By Roy J. Akers — www.skyviewsports.net
Talladega, Ala. — The Yellawood 500 is expected to be wide open as the second Race in NASCAR’s Round of Eight. Chevy’s took spots 1 (Michael McDowell) and spot 3 with Kyle Busch and they have solid finishing records at Talladega. Toyota and Ford split the other eight spots. Do you trust choosing lead qualifier Michael McDowell as your pick? He is good on the superspeedways but has had limited success in 2026. If you play NASCAR fantasy, do you have spots left for Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Ruan Blaney? The media has met the drivers, crunched the data, and offer you their expert picks.
These reporters are the best in the NASCAR business and talk to the drivers, teams and cover the sport. Read them, view them when you can.
Reporter Picks/ Top Qualifiers from NASCAR.com
Jordan Bianchi — The Athletic – Ryan Blaney to Win and Ross Chastain as the darkhorse
Peter Stratta – TSJ Sports –– Ryan Blaney and the dark horse is Kyle Busch
Bob Francis — www.gofullthrottle.net – Pick is Austin Cindric and the Darkhorse is Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Dustin Albino- JaySki.com — Austin Cindric and Eric Jones as the dark horse
Jeff Gluck- The Athletic – Michael McDowell and Riley Herbst as the dark horse
Steven Taranto – CBS Sports – Ryan Preece to win and dark horse Cody Ware as the dark horse
Steve Sweitzer– The Lasco Press — Chase Briscoe – Kyle Busch as the darkhorse
Reid Spencer- The NASCAR Wire – Ryan Blaney is the favorite – My Dark Horse/Austin Cindric
Roy J. Akers — www.skyviewsports.net — Chase Elliott to win and Ross Chastain as the darkhorse
Check out these reporters. They break stories and have the best NASCAR content in the business!
Greg Engle- Forbes –
