NASCAR Cup - Talladega II

The Talladega II nascar-cup race, officially known as the YellaWood 500, takes place at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. This NASCAR Cup Series event features 188 laps covering 500.08 miles on the longest oval track in NASCAR competition. The 2026 edition brings 40 teams and drivers to this tri-oval superspeedway for one of the most competitive races on the schedule.

Race Format and Stages

The YellaWood 500 divides into three stages. Stage 1 concludes on lap 60, Stage 2 ends on lap 120, and the final stage finishes on lap 188. This format gives drivers multiple opportunities to earn stage points throughout the race. Each stage provides a chance for teams to adjust their strategy and compete for valuable championship points.

Talladega Superspeedway Track Details

Talladega Superspeedway measures 2.66 miles in length, making it the longest NASCAR oval track. The tri-oval configuration features 33-degree banking in the turns and 16.5-degree banking in the tri-oval section. This unique design creates high-speed racing conditions that require specific strategies from teams and drivers.

Facility Specifications

The facility accommodates 80,000 fans in permanent seating. The infield spans approximately 270 acres and offers around 2,700 RV parking spots. The total property covers roughly 3,000 acres near Interstate 20, providing convenient access for fans from across the region.

Qualifying and Entry

Qualifying for the Talladega II nascar-cup race follows a two-round format. The fastest 10 drivers from Round 1 advance to Round 2, where they compete for the top-10 starting positions. This system determines the starting lineup for all 40 entries in the race.

Technical Specifications

All NASCAR Cup cars use restrictor plates at Talladega Superspeedway to manage speeds on this fast track. Teams use identical tire compounds on both the left and right sides of their cars, the same specification used at the spring Talladega race and Daytona International Speedway. These technical requirements level the playing field and create close competition throughout the race.

Track History

NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. conceived Talladega Superspeedway to create the nation's largest and fastest oval track. Construction began in May 1968 on the site of a former Anniston Air Force Base. The facility opened in September 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway before being renamed Talladega Superspeedway in 1989.

Racing Characteristics

Pack racing and drafting serve as essential strategies at Talladega Superspeedway. The track's length and banking allow cars to run in tight groups at high speeds. Drivers work together in the draft to gain positions, making strategy and timing crucial for success. The combination of restrictor plates and track characteristics creates close racing from the green flag to the checkered flag.

Championship Context

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season features significant changes, including a return to the Chase format. The top 16 drivers qualify for the postseason after 26 races. Kyle Larson enters the season as the defending Cup Series champion. The championship race will take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway, making the Talladega II event an important race for drivers competing for playoff positions and advancement.

What to Expect

The YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway consistently delivers close competition. The track's characteristics create opportunities for position changes throughout the race. Drivers must balance aggressive moves with smart strategy to finish well. The 2026 edition promises the same competitive racing that has made this nascar-cup event a standout on the schedule. Fans can expect to see multiple lead changes and strategic battles as teams navigate the unique challenges of racing at Talladega Superspeedway.