The Talladega race, specifically the NASCAR Cup Series event known as the Jack Link's 500 or formerly the GEICO 500, is a 500-mile race held at Talladega Superspeedway. It consists of 188 laps on the 2.66-mile tri-oval track
. The race typically lasts around 3 hours, though the exact duration can vary due to factors like caution periods and weather conditions. Recent races at Talladega have lasted just under or slightly over 3 hours, with some extending to about 3 hours and 26-27 minutes
. For example, the 2025 Jack Link's 500 started at about 1:07 pm EST and finished around 8:15 pm EST, but this included delays and a single green- white-checkered finish attempt due to darkness, making it unusually long (about 7 hours)
. Under normal circumstances without extended delays, the race duration is closer to 3 hours. In summary:
- Race distance: 500 miles (188 laps)
- Track length: 2.66 miles
- Typical race duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Duration can extend due to cautions, weather, or special race finishes
