Geico 500
- Course: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
- Course Length: 2.660 miles (4.280 kilometers)
- Distance: 188 laps, 500 miles (337.962 kilometers)
- Date: April 21st, 2024
- 2024 WINNER: Tyler Reddick
Race Information
- Course: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
- Course Length: 2.660 miles (4.280 kilometers)
- Distance: 188 laps, 500 miles (337.962 kilometers)
- Date:
- 2023 Winner: Kyle Busch
2024 Geico 500 Odds
The NASCAR GEICO 500 is held at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. It first ran on the NASCAR schedule in 1970 and is commonly considered the second “Crown Jewel” race of the season, following the Daytona 500. It’s the first of two races at Talladega Superspeedway in the calendar, as the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs returns there for the YellaWood 500.
The Geico 500 is set to be an exciting and highly anticipated event in the world of motorsports. As the race draws near, fans and bettors are eagerly analyzing the odds to determine the frontrunners and potential upsets. The odds for the Geico 500 reflect the current assessments of the drivers’ performances, recent track records, and overall team strength.
With names like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott dominating the conversation, the odds are expected to be tightly contested. Sportsbooks are providing odds that reflect the intensity of the competition, offering enticing opportunities for bettors to capitalize on their predictions. As race day approaches, enthusiasts and bettors alike eagerly await the green flag, ready to witness the high-speed action and see if the odds align with the final outcome on the track.
The Geico 500 odds not only captivate the attention of motorsport fans but also attract the interest of seasoned bettors looking to make strategic wagers. With the ever-evolving dynamics of the racing landscape, these NASCAR odds serve as a compass, guiding enthusiasts through the thrilling twists and turns of the event. As drivers navigate the Alabama superspeedway, the odds create an atmosphere of anticipation and speculation, fueling discussions and debates among racing communities.
The intricate calculations behind these odds consider factors such as driver form, past performances, team strategies, and even track conditions, resulting in a meticulously crafted framework that showcases the potential outcomes of the race. With each driver carrying their own set of odds, the Geico 500 offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness the convergence of talent, strategy, and sheer determination, leaving both fans and bettors on the edge of their seats as they await the checkered flag.
| Driver | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | +1000 |
| Joey Logano | Team Penske | +1000 |
| Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | +1100 |
| Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing | +1100 |
| William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | +1200 |
| Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | +1200 |
| Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing | +1400 |
| Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing | +1600 |
| Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing Team | +1600 |
| Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing | +1800 |
What Is the Talladega Superspeedway?
Darlington Raceway is a renowned motorsports venue located in Darlington, South Carolina, United States. It is widely recognized as one of the most historic and iconic racetracks in the world, particularly in the realm of stock car racing. The raceway first opened its doors in 1950 and has since played host to numerous legendary racing events, making it a beloved destination for motorsports enthusiasts and fans alike.
Darlington Raceway is known for its distinctive track layout, often described as resembling an egg. The oval track features different configurations in each of its turns, with turns 1 and 2 having a 25-degree banking, while turns 3 and 4 possess a unique configuration. This unique layout adds an extra layer of challenge for drivers, testing their skills and providing thrilling racing action for spectators.
The raceway has become synonymous with notable stock car racing events held throughout the year. Two of the most prestigious NASCAR races hosted by Darlington Raceway are the TranSouth Financial 400 in March and the Mountain Dew Southern 500, the latter traditionally taking place on Labor Day in September. These races attract top-tier drivers from various racing series, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans and spectators.
The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum stands as a testament to the rich history and legacy of the raceway. This automotive museum focuses on showcasing the evolution of stock car racing and the significant role Darlington Raceway has played in its development. The exhibits within the museum offer a captivating journey through race car history, featuring memorabilia, classic cars, and even vehicles driven by renowned race car drivers such as Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip.
NASCAR Schedule This Weekend
Nascar Cup Series:
- 10:30 am ET – Cup Series Qualifying
Nascar Cup Series:
- 3:00 pm ET – GEICO 500
| POSITION | DRIVER | TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing |
| 2 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing |
| 3 | Noah Gragson | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 4 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | JTG Daugherty Racing |
| 5 | Alex Bowman | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 6 | Anthony Alfredo | Beard Motorsports |
| 7 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 8 | Todd Gilliland | Front Row Motorsports |
| 9 | Daniel Hemric | Kaulig Racing |
| 10 | Harrison Burton | Wood Brothers Racing |
2024 NASCAR Standings
Geico 500 History & Highlights
The NASCAR GEICO 500 began as the Alabama 500 in 1970. The Talladega Superspeedway tri-oval was built on a former Air Force base in Lincoln, Alabama. Due to the shallow turns and being one of the longer tracks on the schedule, it’s one of the fastest superspeedways on the NASCAR calendar.
Donnie Allison won the first Cup Series race in 1971. From that year through 1993, the race was titled the Winston 500. The early years of the Winston 500 were filled with many big wrecks. Twenty cars were eliminated in one crash in 1973, and other crashes caused lead changes in 1974 and 1975. Seven-time champion Richard Petty’s brother-in-law Randy Owens was killed in the 1975 race, when a water tank exploded. The 1974 race had 53 lead changes and the 1975 race had 51.
Closely contested races became a fixture in the ensuing years. The 1977 Winston 500 had 63 lead changes before three-time champion Darrell Waltrip took the win.
In 1982, the race featured the first 200 mph qualifying lap in NASCAR history, with Benny Parsons taking the pole position. Two years later, a then-record 75 lead changes were set in the race, when three-time Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough took the win on a last-lap pass.
The 1987 race featured one of the more dramatic crashes in NASCAR. Cup series champion Bobby Allison cut a tire on lap 22 and his car went into the catch fencing in front of the main grandstand. No drivers or spectators were hurt but 100 feet of fence sheared off as Allison’s car rebounded back to the track. This led to mandated restrictor plates at Talladega from 1988 until 2019.
The name slightly changed in 1994 to the Winston Select 500, which remained through 1996. In 1997, the name went back to Winston 500, which was the fastest NASCAR race ever. Mark Martin averaged a record 188.354 mph.
The race became the Diehard 500 from 1998 to 2000 and the Talladega 500 in 2001. From 2002 to 2014, the race was titled Aaron’s 499. The 2003 race saw the biggest crash in NASCAR Cup Series history. Ryan Newman blew a tire and hit the wall in turn 1, causing a cloud of smoke behind him. Twenty-seven cars were caught in the wreckage.
Waltrip, by this time a commentator, called the 2010 race the “Greatest Talladega Race Ever”. There were a record 88 lead changes and 29 different drivers leading part of the race. Champion Kevin Harvick took the win by 0.012 seconds.
The 2013 edition saw a three-hour, 36-minute rain delay that gave this race the nickname “The 7 Hours of Talladega”. David Ragan took the win that year.
Since 2015, the race has been called the GEICO 500. In 2019, NASCAR ran the race without restrictor plates and instead used tapered spacers to restrict the engines.
Four-time champion Jeff Gordon and 2012 champion Brad Keselowski are tied for the most wins with four each.
Circuit Information
The NASCAR GEICO 500 takes place at the Talladega Superspeedway, a legendary track known for its high-speed adrenaline and nail-biting finishes. With a seating capacity of up to 175,000 spectators, the grandstands provide an electric atmosphere as fans eagerly gather to witness the intense action unfold.
This 500-mile, 188-lap race demands endurance, skill, and calculated strategy from the drivers as they navigate the superspeedway’s wide, banked turns and long straightaways.
On average, the race lasts between three to three and a half hours, captivating viewers with every lap. In 2019, Parker Kligerman set a remarkable lap record of 46.530 seconds, showcasing the remarkable speeds achieved at Talladega Superspeedway.
With an average speed of 205.802 mph, Kligerman’s achievement stands as a testament to the incredible power and precision exhibited by NASCAR drivers on this iconic track.
Geico 500 Race FAQs
Who won last year’s GEICO 500?
When was the biggest crash at the GEICO 500?
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Latest NASCAR Betting News & Analysis
- Course: Talladega, Alabama
- Course Length: 2.66 miles
- Distance: 188 laps laps, 500.08 miles
- Date: Sunday, October 1
- 2023 WINNER: Ryan Blaney
🏆 2023 Yellawood 500 Odds
The YellaWood 500 is a renowned NASCAR Cup Series race held at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. This high-speed event has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1969. Over the years, it has become one of the most anticipated races in the NASCAR calendar, known for its thrilling action, close finishes, and unique characteristics.
| Driver | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing | +1100 |
| Joey Logano | Team Penske | +1200 |
| Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | +1200 |
| Chris Buescher | RFK Racing | +1300 |
| Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | +1400 |
| Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing | +1400 |
| William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | +1400 |
| Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | +1400 |
| Aric Almirola | Stewart-Haas Racing | +2000 |
| Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing | +1800 |
Yellawood 500 Schedule
Nascar Cup Series:
- 4:30 p.m. ET – Qualifying
Nascar Cup Series:
- 2:00 p.m. ET – YellaWood 500
| POSITION | DRIVER | TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Blaney | Ford |
| 2 | William Byron | Chevrolet |
| 3 | D. Hamlin | Toyota |
| 4 | C. LaJoie | Chevrolet |
| 5 | A. Grindric | Ford |
| 6 | J. Haley | Chevrolet |
| 7 | C. Elliot | Chevrolet |
| 8 | R. Preece | Ford |
| 9 | R. Herbst | Ford |
| 10 | D. Suárez | Chevrolet |
🏁 Yellawood 500 History & Highlights
The Talladega Superspeedway, often referred to simply as “Dega,” was constructed in the late 1960s and opened its doors to NASCAR racing in 1969. Its daunting 2.66-mile tri-oval track quickly gained a reputation for its high-banked turns and incredibly fast speeds. Drivers were drawn to Talladega for the opportunity to reach incredible speeds due to the wide and sweeping track design.
The inaugural race, initially known as the Talladega 500, was held on September 14, 1969. Richard Brickhouse emerged as the first winner of the event, driving a Dodge Charger. This race marked the beginning of what would eventually become the YellaWood 500.
In 1970, the race was sponsored by Alabama International Motor Speedway (AIMS), and it was during this time that the event became famous for its unpredictability and close finishes. The high speeds and the drafting style of racing at Talladega often led to tightly packed groups of cars, resulting in spectacular finishes and photo-finish victories.
In 1972, the race acquired a new sponsor, Winston, and was named the Winston 500. This partnership with the tobacco giant continued until 1994 when tobacco sponsorship in motorsports began to wane. After that, the event saw various sponsors, including DieHard, Touchstone Energy, and UAW-Ford Quality 500, among others.
In 2010, the race received a new title sponsor, YellaWood, a brand of pressure-treated wood products. The YellaWood 500 was born, and the sponsorship has continued to the present day. This partnership has helped maintain the race’s status as one of the premier events in NASCAR.
Throughout its history, the YellaWood 500 has been the site of numerous memorable moments and historic victories. Drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jarrett have all tasted success at Talladega, with each adding their names to the list of iconic winners. The race has also seen its share of underdog victories, where less-favored drivers have taken home the checkered flag.
One of the most unforgettable moments in the race’s history occurred in 2000 when Dale Earnhardt finally broke through to win his first and only Talladega race after 76 attempts. This emotional victory was celebrated by fans and fellow competitors alike.
The Talladega Superspeedway has undergone several improvements and safety enhancements over the years to accommodate the ever-increasing speeds and ensure driver safety. These changes have contributed to the continued success and longevity of the YellaWood 500.
Thus, the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway has a storied history that spans more than five decades. From its inception as the Talladega 500 in 1969 to its current incarnation as the YellaWood 500, this race has consistently delivered thrilling moments, close finishes, and legendary victories. It remains a cornerstone of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, attracting fans from all over the country to witness the high-speed spectacle that is Talladega racing.
Circuit Information
The YellaWood 500, a marquee event in the NASCAR calendar, takes center stage at the famed Talladega Superspeedway, featuring a challenging 2.66-mile tri-oval track configuration. Covering a demanding distance of 500 miles, equivalent to 188 laps of this formidable circuit, the race aptly derives its name from this endurance test.
What sets the YellaWood 500 apart is its reputation for high-speed, drafting-style racing, where drivers engage in thrilling duels that often culminate in heart-pounding finishes. The unique aerodynamic dynamics of the Talladega Superspeedway foster exceptionally close competition and unpredictable outcomes, ensuring that fans are treated to a spectacle brimming with adrenaline-pumping action.
