Talladega Preview

By Nate Ryan

The NASCAR playoffs will continue at Talladega Superspeedway, where manufacturer alliances and wild wrecks probably will dominate the conversation. Here are my Predictor app picks for the longest track on the NASCAR circuit:

STAGES

First stage (Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson):

PICK: Blaney. He needs stage points (and possibly a victory) after a dismal outing at Dover, and the Fords are strong.

Second stage (Kyle Busch, William Byron, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr.):

PICK: Harvick: Go with the Ford in this group after Stewart-Haas Racing ruled Talladega a year ago.

Third stage (Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano)

PICK: Elliott. Even despite the Dover disappointment, he has the momentum of a victory last time at Talladega.

Top 3 Overall:

1. Chase Elliott: He outduels stronger competition again but this time by working outside his Chevrolet camp.

2. Joey Logano: Gets the solid showing he needs heading to Kansas to remain alive in the playoffs.

3. Ryan Blaney: Will lead for much of the race but still struggling to seal the deal at Dega.