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Event: Jack Link’s 500Date/Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 3 p.m. ETLocation: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, AlabamaLayout: 2.66-Mile OvalTV/Radio: FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Talladega Superspeedway is known for its unpredictability, and for Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse team, managing that balance between opportunity and risk will be key this weekend. Berry led laps in both races at the 2.66-mile track last season, putting himself in position, but like much of the field, was left trying to avoid the chaos that often defines superspeedway racing.As teams prepare for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500, NASCAR officials have adjusted the stage lengths in an effort to encourage more aggressive racing and reduce fuel-saving.For Sunday’s race, the longest segment (98 laps) will open the event, followed by two shorter stages of 45 laps each to close out the race.The change is intended to reduce the impact of fuel-saving, which teams have used to shorten pit stops late in races. By conserving fuel, drivers can take on less during green-flag stops, allowing them to gain positions when they cycle back onto the track.Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse, said the adjustment is a positive step, but doesn’t expect it to significantly alter how teams approach the race.“You’re still going to have to save fuel – long story, short,” Berry said. “The first stage is going be longer, so obviously there will still be some fuel saving early in the run to try to shorten your pit stop under green flag, if it goes to green flag.“The question of where it goes from there is if you have two shorter stages – your second stage and your final stage – then as much fuel as you can save in the second stage will significantly shorten your pit stop for your final stage, which is when track position matters the most.“I have a hard time believing that a majority of the field is going to intentionally burn a lot of fuel that second stage just to try to get stage points and then come out last to start the final stage.”Berry added that it can be difficult to maneuver through the pack, especially at Talladega, which could continue to influence strategy regardless of the format change.“I think Daytona is a different story, but at Talladega it seems to get locked down with two lanes and maybe three,” he said. “It will definitely look different. Truthfully, I don’t think it’s going to fix it, but it’ll be interesting to follow. It’ll shake things up a bit and hopefully will make a better race for the fans.”Per NASCAR rules for drafting tracks, there will be no practice prior to qualifying this weekend. Qualifying is set for Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET with coverage on Prime Video.Sunday’s 188-lap, 500-mile race is scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET start time, with coverage on FOX. Saturday, April 25Berry will be participate in a Q&A session at the Ford Racing activation at 12:00 p.m. local time in the Talladega Superspeedway fan zone.Berry will sign autographs at the Team Penske/Wood Brothers merchandise hauler beginning at 12:15 p.m. local time (pending weather) in the Talladega Superspeedway fan zone. 100 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis.  Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberry  About Motorcraft®Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details. About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.   |
