Asleep at the wheel? Maybe not this time at Talladega

The last time the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series raced at Talladega Superspeedway, it was nap time for both fans and drivers.

Last October's stop at the 2.66-mile Alabama track produced a single-file parade for 450 miles before drivers finally decided it was time to race in the final 25 laps.

Jimmie Johnson is expecting a 'wild' one. (Getty Images)

"It was really, really boring," added Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The lackluster affair was blamed on a combination of restrictor plate racing and the new Cup car, which was making its superspeedway debut.

Trying to avoid the inevitable "big one" while battling a brand new racecar at nearly 200 mph, and while also racing for points in the middle of the Chase for the Championship, added up to drivers taking a cautious approach and a sleep-inducing end result.

Now the series returns to Talladega, and many fans fear yet another lackluster afternoon of follow-the-leader "racing."

But not so fast. Some drivers think this Sunday's Aaron's 499 will be much different.

"I think Talladega is going to be an exciting race," said Jimmie Johnson, who won the 2006 spring race. "Being in the points, we held back and really tried to stay out of harm's way (in the fall). I think it led to a not-so-exciting race at Talladega. I remember some criticism for it."

"I would expect this race to be completely out of control and wild. The points are always important, but with the Chase format, I think you will see a much more competitive race -- a lot more guys taking risks and getting in the middle of things and racing four-wide. I am predicting a great race in Talladega."

Johnson has more reason to look forward to Talladega than the possibility of an exciting race. The Hendrick Motorsports team has won the past four Cup races at the track, including teammate Gordon's sweep of both visits a year ago.

Gordon started 34th in last fall's race and says that spot in the field led to the strategy of hanging back in the pack until the end.

"Our qualifying position played the biggest part in determining our strategy," said the six-time Talladega Cup winner. "Starting so far back, we thought it would be best to play it safe and work our way into contention near the end of the race. I've never had to do that before, and it was difficult to get into that mindset. It was tough because I don't like riding around in back. I want to be up front, battling for the lead and leading laps from the drop of the green flag."