Get ready for a heart-pounding showdown at Talladega Superspeedway, where the 2025 YellaWood 500 is set to ignite the track this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. But here's where it gets controversial: with Denny Hamlin already securing his spot in the Final Four after last week’s win, the pressure is on the remaining drivers to claw their way to the top. Kyle Larson (+35), Christopher Bell (+20), and Chase Briscoe (+15) are leading the charge, but the real question is—who will rise to the occasion and who will crash out of contention? And this is the part most people miss: the Round of 8 is a brutal elimination process, with four drivers axed in each of the first three rounds, leaving only the fiercest competitors to battle for the championship title in the final race.
In the betting world, Ryan Blaney stands out as the favorite at +900, but don’t sleep on William Byron, Joey Logano, or Austin Cindric, all trailing closely at +1000. Chase Elliott (+1100) and Larson (+1200) are also in the mix, making this race a gambler’s paradise. Here’s the bold take: while Blaney’s three Talladega wins and Cindric’s spring victory make Team Penske a safe bet, Joey Logano (+1000) could be the dark horse, according to CBS Sports NASCAR expert Steven Taranto. Taranto, a sim racing veteran with 20 iRacing wins, predicts Logano to shine and even suggests a head-to-head prop bet with Blaney (-120) finishing ahead of Elliott (-110).
Taranto’s insights don’t stop there. He highlights Blaney’s urgency after a Las Vegas setback, noting that a win at Talladega or Martinsville is his best shot at the Championship 4. Meanwhile, Elliott’s two Talladega wins can’t be ignored, but Taranto leans toward Blaney in this matchup. But here’s the real kicker: Taranto has also pinpointed a massive 100-1 longshot that could deliver a life-changing payout. Think you know who it is? Think again—you’ll want to hear his full analysis before placing any bets.
Whether you’re a seasoned NASCAR fan or a newcomer, this race promises drama, strategy, and high stakes. Here’s the thought-provoking question: With Blaney’s experience and Elliott’s past success, who do you think will dominate Talladega? And is Taranto’s longshot pick the bold move that could pay off big? Let us know in the comments—this is one race you won’t want to miss!
