“When it comes to playoff contenders, you do think about them at most of the races, but not Talladega.” These words came from Michael McDowell shortly before he clinched his second pole of 2025. McDowell turned in a lap of 182.466 mph in the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, grabbing the Yellawood 500 pole position. However, he could not capitalize on this start and faded to 17th by the end of the race. But his top storyline may have been more than just the Talladega pole.

This race marked a crucial event for playoff contenders, as it was the penultimate chance to grab a Championship 4 seat. The Team Penske drivers, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, were especially in tense spots. That is why they fumed at Brad Keselowski following a mishap – although its culprit now appears to be someone e

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