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NASCAR America: Talladega can make just about any driver nervous

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Drivers are always nervous leading up to racing at Talladega and the new point system in the playoffs will make them even more concerned.

What are drivers thinking with Talladega looming this weekend?

NASCAR on NBC analyst said Jeff Burton it is simple.

“I was always nervous before Talladega, especially the day of Talladega, but I think with the points system you have today, I think everybody is probably more nervous,’' Burton said on Tuesday’s NASCAR America. “I think the intensity level for Sunday’s race will be at an all-time high because the points mean so much.’'

Martin Truex Jr. has clinched a spot in the next round after his win at Charlotte last weekend. That leaves 11 drivers vying for seven spots to the next round. Jamie McMurray holds the final transfer spot entering Sunday’s race at Talladega, but he has only a point lead on Matt Kenseth. Brad Keselowski is two points behind McMurray, Ryan Blaney is four points behind McMurray and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who has won the past two restrictor-plate races, is 10 points behind McMurray.

See what else Burton says in the above video.

While drivers can be nervous, crew chief Cole Pearn and Truex won’t be as worried since they are set for the Round of 8 after their win at Charlotte last weekend. See what Pearn has to say about that and what NASCAR on NBC’s Nate Ryan and Burton say about Truex in the video below.