The NASCAR Cup Series continues the Chase for the championship with the YellaWood 500 on Oct. 25 at Talladega Superspeedway.
While not quite the same frantic wild-card race as in the playoffs, Talladega is set to shake up the top of the standings with a chance to set the table for the final couple race weekends.
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In the points standings, six drivers are within 59 points of Kyle Larson with three races to go.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega:
CUP POINTS: NASCAR points standings, Cup Series points update after Phoenix race, Chase picture
NASCAR predictions for Talladega Cup Series race: Here’s who wins the YellaWood 500
Mike Organ’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Larson held onto the top spot in the Chase standings after Phoenix, barely. He had one of his worst races of the season there, starting outside the top 20 and finishing 34th. Where was he worse? At Talladega in the spring. He will come roaring back this week.
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Nick Gray’s pick: Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
After a summer (and fall) filled with bad luck, Chase Elliott wins at Talladega. Why? Because it’s Talladega, that’s why. And Elliott is a sneaky good drafting driver.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Hocevar a win at Talladega again? Hey, anything can happen on the drafting track. His racing style is just crazy enough to work this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Talladega predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
