The 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion commenced his first full-time campaign in the Cup Series by becoming the 41st different winner of the Great American Race.
The Elk Grove, California, native fended off Martin Truex Jr. in a 24-lap shootout to win for the 10th time in 2021 and for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in the desert state.
The Tucson, Arizona, native spoiled the Playoff battle by claiming his first win at the Paperclip track amid a controversial incident with Denny Hamlin.
The Elk Grove, California, native became the first of four Cup Series competitor to secure a championship finale spot with a win in the Lone Star state.
Denny Hamlin finished seventh at Talladega in a rain-delayed and rain-shortened race won by Bubba Wallace, who drives for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan.
The Mobile, Alabama, native fended off the field in the closing laps of the second stage to become the second African-American competitor to win in NASCAR's premier series.