Sunday, NASCAR heads to the big one, the biggest track on the circuit. At 2.66 miles, the tri-oval known as Talladega, it’s bigger than Daytona.

That was the mission of Bill France, Sr. when he went searching for a place to build a track larger than the 2.5 mile Daytona. He found the spot in Alabama on a military field and constructed the track in 1969.

This place has high banking and it’s wide. At speeds of 200 mph cars can be racing four and five wide and several rows deep. We’re talking tight quarters, and one slip up by a single driver and you’ve got a 20 car pileup.

Talladega Superspeedway will host the Geico 500. This is a 500 mile race. Sunday’s race will be 188 laps.

Predicting a winner at this race is a tall order. A driver can be running in 15th and win it on the final lap. You have to consider “the big one”, a crash that could take out top contenders, opening the door for a long shot driver.

If I have to pick one, I’m starting with the Chevrolets. And if I were to pick a Chevy driver, I’m going with Jr. The Earnhardts have the numbers on this track.

Dale Sr. has the most wins at ten. Dale Jr. has had the most consecutive wins at four. I believe this team has the knowledge on how to be competitive on this track and also how to stay out of trouble.


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