Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wins the dramatic Talladega Cup race in a photo finish

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. managed a two-lap race to the checkered flag to capture his first Cup victory since the 2023 Daytona 500. He is the third non-playoff driver to win in the first five races of the playoffs. Stenhouse becomes the 18th different winner this year, earning his fourth career Cup Series win.

He crossed the finish line just 0.006 seconds ahead of Brad Keselowski, who finished second, and 0.027 seconds ahead of William Byron, who came third.

“Felt really good,” said Stenhouse, who climbed the fence and jumped into the flagpole after the winner’s interview. “We had our Chevy teammates behind us. I was hoping Kyle (Larson) wouldn’t put as much pressure on the 6 (Keselowski). I knew the 24 (Byron) would probably try to get to the finish line there, but that.” The team put in a lot of hard work. Obviously we haven’t won since the (Daytona) 500 in 2023. It’s been a season full of ups and downs just to find something We knew this track would be one of ours.

The driver of the No. 47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Chevrolet also took a moment to acknowledge the victims of the devastating hurricane that caused unprecedented damage in western North Carolina.

“I have to say, we’re thinking about everyone in Western North Carolina. Brad Daugherty (JTG co-owner), his family right where he grew up in Black Mountain, a lot of people are struggling. I wish my wife and son, Stetson, we weren’t there this weekend. I see you all at home, and man, what a day.

Larson finished fourth and Erik Jones finished fifth for his best finish of the 2024 season. Christopher Bell, Justin Haley, Austin Dillon, Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top ten.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., JTG Daugherty Racing, Kroger Health/Palmolive Chevrolet Camaro

Photo by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

It was a pretty clean race until later. After serving a drive-through penalty for unapproved adjustments before the race, Daniel Suarez spun and remained trapped outside the lead lap for the remainder of the race.

Chris Buescher ultimately won the opening stage with a flawless run to the finish line. Unfortunately, the same does not apply to the goal of the second stage.

As Austin Cindric approached the finish line to collect the green and white checkered flag, Ryan Blaney was turned around in the middle of the field. He shot around the track and came into heavy contact with Ross Chastain, ending both days.

More than 20 cars involved in racing accident

The race featured an impressive amount of four-way action, but there were no major crashes in the closing moments. After the final cycle of green flag stops, Cindric emerged with the lead. He led the final score while Stenhouse led the outside attack. With less than five laps to go, a serious accident stopped the race immediately.

Keselowski pushed Cindric on the left side of his rear bumper after they passed a slower car. The push sent Cindric spinning in the middle of the field, taking over half the field and eliminating several playoff drivers. NBC initially claimed that 28 cars were involved, making it the largest Talladega accident in NASCAR Cup Series history. However, the official NASCAR report puts the number at 23 cars in total.

Despite being hit against the door during the accident, Stenhouse stayed on course and took the lead in the race. After the red flag, the event went into extra time. With a push from Byron, he was able to hold off Byron and end a 65-race winning streak.

Ahead of the Round of 12 elimination race, Chase Elliott sits on the bubble. He is 13 points ahead of Joey Logano, 20 points ahead of Suarez, 29 points ahead of Cindric and 32 points ahead of Chase Briscoe.

Watch: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: “This win is really special” after Talladega