It’s Talladega week again, and the anticipation is sky-high. The 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway promises another wild chapter in one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable and dramatic venues. The 2.66-mile Alabama oval has delivered chaos and tight finishes year after year, and this spring’s race looks no different. The Cup Series makes its first of two visits here on Sunday, April 27, with the green flag set to drop at 3:20 p.m. ET.
Tyler Reddick comes into the weekend as the defending spring race winner, having survived a massive crash and snuck through the smoke to capture victory in 2024. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., another Talladega regular, won last fall’s race in a three-wide photo finish. Known for its giant wrecks and surprise winners, this track continues to be NASCAR’s biggest wildcard.
It’s not just the Cup Series taking to the high banks. The weekend also features the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Both series hit the track Friday and race on Saturday, leading into the main event on Sunday. With drafting races known for their unpredictability, fans can expect close packs, hard racing, and potential mayhem from start to finish.
Heading to the track? Here’s your full track guide for Jack Link’s 500
The weekend kicks off Friday, April 25, with ARCA practice at 4 p.m. ET, followed by Xfinity qualifying at 5:30 p.m. on the CW App. Saturday, April 26, is loaded with action. Cup qualifying begins at 10:30 a.m. ET on Prime and MRN. The ARCA race rolls off at 12:30 p.m. ET (FS1), and the Xfinity Series takes the green flag at 4:10 p.m. ET (CW, MRN, SiriusXM). Sunday, April 27, brings the Jack Link’s 500. Coverage starts at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, with the race beginning at 3:20 p.m. ET. MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will have live radio coverage for all three events.
Fans will get to see the action live on different channels, but if you are willing to visit, track preparation is key. The in-person experience is electric, but there’s a lot to know before you park your car or set up your camper. First of all, you need a ticket for the event, and it can be bought through Talladega Superspeedway’s official page. Prices range from $89 to $161 for reserved seating and garage experience packages. Premium hospitality packages start at over $550.
Talladega
ET
Fri
4-ARCA practice
5:30-CW App-Xfin q
NWS:80s,65%rain
Sat
10:30-Prime-Cup q
12:20-FS1-ARCA green 76
3-CW-NASCAR Countdown
4:10-CW-Xfinity green 25-25-63
NWS:80s,40%
Sun
1:30-FS1-NASCAR RaceDay
2-FOX-NASCAR RaceDay
3:20-FOX-Cup green 60-60-68
NWS:80s,20%
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 24, 2025
With the Garage Experience presented by Coolray, fans get access to the pre-race ceremonies, close-up views of the cars being prepped, and entry into Big Bill’s open-air social club, The Lounge, The Courtyard, and Game Zone. Kids can also enjoy a VIP Experience presented by Children’s of Alabama. However, if weather delays any event, NASCAR and Talladega will do everything possible to run races on the scheduled day. But if postponement occurs, the Weather Protection Program allows fans to exchange unused tickets for another race of the same type within 12 months.
Tailgating, Camping & Parking, and other policies
Tailgating is a major part of the Talladega culture, and the track fully embraces it. Fans can bring coolers (within size limits), grills, tents, and set up for a full weekend party in the lots. Parking is mostly free, though preferred spots can be purchased ahead of time or during the event weekend. Camping is another major draw. Three campgrounds are available for free with a Sunday NASCAR Cup Series ticket.
That’s a rare value in big-event racing. Options range from family-friendly areas to louder party zones, so fans can pick their preferred vibe. Notably, coolers are allowed inside the track, but they must meet size regulations (14x14x14 inches) and be soft-sided. No glass, hard liquor, or loose ice is allowed. It’s a fan-friendly policy that keeps food and drinks affordable.
For transportation, tram services will run throughout the weekend to help fans get around the massive facility. The free tram system includes lines for North Tunnel, West Park, North and South Park, the infield, and the Talladega Garage Experience. With such a large venue, these are essential for getting to the action quickly.
Driver Lineup, Prize Money & Talladega Updates
The entry list for the Jack Link’s 500 Cup Series race stands at 39 drivers for the 40-car field, meaning no one will miss the race. Anthony Alfredo is running double duty, also competing in the Beard Motorsports No. 62 Chevrolet. BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley also join the list of uncharted entries aiming to qualify. Meanwhile, on the Xfinity side, 41 teams have entered, but only 38 will make the grid.
Navy officer and team owner Jesse Iwuji returns in the No. 91 Chevrolet. Katherine Legge will attempt her first national series superspeedway start in the No. 32 entry for Jordan Anderson Racing. After two back-to-back poor races, she will be looking for redemption.
And it’s not drivers making a leap. Notably, the prize money has taken a jump in 2025. The Cup Series purse for Talladega is $11,055,250—up more than $2.8 million from 2024. The Xfinity Series will race for a $1,651,939 purse. These increases come as part of NASCAR’s new TV deal and reflect the growing investment in the sport.
However, it all depends on the weather, which mostly favors the weekend, but fans should stay prepared. Clouds will cover the sky on Friday, with highs near 83°F and a small chance of a stray shower. Saturday could see scattered thunderstorms, with a 40% chance of rain and temperatures again in the low 80s. Sunday, the day of the Cup race, looks the best—mostly sunny with a slight 15% chance of rain at race time and temps in the low to mid-80s.
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