The backstretch at Talladega didn’t just host a race last week; it hosted the most expensive traffic jam in NASCAR history. After a 26-car “valet service gone wrong” left half the field in a heap, we’re trading the Alabama drafting packs for the high-speed grit of the Lone Star State.

But let’s start at Lap 115:

Dega Disaster: Parking Lot on the Backstretch!

Andy: Honestly, I think I need to send Bubba Wallace a thank-you note. Usually, when Windy City Racin’ needs a win, I have to work for it. This time, I just had to watch two of your drivers trigger the most historic scrap heap in the modern era.

Leesl: Oh hush. Enjoy the momentum while you can, Andy because even with a little too much Bubba in the Bubble, Ross Chastain’s 7th-place finish helped me keep a 221-point lead for the season.

Andy: Did I say last week how much I love Talladega? Well, I love it even more now! After five races of listening to you brag, I finally cleared the smoke with a 58-point win. It’s not every day the race leader triggers a record-breaking disaster. Bubba Wallace didn’t just cause the “Big One”—he caused the “Big Everything.”

Leesl: Okay, rub it in. Considering four of my drivers were caught up in the chaos, I think a 58-point loss is actually a miracle. I’m just happy to leave the “Dega Disaster” behind and head for home. Texas Motor Speedway usually has much better parking!

On a final note, big congrats to Carson Hocevar on his first career win. Navigating the Talladega chaos is no small feat, and he joins an elite list of 13 drivers who earned their first trophy at this legendary track. It was a wild ride, but now it’s time to trade the restrictor plates for fast times in Fort Worth.

No Speed Limits in “No Limits,” Texas!

Andy: Time to leave the intense pack racing in the rearview mirror. We’re heading to the “Great American Speedway,” which technically has its own fictional city! While it’s officially in Fort Worth, NASCAR fans know it as No Limits, Texas. It’s a premier 1.5-mile high-banked quad-oval known for hosting incredible speeds, a capacity for over 180,000 fans, and of course, “Big Hoss”—the world’s largest HD video board.

Leesl: Normally, at TMS one of the first conversations is the weather! But we’re looking at a high of 84°F this Sunday with 44% humidity. Only 44% humidity in North Texas is actually a “chamber of commerce” day! It’s not that heavy, swampy air that makes you want to stay indoors; it’s actually quite comfortable for the fans, though it still presents a unique challenge for the cars—the Texas sun is still going to bake that asphalt. Without much cloud cover, that track temperature will be much higher than the air temp.

Andy: Drivers will be hunting for grip as the sun starts to test their tire management. Texas is famous for its “multizone” grip. Since the repave a few years back, the transitions in the turns have been notoriously tricky. Drivers are constantly fighting to find the line where the car actually sticks, and if they miss it by six inches, they’re heading straight for the “Big Hoss” replay of their own wreck… much like your guys did last week!

Leesl: Okay, Andy, let’s not go there. I think I’ve seen enough replays from last week to last a while! How about we start making our predictions for who will be wearing the cowboy hat in Victory Lane?

Texas Tallies: Banking on a Winner!

• Andy’s Pick: Chase Elliott. He’s already proven he knows the way to Victory Lane here, and sitting 4th in the points standings, he has the consistency and the equipment to dominate these high banks. When you’re running that well in a Chevy at Texas, you’re always a threat for the hat.
• Leesl’s Pick: Tyler Reddick. He has the “Lone Star Racin’” spirit, he knows how to find speed on a greasy track, and I’m betting he’s the one hoisting the trophy on Sunday.

Deep in the Heart of the Standings:

Team	Total Points	Status
Lone Star Racin’	2267	Shining like a Texas star ⭐️
Windy City Racin’	2046	Sweating like a longhorn in July 🥵

• Leesl’s Lone Star Racin’ – These boots are meant for racing!
  • Hamlin, Logano, Reddick, Byron, Briscoe, Wallace, SVG, Chastain.
• Andy’s Windy City Racin’ – From second city to first place!
  • Elliott, Larson, Blaney, Bell, Bowman, Buescher, Keselowski, Zilisch.

Join the Crew!

Texas Motor Speedway is all about finding grip in the grease. Who is your pick to handle the “Texas Slide” and take home the cowboy hat? Let us know your pick in the comments—and don’t forget to share your favorite race-day beer below! 🏁👇