NASCAR Cup - Talladega

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Talladega Superspeedway in 2026 for the Jack Link's 500, one of the most competitive races on the circuit. This spring race at Talladega brings the intensity of pack racing and the speed that defines superspeedway competition in the NASCAR Cup Series.

About Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway sits in Lincoln, Alabama, and stands as one of NASCAR's most challenging venues. The track measures 2.66 miles around its tri-oval configuration. The asphalt surface features steep banking of 33 degrees in the turns, while the tri-oval section carries 16.5 degrees of banking. The straightaways have a 2-degree banking. The grandstands accommodate 80,000 fans who come to watch the high-speed racing this facility produces.

The Racing at Talladega

Talladega creates a unique style of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The combination of the long straightaways and steep banking allows cars to reach speeds that regularly exceed 200 mph. NASCAR uses tapered spacers to manage these speeds and promote close pack racing. This configuration leads to large groups of cars racing together, with constant position changes and battles throughout the field.

Historic Competition

The track has produced some of NASCAR's most memorable finishes. The 1981 Talladega 500 featured one of the closest finishes in series history. The 1984 Winston 500 set a record with 75 lead changes, while the 2010 race saw 88 lead changes. The fastest NASCAR race ever recorded occurred at Talladega in 1997, with an average speed of 188.354 mph.

Track History and Development

Bill France Sr. founded Talladega Superspeedway with the goal of creating a track larger and faster than Daytona International Speedway. Construction began on May 23, 1968, and the facility opened in 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway. Ken Rush won the first race, the 'Bama 400 Grand Touring race, on September 13, 1969. The track adopted the name Talladega Superspeedway in 1989.

A major renovation project in 2018 brought improvements to the facility. The updates included a new garage area, enhanced infield amenities, a redesigned victory lane, and a new vehicle tunnel. These changes improved the experience for teams and fans alike.

The Talladega Experience

Talladega offers more than just the NASCAR Cup Series race. The facility features more than 15 campgrounds across the property, including the well-known Talladega Boulevard. The camping scene has become a signature part of the race weekend. Fans can access the Talladega Garage Experience, which provides opportunities to see driver interactions, pre-race ceremonies, and victory lane celebrations.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Race

The 2026 edition of the Jack Link's 500 continues the tradition of spring racing at Talladega Superspeedway. The NASCAR Cup Series competition at this track consistently delivers close racing and unexpected outcomes. The superspeedway format creates opportunities for different strategies and racing styles. Teams prepare specifically for the demands of Talladega, where drafting and positioning play crucial roles in the final result.

Talladega also hosts a fall playoff race in the NASCAR Cup Series, making it one of two times each year the series visits this Alabama superspeedway. The spring race serves as a test for teams as they develop their superspeedway packages and strategies for the season.