NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 6, 2012
Photo – Getty Images

When drivers think of Talladega, they think ‘scary fast.’ When fans think of the track, they think excitement and unpredictable. To mesh those points of view  together, results in exactly what fans will see this weekend in the Aaron’s 499. Expect an unpredictable, ‘scary fast’ and exciting race this weekend, the first Talladega race for the Gen 6 car.  Something special will surely happen, as everyone loves Talladega and the Sprint Cup race this weekend will surely show why.

Race day at Talladega is Sunday, May 5, 2013 and the green-flag waves at 1:19 PM EST. 188 hold-your-breath laps make up the 500.08 mile distance of this race and fans will want to keep their eyes on the race throughout the afternoon. This weekend’s weather forecast looks iffy and Sunday’s forecast is not promising. On Sunday, expect showers with a 40% chance of sunshine (60% chance of rain) and a high of 65 F. The race broadcast is on FOX and a radio broadcast is on MRN.

Last May, Brad Keselowski made a move, never seen before, to win the race. Pushed by Kyle Busch down the backstretch, when in turn three, Keselowski put distance between the two drivers. Busch was never able to catch up to Keselowski and that enabled the blue deuce to cruise to the finish line first. It was Keselowski’s second Talladega victory and was another win for him on his way to last season’s championship. Could Keselowski do it again this weekend? It’s tough to say, but anything can happen at Talladega.

The one track on the circuit where the event is really wide-open, is Talladega. It doesn’t matter it’s the middle of the race, all that matters is if a driver can gain the benefit of a draft at the end of the race when they need it, making it possible for any driver be the one in victory lane at the end of the day. Of course, all the usual cast that do well at restrictor-plate races will again fare well this weekend. For instance, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray and Clint Bowyer, to name a few. But a few other drivers who usually don’t get a lot of time up-front, could get that time this weekend. This weekend’s entry list include non-regulars, Michael Waltrip and Elliot Sadler, who could both be contenders for the win. All drivers race well at Talladega and with some luck and patience, a few drivers will have surprisingly good runs by the end of the race.

Sprint Cup points leader, Jimmie Johnson still owns an impressive lead after nine races this season with his closest competitor sitting almost a full-race behind. If a points lead as big as Johnson’s can be lost at any track, Talladega would be that track. One mistake could cost Johnson his large points lead that he’s been working hard at maintaining. Potential beneficiaries from a Johnson mistake this weekend could be, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, or Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Seeing cars race around one of the toughest tracks on the planet, always provides back-chilling excitement . Knowing that a wreck could break-out any moment of the race keeps fans on the edge of their seat. The Sprint Cup Series has had action-packed races at Talladega before and another one is likely in-store this weekend. Fans have waited for another restrictor-plate race ever since the checkers fell at Daytona in February and the time has finally come for Talladega Superspeedway. Drivers will be pulling those belts extra tight this weekend, expecting a wild race and this is one race fans will not want to miss.

Event Schedule

1:00-1:45 PM CT (2:00-2:45 PM EST) Sprint Cup Series Practice, televised on SPEED

2:30-3:30 PM CT (3:30-4:30 PM EST) Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, televised on SPEED

11:10 AM CT (12:10 PM EST) Sprint Cup Series Qualifying, televised on SPEED

12:00 PM CT (1:00 PM EST) Sprint Cup Series Race, the Aaron’s 499, televised on FOX

Next Race – the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina

Entry List via Jayski.com