Getty

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 19: Cody Ware, driver of the #51 Arby's Steak Nuggets Ford, Michael McDowell, driver of the #71 Carolina Handling Chevrolet, and Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 19, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Rain forced a late NASCAR update at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, canceling NASCAR Cup Series qualifying ahead of the Jack Link’s 500. The session was set for 10:30 a.m. ET, but steady showers made the track unsafe.

NASCAR media coordinator Cameron Richardson first confirmed the decision, stating, “NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at Talladega Superspeedway has been canceled due to inclement weather. The starting lineup will be set per the rule book.”

With no laps completed, the NASCAR qualifying result today came from the performance-based metric system. Tyler Reddick secured the pole position, continuing his strong form this season.

NASCAR Qualifying Order Set by Formula After Rainout

The NASCAR qualifying order was finalized shortly after the cancellation, with confirmation from Bob Pockrass, who reported, “NASCAR Cup qualifying has been canceled because of rain. Tyler Reddick on the pole.”

This NASCAR Cup Series qualifying format uses a weighted formula based on recent finishes, stage points, and full-season performance. It rewards consistency instead of a single fast lap. That approach shaped the NASCAR qualifying result and placed top-performing drivers at the front.

At Talladega, this system fits the nature of the track. Drafting and pack racing often decide the NASCAR race more than starting speed. Still, track position gives drivers early control and cleaner air.

Tyler Reddick Leads NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Result and Season Form

Tyler Reddick remains central to the NASCAR qualifying result story in 2026. He opened the season with three straight wins and later added another victory at Darlington. He also earned a pole at Kansas one week ago.

His record at Talladega stands out. He won the spring race here last season, showing his ability to manage the draft and late-race pressure.

The No. 45 team has built its position through consistent results. That consistency played a key role in the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying result today under the metric system.
Even so, Talladega can change quickly. Multi-car incidents and pack racing can alter the order within laps.

NASCAR Race Set for Sunday Despite Weather Disruption

The NASCAR race remains scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with coverage on FOX Sports. This NASCAR update confirms that race-day plans remain in place despite the qualifying delay.
Talladega’s 2.66-mile layout creates tight racing packs and frequent lead changes. The NASCAR qualifying order may influence the start, but it rarely determines the finish.

The weather has affected several events this season, and this NASCAR qualifying cancellation adds to that trend. Once the race begins, the focus shifts fully to on-track execution.

All attention now turns to Tyler Reddick as he starts from the pole, aiming to convert this into another win.

NASCAR Crews Dry Talladega Track as Radar Improves for Afternoon Races

NASCAR track crews began drying the surface at Talladega Superspeedway early Saturday after overnight rain disrupted the schedule. This latest NASCAR update followed confirmation from Bob Pockrass, who noted that drying efforts were already in progress as conditions improved.

Current radar showed clearer weather moving into the area, raising hopes that the remaining events could go ahead. The ARCA Menards Series Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 and the Ag-Pro 300 Xfinity Series race both remained on schedule for the afternoon.

Fans and teams continued to monitor the situation closely as the weather system moved out. Despite the earlier NASCAR qualifying cancellation, officials remained optimistic that the rest of the day’s NASCAR race action would proceed without further delays.