NASCAR Sprint Cup: Geico 500 schedule, TV times

This week’s race

GEICO 500

What: 188 laps (500.08 miles)

Where: Talladega Superspeedway, a 2.66-mile high-banked, paved tri-oval in Talladega, Ala.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday

TV: ESPN

Radio: Motor Racing Network

Last year’s winner: Jamie McMurray

Also this week: Fred’s 250, Camping World Truck Series, Talladega Superspeedway, 1 p.m. Saturday, Fox.

Worth mentioning: Talladega weekends are always wild, but how about this addition? Superstars from skateboarding and BMX will compete on the “World’s Largest Half Pipe” in the exhibit area of the track this weekend before the NASCAR races.

Who’s Hot/

Who’s Not

HOT

Kevin Harvick: There is never a bad time to win but there are certainly better times and Harvick was on time.

Jeff Gordon: Remains in the hunt for that elusive fifth Cup title.

Kasey Kahne: Has a chance to advance in the Chase while teammates Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. appear in big trouble.

Kyle Busch: A Nationwide win at Charlotte and now second in points in Cup.

Chase Elliott: It’s getting close to clinch time for the Nationwide Series championship.

NASCAR Chase format: You wanted drama? Have at it.

NOT

ESPN: Saturday night’s race did not start on time on TV anywhere. That’s just ridiculous in 2014.

Brad Keselowski: He’s in dire straits chasing his second championship and being chased by his competitors in the garage as well.

Ty Dillon: A bad race at Charlotte may have ended his Nationwide title hopes this year.

Jim Utter

This story was originally published October 16, 2014 at 6:35 PM.