Five to watch: Talladega dark horses

Ryan Blaney

There is no sophomore slump here as 2017 has proved to be a golden year for the Ford driver in his second full-time season with Wood Brothers Racing. In five starts at the 2.66-mile track he has one top-five finish, two top-10 results and has even paced the field for some circuits. Expect Blaney's strong run to open 2017 to continue here.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The Roush Fenway Racing wheelman returns to one of his best tracks. He holds the second-best average finish here (11.7) -- only behind Chase Elliott, who's only raced here twice -- and has four top 10s in seven starts.

Jamie McMurray

Although he hasn't won here since 2013, McMurray can call 'Dega one of his most consistent tracks. He finished fourth in the 2016 race, and considering the excellent season he's been enjoying, it would not be too surprising if the wheelman of the No. 1 was No. 1 here for the third time.

Austin Dillon

The fourth-year driver was two-for-two in top 10s last year (one of just two drivers to do that, Kurt Busch being the other) at the always unpredictable Talladega. And to top it all off, he is known for his restrictor plate mastery.

David Ragan

Talladega is home of Ragan's second -- and most recent -- career win. He also holds four top fives and seven top 10s. Although the No. 38 team has struggled throughout 2017, expect its bad luck to turn around for the 500 miler.