Wait. If you’re checking your phone or the TV guide right now to find out who won the Talladega NASCAR race today, honestly, you might be a few months early.
It’s January 17, 2026. If you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan, you know that the engines aren't even warm yet for the regular season. In fact, we’re still roughly two weeks away from the exhibition Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (set for February 1st) and about a month out from the Daytona 500.
So, why is everyone searching for Talladega results today?
Basically, there’s a bit of confusion floating around because the 2026 schedule shifted some things. People remember the wild finishes from the 2025 season—like Chase Briscoe’s massive overtime win in October—and they’re hungry for more drafting action. But the truth is, the high banks of Alabama are currently quiet.
When do we actually go back to Talladega?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is officially out, and Talladega Superspeedway is holding its traditional two slots. If you want to see who takes the checkered flag next, you’ve gotta circle Sunday, April 26, 2026, for the Jack Link’s 500.
That’s the spring race. It’s usually a chaotic affair where the Fords and Toyotas play a high-speed game of chess until someone—usually a Penske driver—decides to make a move that either wins the race or wrecks half the field.
Then, the series returns for the playoffs on October 25, 2026, for the YellaWood 500.
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Why the 2025 winners still matter right now
Since no one has won at 'Dega today in 2026, the garage is still talking about what happened last time we were there. Chase Briscoe basically shocked the world in October 2025. Driving the No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing (his first year in that car after the Stewart-Haas closure), he grabbed an overtime victory that locked him into the Championship 4.
He didn't do it alone. He had a massive push from teammate Ty Gibbs. It was a masterclass in Toyota teamwork that left Todd Gilliland and Bubba Wallace staring at his bumper.
Recent Talladega Winners (The "To-Beat" List)
- Chase Briscoe (October 2025): Secured a Championship 4 spot in a wild overtime finish.
- Austin Cindric (April 2025): Won the Jack Link’s 500 by a literal hair—0.022 seconds over Ryan Preece (who was later DQ’d anyway).
- Ryan Blaney: Always a threat here, though 2025 was rough for him at this specific track.
What’s happening in NASCAR today instead?
Since you aren't watching cars fly around 33-degree banking at 190 mph today, what's actually going on? Honestly, it’s "Silly Season" wrap-up and Pre-Season prep.
Teams are currently in the shop at Concord and Charlotte, finishing up the builds for their Daytona cars. This is the time of year when crew chiefs like Cliff Daniels (Kyle Larson's mastermind) and Paul Wolfe are obsessing over wind tunnel data.
We also just saw some big news regarding the 2026 finale. For the first time since 2019, the championship is moving back to Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8th. Phoenix is out; the 1.5-mile progressive banking is back in. That’s huge for guys like Larson who thrive on tracks where you can run the fence.
The 2026 Driver Lineup Shakeups
If you're getting ready for the season, keep these changes in mind:
- Cole Custer is back in the Cup Series full-time with the Haas Factory Team (No. 41).
- Michael McDowell is settling into his new home at Spire Motorsports (No. 71).
- Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) is running a full Cup schedule now, and while he's a road course wizard, his superspeedway game is what everyone is watching.
How to prepare for the real Talladega race
When April 26th finally rolls around, don't expect a calm afternoon. Talladega is the largest oval on the circuit at 2.66 miles. Because of the restrictor-plate (well, tapered spacer) package, the cars stay bunched in a "pack."
If you're betting or playing fantasy, look at the Ford Mustangs. Historically, the Penske and RFK cars have found a way to manipulate the air better than anyone else at Talladega. Brad Keselowski has six wins there, and he’s been itching to get back to Victory Lane at his favorite track.
Actionable insights for fans
- Check the TV Listings: The spring Talladega race (April 26) will be on FOX. The fall playoff race (October 25) usually lands on NBC.
- Watch the Duels: If you want to see who has "superspeedway speed" for 2026, watch the Daytona Duels on February 12th. Whoever is fast there will be fast at Talladega.
- Fantasy Tip: Avoid picking "Big 3" favorites early. Talladega is the Great Equalizer. Look for guys like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or Austin Cindric who know how to stay clean until the last 5 laps.
So, nobody won the Talladega NASCAR race today because the track is empty. But keep that April date saved on your calendar. With the way 2025 ended, the 2026 Jack Link's 500 is probably going to be a total madhouse.
To stay ahead of the curve for the actual season start, make sure you've updated your fantasy rosters for the Clash at Bowman Gray on February 1st, as that short-track opener will set the tone for the 2026 season's aggression levels.