Talladega Looming Large As 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Kicks Off

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Following a hard fought race at Richmond that finalized the 12 drivers that will compete in the 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, thoughts were already drifting to Race Number Four in the Chase, the Oct. 5 AMP Energy 500. When asked if there were certain tracks that have draw special emphasis or concerns from the drivers, Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 for Richard Childress Racing, made it clear, “I’m sure Talladega, everybody has their eye on Talladega.”

Considered by drivers to be the “wild card” in the Chase, Talladega’s unpredictable nature keeps drivers on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats. Clint Bowyer says that’s part of the allure of Talladega.

“Nobody knows the outcome,” said Bowyer. “But that’s why fans come to Talladega. That’s why we all come to Talladega. You never know what’s going to happen. The car handles good, the new pavement is just awesome. It’s smooth as silk and has got a ton of grip. We used to talk three and maybe four-wide racing and now we’re talking four and even five-wide racing.”

This year’s Chase features four past Talladega winners and eight drivers with an average finish of 20th or better.