Which driver made the most impressive move in the Jack Link’s 500? (Photo Credit: Talladega Superspeedway | Facebook)

Ahead of the Jack Link’s 500, NASCAR announced that stage lengths would be adjusted in an effort to prevent a “fuel saving” parade. Before cars made it on track, qualifying was rained out. This allowed Tyler Reddick to start the race from the pole position per the rulebook.

Stage 1

A variety of leaders were featured in the opening segment, and the first round of green flag pit stops began on Lap 42. With 30 to go, the second round of stops began. Following a completely green-flag run, Ryan Preece won the opening stage.

Stage 2

Stage 2 started calmly, but then calamity struck. While Bubba Wallace was leading, he got turned and collected over two dozen cars. This incident brought out the red flag for clean-up.

The race resumed with 21 to go in the stage. Another caution came when Ty Gibbs wrecked in the back of the field.

Coming to the stage end, drivers were door-to-door while Ross Chastain took the win.

Stage 3

With the reconfiguration of stage lengths, the final stage started with 38 to go. A caution came mid-stage when Reddick cut a tire. As the action picked back up, it was a tight, two-by-two pack with minimal opportunities to pass.

(Photo Credit: Talladega Superspeedway | X)

With seven to go, Erik Jones went for a spin and got stuck in the grass. This brought out the caution, and had drivers looking at three to go with Carson Hocevar and Chris Buescher out front.

Ultimately, Hocevar held the wheel steady and claimed his first career win.

Rich MARvelous Move of the Race

The Rich MARvelous Move happened just 10 laps into the race.

Following the NASCAR Cup Series race, Pit Pass Network staff members vote on the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race.

Chad Finchum, who started in 38th, took advantage of a surging lane and claimed the lead. The following eight laps marked the first laps led in his NASCAR Cup Series career.

He turned heads as he forced drivers to go hard and avoid saving fuel in the lengthy opening stage.

On Lap 115, he was caught in the Big One and was even towed to the DVP area. His team worried the damage was day-ending, but they worked quickly to get Finchum back on track.

While he finished the day six laps down, the No. 66 certainly made noise at ‘Dega, running up front, pushing hard, and fighting back.

As always, feel free to chime in with your Rich MARvelous Move of the Race!

As always, we want to extend a huge thank you to Rich Mar Florist for their continued sponsorship of the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

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