage 1 ending caution flag.
Playoff Contender Ryan Blaney profits and collects Stage 1 Win at Dega.
YELLAWOODS 500 – Stage 1 Results:
1. Ryan Blaney
2. William Byron
3. Kyle Larson
4. Chase Elliott
5. Alex Bowman
6. Austin Cindric
7. Justin Haley
8. Kevin Harvick
9. Joey Logano
10. Ryan Preece
YELLAWOODS 500 – Stage 2 Recap:
The action intensified with six trips remaining in Stage 2 as William Byron returned to the lead with a bump tap draft from pole sitter Aric Almirola. Byron’s lead was tested as Cup Champ Martin Truex Jr. aligned his front chrome horn to another seasoned veteran, Cup Champ Brad Keselowski’s rear bumper. Brad Keselowski moved onward to secure the point while guarding off an aggressive run from William Byron.
Brad drives off with Stage 2 Checkers at Talladega Superspeedway.
YELLAWOODS 500 – Stage 2 Results
1. Brad Keselowski
2. William Byron
3. Joey Logano
4. Austin Dillon
5. Chase Elliott
6. Daniel Suarez
7. Kyle Larson
8. Chase Briscoe
9. Ty Dillon
10. Tyler Reddick
YELLAWOODS 500 – Final Stage Recap:
William Byron planned a pass with 5 scheduled laps lingering to secure the revolving front position. William Byron’s lead was opposed by Cup Champ Kevin Harvick the following lap. Happy Harvick welcomed a bump draft, bolting him past race leader William Byron.
The short-lived lead for Harvick was stolen by 2nd generation racer Ryan Blaney. Blaney sharpshot under Kevin Harvick for the lead as Happy Harvick blocked the high lane.
Ryan Blaney squeaked past Kevin Harvick as the checker flag is in sight.
Ryan Blaney crossed the finish line 100th’s of a second over retiring Kevin Harvick and a multitude of carnage mounting in muti car collision in Blaney’s rear view mirror.
Ryan Blaney advanced in Playoff competition conquering “The Biggest and Badest” track on the Cup circuit.
Unfortunately, Harvick was not happy to see his amazing 2nd place finish denied after a faulty window net infraction was discovered in post-race inspection. Kevin Harvick was disqualified after breaking Nascar Rule Book infraction of relation.
Kevin Harvick will transfer from Helmet to Headset as he takes on a new career in Motor Sports casting from the TV booth next Season.
YELLAWOODS 500 – Final Stage Results:
Pos. – Driver
1. Ryan Blaney
(Kevin Harvick) DQ
2. William Byron
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Corey LaJoie
5. Austin Cindric
6. Chase Elliott
7. Justin Haley
8. Ryan Preece
9. Riley Herbst
10. Daniel Suarez
11. Chandler Smith
12. Todd Gilliland
13. Kyle Larson
14. Chase Briscoe
15. Christopher Bell
16. Tyler Reddick
17. Aric Almirola
18. Martin Truex Jr
19. Chris Buescher
20. AJ Allmendinger
21. Michael McDowell
22. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
23. Bubba Wallace
24. Joey Logano
25. Kyle Busch
26. Erik Jones
27. Ty Dillon
28. Alex Bowman
29. BJ McLeod
30. Brennan Poole
31. Harrison Burton
32. Brad Keselowski
33. Austin Dillon
34. Ty Gibbs
35. Carson Hocevar
36. JJ Yeley
37. Ross Chastain
NASCAR Cup Series
Championship Playoff Drivers Points
(After Talladega 10/1/23)
Playoff Race 2 of 3 in the Round of 12
Pos | Driver | Points / Win |
1. William Byron | 1 Win
2. Ryan Blaney | 1 Win
3. Denny Hamlin | +50
4. Christopher Bell | +22
5. Chris Buescher | +19
6. Martin Truex Jr. | +17
7. Kyle Larson | +15
8. Brad Keselowski | +2
— Round of 8 Cutline —
9. Tyler Reddick | -2
10. Bubba Wallace | -9
11. Ross Chastain | -10
12. Kyle Busch | -26
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs returns Sunday to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the final road-course event and last attempt to qualify for a “Round of Eight” Championship Playoff ticket.
Ryan Blaney won the inaugural race while Chase Elliott was the only driver with multiple victories at the Charlotte Roval Road Course.
Bank of America ROVAL 400
October 8, 2023
2 p.m. E.T.
(NBC, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM 90 NASCAR Radio)
