It’s Talladega time — and that means one thing: expect the unexpected. The Jack Link’s 500 marks the second superspeedway race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, and if history tells us anything, survival is just as important as speed.
Jack Link’s 500 Event Information
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Location: Talladega Superspeedway (Talladega, Alabama)
Laps: 188 (500 miles)
Broadcast: FOX
Jack Link’s 500 Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, Kyle Larson is +350 to win today’s race at Talladega. Christopher Bell is +400, followed by Denny Hamlin at +600. Ryan Blaney and William Bryon are both +700, respectively, while Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick are +1000, respectively.
Superspeedway chaos is the norm at Talladega. Drafting packs, daring moves, and the constant threat of “The Big One” (multi-car crashes) make it one of the hardest races to predict. Still, a few drivers have made a habit of mastering the madness.
Favorites to Watch
Ryan Blaney
Blaney is one of the best superspeedway racers in NASCAR today. He’s a two-time Talladega winner and knows exactly when to make his move. Team Penske has strong plate-racing setups, and Blaney’s smooth drafting style fits the unpredictable nature of Dega perfectly.
Bubba Wallace
Wallace earned his first Cup win at Talladega in 2021 and consistently runs well here. He’s aggressive but smart in the draft, and 23XI Racing usually brings fast Toyotas to the big tracks. Don’t be surprised if Bubba is a serious threat in the closing laps.
Joey Logano
You can’t have a Talladega preview without mentioning Logano. He’s one of the best drafters in the field and always seems to find a way to be at the front late. However, his aggressive style also makes him a magnet for controversy (and wrecks).
Dark Horses
Corey LaJoie
If there’s a track where an underdog can win, it’s Talladega. LaJoie is one of the best in the garage at using the draft and finished top-five here before. He’ll be a sneaky contender if he avoids trouble.
Michael McDowell
The 2021 Daytona 500 winner thrives on superspeedways. Front Row Motorsports always seems to punch above their weight here, and McDowell’s patience could land him in the mix late.
Noah Gragson
Now in a much better ride compared to last season, Gragson is a wild card to watch. He’s aggressive, fearless, and not afraid to make risky moves — exactly the attitude you need to steal one at Dega.
Key Storylines
Chevrolet vs. Ford vs. Toyota Drafting Packs:
Manufacturers tend to team up at Talladega. Watch for which group is most organized — that could dictate who controls the front in the final laps.
Pit Strategy:
Clean pit stops under green are crucial at superspeedways. One mistake can cost the draft and end a driver’s shot at the win.
The Big One:
It’s not if a massive wreck happens — it’s when. Staying out of trouble is often more important than having the fastest car.
Jack Link’s 500 Prediction
Superspeedway racing is a total toss-up, but it’s hard to ignore the hot hand at Talladega. Ryan Blaney has been knocking on the door of another win this year, and his superspeedway smarts will shine through late.
I like Ryan Blaney to win outright and my dark horse is Corey LaJoie.