The NASCAR Cup Series playoff schedule is nearing its climax. With only two races remaining before the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway, anticipation builds for the upcoming event at Talladega Superspeedway.
NASCAR Talladega Playoffs: 5 Confirmed Lineup Changes
This Sunday, the YellaWood 500, a significant race in the playoffs, will take place. Denny Hamlin from Joe Gibbs Racing has secured his spot in the Championship 4, marking his first appearance in this stage since 2021. He achieved this after winning the opening round at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
While Hamlin celebrates his advancement, seven other drivers remain in contention for the remaining three spots. The event in Talladega features a diverse lineup, with 32 non-playoff drivers also competing for victory.
Lineup Changes at Talladega
Five notable lineup changes will occur during this weekend’s race:
- No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet: Previously driven by J.J. Yeley, this car will not participate.
- No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet: Katherine Legge will not drive this vehicle; instead, team owner B.J. McLeod will take the wheel.
- No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet: Austin Hill will drive this car, marking his fifth start this season.
- No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet: Anthony Alfredo will compete in his third race of the year; previous appearances include Talladega, where he finished 28th.
- No. 66 Garage 66 Ford: Casey Mears will drive this vehicle, set to compete in the season’s final three races.
Garage 66 has had a challenging year, with 14 starts, including a disappointing DNQ at the Daytona 500. Mears’ return marks his first Cup starts since 2019, achieving a 29th place finish at Daytona in August.
Upcoming Race Details
The YellaWood 500 will take place on Sunday, October 19. Live coverage begins at 2:00 p.m. ET from Talladega Superspeedway. Fans can catch all the racing action through various streaming services.
