2018 1000Bulbs.com 500

The 2018 1000Bulbs.com 500 was a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race that was held on October 14, 2018, at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Contested over 193 laps – extended from 188 laps due to an overtime finish, on the 2.66 mile (4.2 km) superspeedway, it was the 31st race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, the fifth race of the Playoffs, and second race of the Round of 12. This was a notable race for Stewart-Haas Racing, who dominated in qualifying and both stages, and ended up winning the race with driver Aric Almirola

Background
Talladega Superspeedway, originally known as Alabama International Motor Superspeedway (AIMS), is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln. The track is a tri-oval and was constructed in the 1960s by the International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France family. Talladega is most known for its steep banking and the unique location of the start/finish line that's located just past the exit to pit road. The track currently hosts the NASCAR series such as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and the Camping World Truck Series. Talladega is the longest NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 mi tri-oval like the Daytona International Speedway, which also is a 2.5 mi tri-oval.

Final Practice
Kevin Harvick was the fastest in the final practice session with a time of 46.889 seconds and a speed of 204.227 mph.

Qualifying
Kurt Busch scored the pole for the race with a time of 48.906 and a speed of 195.804 mph.

Qualifying results

 * Corey LaJoie started from the rear after failing post-qualifying inspection.

Stage Results
Stage 1 Laps: 55

Stage 2 Laps: 55

Final Stage Results
Stage 3 Laps: 78

Race statistics

 * Lead changes: 11 among different drivers
 * Cautions/Laps: 8 for 32
 * Red flags: 0
 * Time of race: 3 hours, 20 minutes and 24 seconds
 * Average speed: 153.707 mph

Television
NBC Sports covered the race on the television side. Rick Allen, Jeff Burton and six-time Talladega winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. had the call in the booth for the race. Steve Letarte and Dale Jarrett called from the NBC Peacock Pit Box on pit road. Dave Burns, Parker Kligerman, Marty Snider and Kelli Stavast reported from pit lane during the race.

Radio
MRN covered the radio call for the race, which was simulcast on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.

Standings after the race

 * Manufacturers' Championship standings
 * Note: Only the first 16 positions are included for the driver standings.