Reddick scores win as the “Big One” hits
In comparison to the type of a Talladega races we’ve become used to seeing in past years, this year’s spring race was rather mild despite a whopping 72 lead changes that included all three manufacturers. The first two stages, in particular, were smooth and relatively uneventful except for the ever-changing front of the field. This was usually the result of green flag pit cycles or the forming of a third line on the outside that would work its way to the front.
With 36 laps remaining, a group of 7 Toyotas made their final green flag stop for fuel and, apparently, “had a plan”. But whatever the plan was, it fell short in Turn 3 when a bad push from the 42 of John Hunter Nemechek got the 23 of Bubba Wallace offside and the domino effect turned the 43 of Erik Jones. Jones shot up the track and sustained a hard hit against the wall, rattling the safer barrier. While still wrecking, Nemechek then collected Denny Hamlin. Tyler Reddick, who had been leading the group, managed to escape the melee and eventually worked his way to the front on the outside lane. Martin Truex Jr fell in behind him.
Meanwhile, pole sitter Michael McDowell had once again worked his way to the lead, on the inside lane. He was followed closely by Brad Keselowski and Noah Gragson. Despite that a third line attempted to form on the outside once again, with Elliott, Larson, Blaney, Preece, Buescher, and Burton trying to drive to the front, their momentum was killed instantly when Ty Gibbs jumped up in front. Lacking speed and the ability to pull the line, everyone fell back and into line where seemingly they were unable to go anywhere as the lead cars battled it out.
And then… Déjà Vu!! It was the 2023 spring race all over again where Bubba Wallace threw one too many blocks on Ryan Blaney and the result was devastating.
As the field exited Turn 4 and entered the tri-oval on the final lap, Brad Keselowski, who had been pushing McDowell, finally had the run he was waiting for and went high to clear McDowell. McDowell went high to block him so Keselowski dove to the bottom. McDowell immediately turned down to block him yet again, but Keselowski had already filled the space. The two cars made contact and the “big one” ensued. As they were wrecking coming to the line, Tyler Reddick got by Keselowski and claimed the victory. Meanwhile, behind him, chaos erupted as car after car was collected in the mess. The most dramatic part of the wreck belonged to Corey LaJoie, whose car was dragged along the fence on its side before eventually flipping over and landing back on its wheels.
Brad Keselowski finished second, Noah Gragson third, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fourth and Alex Bowman fifth, as the highest-ranking Hendrick car. And yet again, Ford went winless.
