The NASCAR Cup teams shift gears to the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway fresh off last week’s superspeedway chaos at Talladega. There the race featured 67 lead changes among 23 drivers, and Austin Cindric edged Ryan Preece by just 0.022 seconds in a multi-car drag race to the line. Now crews must strip off the restrictor-plate philosophy and rebuild for high-speed intermediate racing. The emphasis will shift from drafting to maximizing downforce, handling and engine power for Texas’s fast corners. In short: what worked at Talladega will be thrown out in favor of setups tuned for Texas’s unique layout.
Texas Motor Speedway is a 1.5-mile quad-oval with steep, progressive banking, demanding a very different setup than a superspeedway. The turns are banked 20–24 degrees, and long straightaways reward top-end speed. Teams will focus on aerodynamics and tire management – especially brake and tire wear in traffic – rather than bump-drafting. In practice and qualifying, expect cars with tight handling to thrive. Track position and pit strategy will be key, since the last restart often decides these 400-mile races.
Several drivers who struggled at Talladega will be looking to rebound at Texas. Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing) was fast early but spun out from the lead in Stage 1; he’ll want to make amends. Ryan Blaney (Team Penske) was caught up in a pit-road wreck on lap 42– marking his fourth DNF in seven races – so Texas is a fresh slate. Both are capable on 1.5-mile tracks, so their crews will work at a consistent speed.
Kyle Busch (RCR) overcame early damage but ended up 27th after a speeding penalty; he has four career wins at Texas and knows how to get around here. Others like A.J. Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing) and Ty Dillon (Kaulig Racing) have also underperformed lately, so a top-15 or better at Texas would boost their seasons. Even Bubba Wallace (23XI) – who finished a solid 8th at Talladega – will be eager to keep momentum rolling on an intermediate where he’s been competitive in the past.
Storylines to Watch
- Hendrick on a roll: Hendrick Motorsports swept several spots at Talladega (Kyle Larson was 2nd, William Byron 3rd). Texas could see more Hendrick dominance if those cars carry speed here. (Historically Larson’s results at Texas have been mixed – no better than 21st in his last two starts there – but teammate Byron won the spring race last year, and Chase Elliott also claimed a Texas victory in 2024.)
- Team Penske rebound: Cindric’s Talladega win gave Penske its first victory of 2025. Joey Logano’s and Blaney’s cars both failed to finish Talladega, so Texas is the next chance for Penske’s full lineup. Texas typically rewards Penske’s strong engines and chassis – watch for Logano/Blaney to shake off last week’s troubles and challenge up front.
- Bell & Busch bounce-back: Both veteran contenders are hungry. Bell has racked up three wins on three different tracks this year, but his Texas history is still growing (his best Texas finish is a top-five in six starts). He’ll be pushing to “return to his winning form” on a 1.5-mile track. Busch, meanwhile, brings track record (4 wins at Texas) and will be motivated after a disappointing Talladega, looking to snap a two-year winless streak.
- Midpack movers: Look for drivers like Noah Gragson (Front Row) and Josh Berry (Wood Brothers) – both fast in pockets of the pack – to try and break through. Ross Chastain (Trackhouse) tangled with Byron last year and will want redemption. Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing) scored a stage win at Daytona but needs consistency. Points bubble drivers – AJ Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, etc. – will attack every stage for points to improve their standings.
- Texas track factors: Tire wear and long green-flag runs will shape strategies. Unlike Talladega, Texas will likely run many long green runs, so pit-stop cycles are crucial. Fans should watch how teams manage two tires versus four, and who gambles on fuel mileage. Track position after the late cautions often decides the winner here.
Looking Ahead
Texas’s Würth 400 kicks off a critical stretch. Next up is Kansas Speedway (May 11, 3 p.m. FS1) – another 1.5-mile intermediate – followed by the high-profile All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro (May 18). Success in Texas could provide momentum as the season moves into summer’s marquee events. With points tight and playoff berths on the line, every team will want a strong weekend in Texas to build confidence for the races ahead.
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