NASCAR: 1000Bulbs.com 500 preview and picks

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, October 13 to race in the 1000Bulbs.com 500.

Talladega may be the most exciting track on the schedule. It is a track that doesn't allow drivers to rest for a second, and 500 miles at Talladega tests everything a driver has to offer. It also happens to be the second race in the Round of 12 and will be extremely important to the 12 drivers in the playoffs.

1000Bulbs.com 500 odds to win

A victory on Sunday would provide a guaranteed spot into the next round. Forty cars driving inches apart, at 200 miles per hour, with so much on the line? What's not to like? Let's find a winner!

Joey Logano

Joey Logano is a deserving favorite for Sunday's race. The Team Penske driver will have one of the best cars on the track, and his No. 22 Ford is always fast at Talladega. In the last four Cup Series races at Talladega, Logano hasn't finished outside of the top five, and he has three wins in 21 starts at the track. Logano has always shown his class on superspeedways, and the price is fair, although you shouldn't consider anything lower. Logano should run up front and maintain his positioning all race long, and because of his misfortune in last week's event, it's a do-or-die race for him. He has to run well to advance to the next round.

Chase Elliott

Chase Elliott also suffered a major setback in last week's race, when his engine let him down. Elliott, who won last time the Cup Series raced here in April, is in the same do-or-die position as Logano. In seven starts at Talladega, Elliott has three top-five finishes and a win. If you had to use one Chevy, it has to be Elliott's No. 9, and his demeanor and attitude is perfect for superspeedway racing. If Elliott can miss the big wreck, expect him to be fighting for checkered flag. He should also qualify well, so the +900 price tag may not be there Sunday.

Longshot: Alex Bowman

The runner-up in April's Cup Series race at Talladega is a great longshot play this weekend. Alex Bowman is teammates with Elliott, and those two will be bumper to bumper all race long attacking this field. If you like Elliott, you should love his teammate at better odds. This has been Bowman's best year in the Cup Series, and Talladega is known for producing surprise winners.

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The NASCAR season is getting closer to its conclusion, but you still have plenty of time to wager on the playoffs at BetAmerica!