Race may not be biggest NASCAR story at Talladega this weekend

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Jimmie Johnson has a 118-point lead in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase standings. He will more than likely retain his lead in the standings no matter how he finishes in Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

In that regard, the Talladega race has become one that has little to do with winning and more with surviving. Johnson’s history at Talladega isn’t that great, so look for another driver to win the race. Jeff Gordon and Matt Kesneth are favorites. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a shot at this one.

As for A.J. Allmendinger, he was arrested on a charge for drunk driving earlier this week and put on probation by NASCAR. Some are calling for his suspension for at least one race. That seems a little harsh for a sport rooted in bootlegging and moonshine.

Still his situation has overshadowed the Talladega race in some regard. It’s not a good sign for NASCAR if the race at Talladega can’t generate enough excitement on its own.

Go to Haddock in the Paddock for more on the Talladega race and Allmendinger.

-- Tim Haddock