RULES PACKAGE

The 2020 NASCAR rules package for superspeedways will be in effect, with additional engine restrictions intended to drop the target horsepower to around 510. The cars will use the superspeedway package, but aero ducts will be eliminated and a smaller throttle body will be used. Competition officials introduced the changes May 1 after Ryan Newman’s severe wreck in the season-opening Daytona 500. Learn more about the crash findings and the intent of the safety and competition changes here.

GOODYEAR TIRES

Cup Series teams will have seven sets of Goodyear Eagle Speedway Radials for the race.

Tire management and taking risks might be the theme of this week, as it is possible to pit here without losing a lap. With the importance of track position and chances to make moves at the end of a stage, working with teammates and manufacturer groupings to perfect a winning strategy will be a focus for drivers and crew chiefs all afternoon.

“While not known as a high-wear track, we do actually see some wear at Talladega,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director of racing. “Talladega was repaved in 2010, but tire wear is really not an issue. This leaves open the possibility for some pit strategy, with teams having the opportunity to take two tires, or even no tires on occasion. This will impact them in two ways — to gain a little track position and help them stay close to teammates or other cars they are working with in the draft.”

PLAYOFF STATS TO KNOW

— Team Penske drivers have won five of the last six playoff races at Talladega. Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, the team’s two remaining playoff drivers this year, have a combined eight career wins here. Ryan Blaney, who was knocked out of the playoffs after the Round of 16, has won the last two Talladega races.

— Kurt Busch has made the playoffs seven times during the current elimination format but has never made it to the Championship 4. With his win at Las Vegas, he advances to the Round of 8 but still has a point total that is below the cutline.

— Martin Truex Jr. and Alex Bowman are the only remaining playoff drivers who do not have a superspeedway win in their Cup Series career.

— Kyle Busch has just six races left to extend his 15-year win streak. He has four runner-up finishes this season.

Source: Racing Insights