.38 Special Concert at Talladega: The rock band .38 Special will headline this year's Miller Lite Rock'n Racing Concert in Talladega Superspeedway's infield this Saturday evening. Universal South recording artist Shooter Jennings will open the show. The concert will begin tentatively at 7 p.m., and will be located in the southern portion of the infield near the intersection of the interior roads known as Talladega and Eastaboga Boulevards. The concert is free to all guests in the infield.(PR)(10-5-2006)
Martin To Visit With Fans In AAA Pit Tour Experience at Talladega: Fans who purchase the AAA Pit Tour Experience for the Oct. 8 UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway will enjoy a visit from Nextel Cup Series #6 AAA Ford driver Mark Martin. AAA is the Official Auto Club and insurance provider of Talladega Superspeedway. While the AAA Pit Tour Experience is open to all guests who choose to purchase the package, the track is offering the experience for only $130 to AAA members who also purchase frontstretch grandstand or tower tickets for the UAW-Ford 500. In addition to the special visit from Martin*, the AAA Pit Tour Experience hospitality package includes:
* Pass to the AAA Pit Tour Experience located in Talladega Superspeedway's Hospitality Village
* Pre-race Pit Road Tour*
* Catering for continental breakfast, lunch, soda and water, plus four beverage tickets per person
* Event souvenir
* Suite/Hospitality parking pass
To purchase the AAA Pit Tour Experience hospitality package, call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (462-3342). If you're not a member of AAA, join online at AAA.com/RacingJoin.(9-26-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report, September 13: Crews are now finished with the 12-foot transporter truck lane that runs
along the inside of the 2.66-mile surface of Talladega Superspeedway, and also have finished the track's aprons. They are now tying in the skid pads of the track to pit road and the backstretch. The entire project will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event
weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-14-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report, September 6: The reinstallation of SAFER barriers and fencing is nearly complete
around the walls of Talladega Superspeedway, and crews continue paving the final elements in Talladega Superspeedway's monumental paving project that began May 2. In addition, work is nearly complete on the 12-foot transporter truck lane and aprons along the interior of the track surface. Crews are also working on paving skid pad areas along the backstretch. The entire project will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-7-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report, August 24: Sunmount Corporation Project Manager John Hajdasz said it is very gratifying to be in the final stage of Talladega Paving Project 2006, and that the change is most evident to the eye now that the final layer of asphalt around the 2.66-mile track is nearly complete. Next, crews will pave the 12-foot truck lane at the base of the turns and tri-oval, he said. Then, they will tie-in and make finishing touches on the apron, pit road and skid pad areas. Fencing and SAFER Barrier installation is currently underway. The entire project will be complete when track officials welcome fans back for the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-26-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report, August 17: The new track surface approaches completion at Talladega Superspeedway, with the final wear layer down on the backstretch and well into the tri-oval and frontstretch. Workers are completing the third and final pass near the bottom of turns three and four today and will be completing turns one and two in the next several days. Soon, the final layer of asphalt will be complete all the way around the 2.66-mile track, followed by finishing touches on the apron, pit road and skid pad areas. Then, work will begin to restore fencing and landscaping to pristine condition in time to welcome fans back for the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-18-2006)
Only few reserved spots left at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced nearly two months ago there were only a select few reserved spaces still available for the Oct. 6 - 8 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend - and now the only reserved spots that remain are a handful of spots for tents and automobiles only in the areas designated as the Blue Zone and Yellow Zone in the track's infield. More info at the Talladega Superspeedway site.(8-18-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report: Paving crews have begun applying the final layer of asphalt in turns three and four of Talladega Superspeedway. Three passes will be required to cover the width of the track, and the first pass along the wall is nearly complete. In addition, preparation is underway entering turn three to continue paving the skid pad two extension, where grass has
been removed to make way for asphalt along the entire length of the backstretch. The finished project will result in asphalt repaving of the track, skid pad and pit road, and will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-11-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report: Fans attending the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend at Talladega Superspeedway October 6 - 8 will notice another major improvement in addition to a new track surface. The infield now has a large, paved paddock extension for the ARCA Series to use. The addition was needed to make room for Truck Series teams that will compete in the track's inaugural Talladega 250 on Oct. 7. The truck teams will set up in the garage area that houses the Busch Series teams in the spring. The ARCA Series teams will use the new paved paddock area to prepare for the Friday, Oct. 6 Food World 250. Nextel Cup Series teams will continue to set up in the north garage in preparation for the UAW-Ford 500 on Sunday, Oct. 8.(Talladega Superspeedway)(8-5-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress Report, July 27: Crews this week have been paving skid pad areas of Talladega Superspeedway while other crews continue applying the asphalt level-up course to the track itself. The finished project will result in asphalt repaving of the entire track, skid pad and pit road, and will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(7-28-2006)
Stewart checks out Talladega repaving project: #20-Tony Stewart visited Talladega Superspeedway Monday [July 17th] to lend a hand in the track's ongoing paving project and to talk with members of the media about the upcoming UAW-Ford 500 event weekend set for Oct. 6 - 8 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stewart met with dozens of media outlets after climbing aboard and operating the gigantic paver making its way through turn one of the legendary Alabama track, applying a level-up course of asphalt. "I think it's going to have a lot more grip," Stewart said. "People that like three- and four-wide racing, that's what they're going to see. Handling has not really been that huge of an issue here; it's always been about how fast your car was. Now, for sure it's going to be that much more grip, and handling will be even less of an issue, so that three- and four-wide racing - that's what it's going to be all day long."(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(7-21-2006)
Talladega repaving update: Paving crews continue to apply the asphalt level-up course of asphalt to the frontstretch and tri-oval of Talladega Superspeedway. The finished project will result in asphalt repaving of the entire track, skid pad and pit road, and will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. The level-up course is a layer of material constructed directly on the existing pavement surface to eliminate irregularities before placing an overlay course.(TSS PR)(7-15-2006)
.38 Special & Shooter Jennings To Perform at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that the rock band .38 Special will headline this year's Miller Lite Rock'n Racing Concert in the track's infield Saturday evening, Oct. 7 during the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend. Universal South recording artist Shooter Jennings will open the show. The concert will begin tentatively at 7 p.m, and will be located in the southern portion of the infield near the intersection of the interior roads known as Talladega and Eastaboga Boulevards. The concert is free to all guests in the infield. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway)(7-15-2006)
Talladega repaving update: Paving crews continue to apply the 2-inch asphalt base to the turns of Talladega Superspeedway, in addition to paving pit road. The pit road paving will widen the asphalt portion of pit road by 10 feet, while the new concrete pit stalls will give drivers and teams an additional 2 feet in width per stall. The finished project will result in asphalt repaving of the entire track, skid pad and pit road, and will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. For more information on Talladega Superspeedway, repaving and tickers, please visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(7-4-2006)
Fans May Monitor Talladega Superspeedway's Paving Progress: Talladega Superspeedway fans can log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com this summer to stay up to speed on the
progress of the track's monumental paving project. A special section of the track's website has been dedicated to Talladega Paving Project 2006, and is accessible by viewing the track's homepage. On the right side of the page, three links will direct fans to photo
galleries containing images from each week since the project's May 2 kickoff, an equipment guide detailing the various pieces of machinery used in the paving process, and a graphic depicting the various areas of the track and the changes being made to each of them. To order tickets for events in October, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(6-29-2006)
Few Overnight Parking Spaces Left For UAW-Ford 500 Weekend at Talladega: Few reserved overnight parking spaces are left for the highly anticipated fall race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, which will feature 1,000 miles of racing in three days including the debut of the track's Craftsman Truck Series 250 on Saturday and the first competitive laps on the track's new asphalt.
The following select reserved spaces are still available for the 2006 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend:
* A small number of reserved spaces for tents and automobiles in the Infield's Blue and Yellow Zones
* A small number of reserved spaces outside the track in West B Park, East Park and Legends Lane.
For more information on Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway PR(6-22-2006)
Talladega Paving Progress: Crews have begun the process of applying the stone CTB (cement treated base) layer in the turns of Talladega Superspeedway, in preparation for the 2 " asphalt base that will be applied next. While Caterpillar D9 and D8 bulldozers support the paver and rollers, respectively, as they operate on the 33-degree banking of the turns, workers are also completing concrete pit stalls on pit road in preparation for its resurfacing. The entire project includes the asphalt repaving of the entire track, skid pad and pit road, and will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6- 8. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(Talladega Superspeedway PR(6-6-2006)
Talladega Superspeedway Paving Progress Report: Crews have removed the old asphalt from all four turns of Talladega Superspeedway, and grading work continues in these areas to prepare the base for a new surface. Workers are also in the process of widening pit road prior to its resurfacing. The project will be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(see images at Talladega Superspeedway site)(5-22-2006)
Talladega Superspeedway's Repaving Project Kicks Off: Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch used a trackhoe excavator to dig into the existing asphalt on the track that must be removed before it is resurfaced this summer. It has been 26
years since the 2.66 mile track was paved, and the ambitious undertaking officially began on Tuesday, May 2nd. The project is scheduled to be completed by the track's fall UAW-Ford 500 event weekend, set for Oct. 6 - 8. Tickets are available now by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR) AND Workers began removing the catch-fence and SAFER barriers in the early morning hours. By mid-morning, a track hoe had begun to rip into the asphalt in turn 3 of the 2.66-mile speedway. The Justin, Texas-based Sunmount Corporation will head the project. Officials said crews will work seven days a week to make sure the project is completed in time. The Sunmount Corporation specializes in track resurfacing and its resume includes Miami-Homestead, Texas, Atlanta, Richmond and Charlotte. Pit road will be resurfaced with three inches of new asphalt and will be widened by 10 feet. The track's skid pads - the paved areas on both sides of pit road on the front-stretch and adjacent to the apron exiting turn two - will have the top 1½ inches ground down before repaving.(Alabama Live)(5-3-2006)
No Agressive Driving allowed at Talladega: NASCAR race director David Hoots told drivers before the Aaron's 499 that the entire track - not just the turns - will be monitored for aggressive driving during Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR had extra officials in the turns at the season-opening race at Daytona to watch for aggressive driving after criticism that bump-drafting had escalated to an unacceptable level. "The aggressive driving zone has been expanded," Hoots said during the pre-race drivers meeting. "It will start at the start of the race as soon as you go across the start-finish line and will conclude when you complete the race - for all 2.66 miles around this race track and all 188 laps of the race. It will be considered all the way around the track." Hoots asked the drivers to err on the side of caution. "Remember drivers, it doesn't mean that you're given more latitude on the straightaway," Hoots said. "If you think you're getting ready to be too close to or crossing over that line, you need to throttle back and be on the conservative side and don't place yourself in the position of opening it up to our judgment of aggressive driving."(SceneDaily.com)(4-30-2006)
Earnhardt Commemorative Poster at Talladega: On Sunday, race fans that purchase an Aaron's 499 souvenir program will also receive a Collectable Commemorative Poster featuring the special paint scheme on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevrolet and a tribute to Dale Earnhardt's induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.(TSS PR)(4-29-2006)
Very Few Aaron's 499 Tickets Remain: The only seats remaining for tomorrow's Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
Series race are located in the Lincoln and Gadsden Grandstands on the frontstretch just out of Turn Four. Fans hoping to attend the race are urged to purchase tickets now, before all seats are gone. Gadsden Grandstand seats are $70 for Sunday and Lincoln Granstand seats are $75. To purchase tickets, call 1-877- Go2-DEGA, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com, or visit one of our ticket booths on
site - - including the main Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office located on Speedway Boulevard at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.(TSS PR)(4-29-2006)
Tragic News UPDATE new track rule: Talladega County Coroner Jerry Castleberry says two men were killed today after being electrocuted at the Talladega Superspeedway. Castleberry says 39-year-old Keith Stell of Birmingham and 42-year-old Ronny Wright of Remlap died instantly. The men were camping at the speedway and were electrocuted after the flagpole they were trying to erect fell into some power lines. Castleberry said witnesses at the scene said gusts of wind caused the flagpole to fall. He said the men had still been holding on to the pole when it touched the power lines and they --quote-- "didn't have a chance."(wtvm.com/AP)(4-24-2006) UPDATE Track Director of Public Relations Kristi King told Claire B. Lang XM Satellite NASCAR Radio that Talladega Superspeedway will implement a new rule this weekend following the tragic death of two campers there..."What our new policy is that we put in place today...no metal flag poles of any kind will be allowed on speedway property. That does include the infield and all of the
overnight parks beginning this weekend and that goes for all future talladega superspeedway events."(XM Satellite NASCAR Radio)(4-26-2006)
Easter Bunny Returns To Talladega, April 15th: the Easter Bunny plans to make a return visit Talladega Superspeedway
on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to noon for the track's Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the infield. The hunt is open to all kids age 1 through 10, and the thousands of eggs hidden at various points in the track's infield will all contain candy or other prizes.
There is no cost to attend the event, which will include:
* Easter Basket Contest: Kids are encouraged to decorate their own Easter baskets and arrive with them ready for judging! Everyone should arrive a little early in order to park, because an Easter Basket Contest will be held immediately as the event begins at 10 a.m.
* Egg Hunts By Age Group: The hunt for prize-filled eggs will begin at 10:30 a.m. for kids age 1 through 3. Then at 11 a.m., kids age 4 through 6 will participate in a hunt, followed by kids age 7 through 10 at 11:30 a.m.
* Visit With The Easter Bunny: As promised, the Easter Bunny will return to visit with eager egg hunters during the event.
* Face Painting: Face painters will be set up ready to create miniature masterpieces on the cheeks of all who visit.
* Refreshments: Two of Talladega Superspeedway's official sponsors, Pepsi and Golden Flake, will provide refreshments and snacks.
* Displays and Games: The Talladega Superspeedway Pace Car, the Talladega On Wheels promotions vehicle, the Talladega Superspeedway Show Car, Ford trucks and cars, and various other special vehicles utilized by the track will be on display. To order tickets for future races, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or for more information on Talladega Superspeedway, please visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(4-13-2006)
McCain To Sing National Anthem Prior To Aaron's 499: Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Edwin McCain will perform the National Anthem at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 30 prior to the start of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
Series race. McCain will be appearing at Talladega Superspeedway in support of his new album released by Vanguard Records today titled "Lost In America," which includes the soon-to-be-released radio single "Gramercy Park Hotel." To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or for more information on Talladega Superspeedway, please visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(4-12-2006)
Ferrell To Visit Fans In Pit Tour Experience at Talladega: Race fans who purchase the Pit Tour Experience hospitality package for the Aaron's 499 on Sunday, April 30 will be treated to a visit from the race Grand Marshal Will Ferrell, star of the upcoming comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." The Pit Tour Experience is one of several hospitality packages offered
at Talladega Superspeedway, and entitles race fans to a pre-race pit road tour, enabling them to get an up-close-and-personal look at teams' preparations on race day. The Pit Tour Experience also provides a Suite/Hospitality parking pass and a pass to Hospitality Village, where fans can enjoy catering for continental breakfast, lunch, soda, water and four drink tickets for beer. In addition to an event souvenir, the highlight of this package for many is usually a special visit from a NEXTEL Cup Series driver. However for this race, fans will be treated to a visit from established comedian and actor Ferrell, who will participate in a question-and-answer session. He will visit the Pit Tour Experience chalet in the Hospitality Village at approximately 9:45am. Pit Tour Experience packages may be purchased for $145 and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket for the April 30 Aaron's 499. Great seats still remain for the first race weekend at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or for more information on Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(4-1-2006)
Three-Day Race Weekend At Talladega Special: Talladega Superspeedway's two-day, $60 seats in the Allison Grandstand are widely known to be one of the best ticket values offered by any racing venue, but this year fans buying two-day tickets will get even more for their money with the addition of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup qualifying on Saturday. The track has announced the new schedule and that it will be opening its grandstands three days instead of four, each series' qualifying event has been moved up one day. Therefore, fans who purchase Saturday tickets will witness The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series prior to the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race at no additional cost. Great two-day seats still remain for the first race weekend at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. Two-day Talladega Tower seats offering a spectacular view of the start/finish line are $135 and Allison Grandstand Seats are only $60. Two-day tickets grant admission to The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, April 29, then the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, April 30. In addition, while Friday's schedule features the The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR Busch Series, that day is also the only opportunity to watch NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams practice. Two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practices will be held leading up to the Busch Series qualifying runs. Seats for Friday, April 28 are $12 for adults, and kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge in the general admission grandstands on Friday and Saturday when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For tickets and more information on Talladega Superspeedway, please visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.(3-28-2006)
Will Ferrell To Serve As Grand Marshal at Talladega: Actor Will Ferrell, star of the upcoming Columbia Pictures comedy
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Aaron's 499 NEXTEL Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway set for Sunday, April 30. Both Ferrell and the movie have been embraced by NASCAR since crews began shooting scenes at Talladega last year during the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend and in the weeks following. Fans attending the Oct. 1 ARCA
RE/MAX Series race watched and participated as select scenes were filmed on the frontstretch of the 2.66-mile track prior to the start of the event. The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is set for release by Columbia Pictures on Aug. 4. Co-written by Ferrell and director Adam McKay, the film tells the story of NASCAR racing sensation Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell), whose "win at all costs" approach has made him a national hero. He and his loyal racing partner and childhood friend, Cal Naughton, Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo that thrill their
fans by finishing most races in the top spots - with Ricky Bobby always leading the pack. When a flamboyant French Formula One driver, Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen -- Ali G), challenges him for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.(more info on the movie on my Racing Movies page). To order tickets for all events, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(3-24-2006)
Talladega Fall Race Tix now on sale: Saturday, March 11 will be the first opportunity to puchase prime spots for the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend Oct. 6 -8 for those who have not renewed seats from last year. Between the spring and fall event weekends, the track will undergo its first major repaving since 1979. The project will be completed in time to welcome the ARCA Series for the Food World 250 on Friday, Oct. 6. Then on Saturday, Oct. 7, the track will host its inaugural Truck Series event. Then on Sunday, Oct. 8, critical points positions will be on the line as NEXTEL Cup Series teams battle for the checkered flag in the UAW-Ford 500, the fourth race in the 2006 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Also get your tickets now for Aaron's Dream Weekend, set for April 28 - 30, 2006. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or log on to talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(3-11-2006)
Portable Asphalt Plant Mobilizes at Talladega: Nearly all the components of a portable asphalt plant are now mobilized on the grounds of Talladega Superspeedway, signaling that preparations are under way for the monumental paving project set to begin this spring immediately following the April 28-30 Aaron's Dream Weekend. In coming weeks, asphalt test strips will be constructed on property. Track officials announced in December that the 2.66-mile tri-oval track, apron and pit road will be completely repaved with asphalt for the first time since 1979. To order tickets for all the April races call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877- 462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests,
please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(2-24-2006)
Talladega's Bake A Christmas 2005 Exceeds Last Year: Talladega Superspeedway officials joined the staff of local radio station WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM Friday, Dec. 16 to raised more than $12,000 during Bake A Christmas 2005, an annual fundraiser that generates money used to provide Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the track's surrounding region. WTDR 92.7 Owner and Producer Jim Jacobs and his staff welcomed members of Talladega Superspeedway management on-air throughout the day to chat with listeners and keep the auctions rolling while donations of baked goods, racing memorabilia and other items such as gift certificates from local merchants flowed in throughout the day. These items were paired with items donated by the track in advance of the event for truly unique auction packages offered to the listening public. This year's Bake A Christmas marks the ninth consecutive year that the radio station and track have paired for this event, and both were pleased that this year's broadcast efforts exceeded last year's totals.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-20-2005)
Talladega to be repaved: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that the racetrack is set to be repaved for the first time since 1979, and the project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2006 UAW-Ford 500, race four in the 2006 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The project will include complete asphalt repaving of the 2.66-mile tri-oval track, apron and pit road. A portable asphalt plant will be mobilized to the site in December of this year, and on-site work will begin in February, when trial batches of the asphalt pavement will be produced and asphalt test strips will be constructed on superspeedway property. Engineers are expected to begin formulation of asphalt mix designs and designing the required equipment modifications in December. The repaving project will
begin immediately following the April 28-30, 2006 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega.
This will be the fourth paving project for Talladega Superspeedway, with the first being the actual construction of the track for its opening in September 1969, which was followed by a repaving project completed in time for the 1970 season. The third and most recent paving was completed at the conclusion of the 1979 racing season. Plans are in the works for the most exciting year of racing yet at Talladega Superspeedway in 2006, and don't forget that the holidays are just around the corner! Cross your favorite race fans off your shopping list first by purchasing them race weekend gift certificates to NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. The first opportunity to use the certificates will be for the 2006 Aaron's Dream Weekend set for April 28-30. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For news and other information on Talladega Superspeedway, check out the track's web site at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(12-15-2005)
Talladega Debuts New 3-Day Race Weekend Format in 2006: Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey announced that the track plans to pack all the excitement of NASCAR's Most Competitive Track into a new 3-day race weekend format for both major events in 2006. In the spring, grandstands will be open Friday - Sunday, April 28-30 for Aaron's Dream Weekend featuring the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race and the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race. In the fall, grandstands will be open Friday - Sunday, Oct. 6-8 for the ARCA RE/MAX Series race, the track's first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and the UAW-Ford 500, race four in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. One of the biggest changes in 2006 will be that all the major events will be considered "impound races," with teams allowed only two practices prior to qualifying their machines. Then after the field is set, no adjustments will be allowed before the race without penalty. This will apply to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, the NASCAR Busch Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA RE/MAX Series. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com, or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office.(TSS PR)(10-18-2005)
Southern Sports Awards Nominates NASCAR tracks/teams/drivers...where is lugnut [LMS Mascot]?: The Daytona 500 and August night race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been nominated in the "Best Sports Experience" category in the inaugural Southern Sports Awards which recognizes and honors the athletes, fans and the traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world."(DIS PR) Talladega The Talladega Superspeedway Infield is among select nominees for the first ever Southern Sports Awards (SSA), a two-hour special awards show that will recognize and honor the athletes, fans and traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world." Talladega Superspeedway's nomination is to the "Best Place To Tailgate" category.(TSS PR) Roush Racing: Roush Racing [#'s 6,16,17,97,99] have been nominated for Best Management. Dale Jr. vs Jeff? Dale Earnhardt Jr. vs. Jeff Gordon have been nominated for the Biggest Rivalry category. Coach of the Year: among the nomiee's are Chad Knaus, #48 Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson and Greg Zippadelli,(#20 Crew Chief for Tony Stewart. Fan Favorite nominee's include Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #11, #18, #20 team owner Joe Gibbs, not for racing but for being the headcoach of the NFL's Washington Redskins. Newcomer of the Year: surprise! Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Ford [4 wins] is nominated along with #5-Kyle Busch, winner at California as a rookie. AND finally for the The "Style" Award...nominated from NASCAR are Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fans can vote to determine the winner by logging on to www.southernsportsawards.com until Nov 23rd and completing the 13-category ballot. The awards will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA.(11-10-2005)
Red Cross Reps to Accept Donations at Talladega: American Red Cross Representatives will staff entry gates at Talladega Superspeedway all four days of this weekend's race activities, accepting monetary donations from race fans who wish to join the track in its effort to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Donations will be accepted at the entry gates all four days of the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.(TSS)(9-30-2005)
Kim Miller Selected For 'Fan of the Race' Honors at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Holder Kim Miller of Gulfport, Miss. has been selected for 'Fan of the Race' honors for next Sunday's Oct. 2 UAW-Ford 500, race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Starting with the Oct. 2 UAW-Ford 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, one ticket holder per event weekend at Talladega Superspeedway will be randomly selected for "Fan of the Race" honors, according to Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey. As Fan of the Race, Miller will be brought on stage during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday and will be treated to a prize pack for two race weekend that includes pace car rides and several Talladega Superspeedway souvenirs. Miller said she has chosen to bring along her father, Jim Miller, for the experience.(Talladega Superspeedway)(9-28-2005)
Race Weekend Traffic Alert: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that race fans should take note of the traffic plan for the upcoming UAW-Ford 500 event weekend just less than two weeks from now, particularly plans for the flow of vehicles on Speedway Boulevard that runs parallel to Interstate 20. "Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, all traffic coming onto Speedway Boulevard from the west will be routed one way. Then on Sunday, starting at 7 a.m., all lanes of traffic coming onto Speedway Boulevard from the east and west will be routed one way to the track's main entrance," said Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey. "We have been routing traffic this way on Speedway Boulevard for the past several races, but now we have established exact times when it will start so that fans can better prepare their travel routes. Ultimately we hope it will get them onto the property more quickly and conveniently, resulting in an overall improvement to their experience here." When traffic begins to flow out of the property following each day's events, vehicles will be sent outbound in the same manner. For helpful traffic tips and information during race weekend, listen to WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM, which will broadcast regular updates.(Talladega Superspeedway)(9-28-2005)
American Idol Star to Sing National Anthem at Talladega: American Idol star Bo Bice will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Oct. 2 UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Before taking the nation by storm as a contestant in the fourth season of the hugely popular television show, Huntsville-born Bice kept busy managing a Pelham guitar store and playing gigs with his band, SugarMoney. Bice eventually finished American Idol as runner-up to Carrie Underwood, but has since released his first single, the double-A sided "Inside Your Heaven/Vehicle," which debuted this summer on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart at No. 1. Great seats are still available to the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at Talladega Superspeedway by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). The weekend includes Alabama Beef Producers Qualifying Day for the ARCA RE/MAX Series on Thursday, Sept. 29 and Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Friday, Sept. 30, which also features an ARCA RE/MAX Series driver autograph session. The Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race is Saturday, Oct. 1, and the UAW-Ford 500, race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, is set for Sunday, Oct. 2. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted into the general admission grandstands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of race weekend. Tickets to all of these events also are available online at www.racetickets.com. To purchase tickets in person, visit the Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office from 8 a.m.(Talladega Superspeedway)(9-27-2005)
Alabama Governor To Proclaim Sunday "Rusty Wallace Day": Alabama Governor Bob Riley will proclaim Sunday, Oct. 2 as "Rusty Wallace Day" in the state, joining Talladega Superspeedway in special recognition of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver during pre-race ceremonies before the start of the UAW-Ford 500. Wallace will officially retire from full-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition at the end of this year, with this 2005 final season in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge titled "Rusty's Last Call." In addition to Gov. Riley's proclamation, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch will present Wallace with a framed, one-of-a-kind print thanking him for the many memories he's created over the course of his 25-year career. Also, Wallace and his wife, Patti, will be granted lifetime passes to Talladega Superspeedway. The UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway will be start #699 in the series for Wallace, his 45th here. Great seats are still available to the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at Talladega Superspeedway by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-27-2005)
Want To Be In A Movie? at Talladega: Race fans who attend the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, Oct. 1 will not only catch a great race, but also may find themselves making a collective cameo appearance in the NASCAR-themed movie starring Will Ferrell to be released next year. Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey said that producers want to showcase the track's thousands of supportive fans in one of the movie's most pivotal scenes, to be filmed just prior to the start of the Food World 300 at the start/finish line of the track. ARCA RE/MAX Series driver introductions begin at 12:15 p.m., followed by the shooting of the movie scene and then the start of the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series season finale at 1:05 p.m. The evening will end with musical entertainment provided by recording artists Pat Green and Shooter Jennings in the Miller Lite Rock'n Racing Concert in the track's infield, which starts tentatively at 7 p.m. Any guest with an infield ticket for that evening or proper track-issued crendentials may attend the concert free of charge. To reserve your spot in the Talladega Superspeedway grandstands - and among the cheering crowd that will be captured on film for a blockbuster comedy, call the track's ticket office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA for tickets and also are available online at www.racetickets.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(9-26-2005)
Tix still available at Talladega: Time is running out to reserve a spot at next weekend's UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, but as of today, great seats are still available to witness race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup here on Sunday, Oct. 2. Tickets that are still available include select frontstretch tower seats, including one-day Sunday seats in the Gadsden Tower near turn four and a handful of two-day tickets in the Tri-Oval and Talladega Towers, located at the center of the 2.66-mile track's tri-oval and approaching turn one, respectively. Also available are two-day Allison Grandstands seats for only $60. Starting outside of turn two and running along the east side of the track. To take advantage of this opportunity call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com. To purchase tickets in person, visit the Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-23-2005)
Talladega weathers Katrina storms successfully: Talladega Superspeedway successfully weathered the high winds and torrential rain spinning out from Hurricane Katrina as outer bands of the storm made their way through Central Alabama Monday afternoon and Tuesday, track officials announced today. "We are very saddened to hear the continued reports of devastation across the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeastern states that has been caused by this storm," said Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey. "We've received numerous calls inquiring about our personal welfare and the status of the facility, and we are relieved to report that all of our employees and the facility itself are okay. Our neighbors in surrounding areas who were not as fortunate certainly are in our thoughts right now." The track's staff continues to make preparations for the UAW-Ford 500 Event Weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, which is now less than five weeks away. Tickets are available by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA.(Talladega Superspeedway)(8-30-2005)
Talladega Superspeedway Gift Certificates: Treat someone special today with a Talladega Superspeedway gift certificate! NASCAR's Most Competitive Track offers gift certificates redeemable for race tickets, fan hospitality packages and overnight park reservations. And since there is no expiration date, the recipients may redeem the certificates at their own convenience. The certificates may be purchased in any denomination and may be redeemed for race tickets, hospitality packages and overnight park reservations for any of the track's events that are currently available for sale. Talladega Superspeedway gift certificates may be redeemed in person at the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office. Although gift certificates are not redeemable for cash, they should be treated as money by the holder. Talladega Superspeedway is not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates and they cannot be replaced. Tickets to all of these events are available by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(7-28-2005)
The 'biggest' announcement in Talladega history UPDATE: no idea what this is about but Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL says they will hold the biggest announcement in Talladega Superspeedway history in the past two decades at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday, July 26 at 11:00am/local.(7-21-2005) UPDATE: hearing the track will be repaved...not sure if before the race in October or for the first 2006 race. AND/OR have heard it could be a Truck Series race to run next Oct 2006.(7-26-2005) UPDATE 2: Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey announced that in 2006, the 2.66-mile Alabama racetrack will welcome the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the first time in history! The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 during the 2006 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend set for Oct. 5 – 8. The 2006 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend slated for Oct. 5 – 8 will include Discount Food Mart Qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series as well as qualifying for the ARCA RE/MAX Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Food World 300 ARCA RE-MAX Series race will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, with Talladega Superspeedway’s newest addition to its spectacular fall schedule – the track’s first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race – held on Saturday, Oct. 7. The UAW-Ford 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race is set for Sunday, Oct. 8. Race fans that purchase a Saturday, Oct. 1 ticket to the 2005 Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race will be allowed to renew that seat to the inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in 2006.
Currently, the staff at Talladega Superspeedway is preparing to welcome fans for the second time this year, with the 2005 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend set for Sept. 29 – Oct. 2. The weekend includes Alabama Beef Producers Qualifying Day for the ARCA RE/MAX Series on Thursday, Sept. 29; Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Friday, Sept. 30, which also features an ARCA RE/MAX Series driver autograph session; the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Saturday, Oct. 1 and the UAW-Ford 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 2. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the UAW-Ford 500 are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or purchase your tickets online today! More information on reserving a spot in Talladega's overnight parks and reserved infield area is also available online or by calling the Ticket Office. You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.(Talladega Superspeedway Site), nothing mentioned about repaving.(7-26-2005)
Reserved Infield, Overnight Park Spots Filling Quickly at Talladega: Fans wishing to reserve a spot for overnight accommodations on Talladega Superspeedway property for the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 should act quickly, as there are few spaces left throughout the track's hundreds of acres of reserved infield and park areas. The only remaining reserved spaces outside of the track are for RVs only, and are within Legends Lane and East Park. Call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today for tickets and overnight park reservations to the UAW-Ford 500 weekend Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, featuring race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Tickets to all of these events are available by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(7-14-2005)
Talladega Taps Talent Of Artist Garry Hill To Thank Loyal Aaron's 499 Ticketholders: Race fans who renew their seats for the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway will recieve limited-edition prints featuring the work of renowned racing artist Garry Hill. For the past three years, fans who meet the deadline to renew their Aaron's 499 seats for the next year's event receive a special edition Garry Hill print. Each year's topic for the artwork is a scene from the most recent Aaron's 499, commemorating the glorious moments of victory for drivers fortunate enough to take a win at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. Account holders meeting the July 29 deadline to renew their Aaron's 499 seats for the 2006 event will receive a new print this year. This year's print features Jeff Gordon in the #24 crossing the finish line in front of a sold-out crowd and taking the checkered flag ahead of Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip to claim victory in the May 1, 2005 Aaron's 499. The 2004 Aaron's 499 print also features Gordon in his #24, this time edging Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in his #8 just as a caution is displayed - a critical moment that established Gordon the winner. The print commemorating Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s win the year prior features another critical moment that led to victory. This was the first painting in the series, titled "Victory Pass," which captures the image during the 2003 Aaron's 499 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. completing a pass on Matt Kenseth that led to his record-setting fourth consecutive victory at the legendary Alabama racetrack. Over the past twenty-plus years, Garry Hill's original paintings, prints and designs have appeared within the most respected areas of the sport, from board rooms and suites to race car paint designs on the track. As an artist working only with racing subjects, Garry has created paintings for the motorsports community at the corporate level as well as for private collectors. Many of these works have been published as limited edition fine art prints and are available in over 70 galleries internationally. His art has been featured on television, radio and in major racing publications. More information about Garry Hill can be found at www.garryhill.com.
While the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office is currently taking renewals for next year's Aaron's 499, orders are being filled at a rapid pace for the UAW-Ford 500 weekend Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, featuring race three in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The weekend includes Alabama Beef Producers Qualifying Day for the ARCA RE/MAX Series on Thursday, Sept. 29; Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Friday, Sept. 30, which also features an ARCA RE/MAX Series driver autograph session; the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Saturday, Oct. 1 and the UAW-Ford 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 2. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets to all of these events are available by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. More information on reserving a spot in Talladega's overnight parks and reserved infield area is also available online or by calling the Ticket Office. For the hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.(TSS PR)(7-6-2005)
Talladega's Fast Day For Father's Day This Saturday: Father's Day is this weekend, and what better way is there to treat Dad than with quality time with his kids, giveaways of great prizes like CD's, coolers and Talladega Superspeedway gear, and perhaps most rewarding - a chance to prove his child looks more like "a chip off the old block" than anyone else's? These things and much more will be featured during "Fast Day For Father's Day" this Saturday, June 18 at Quintard Mall in Oxford. The event is presented through the coordinated efforts of Talladega Superspeedway, Quintard Mall, CableOne and Thunder 92.7 WTDR-FM. In addition to the prize giveaways and father-child look alike contest, there will be a trivia competition, video game racing at the Thunder Racing Station for a chance to win an X-BOX donated by EB Games, free balloons, face painting and a Moon Bounce for kids. The first 100 people to visit the Talladega Superspeedway booth will get a FREE commemorative print, and the track's pace car and show car will both be on hand for photos (bring your own camera, or our staff will be glad to snap your picture with our camera and e-mail it to you). More info at the talladegasuperspeedway.com site.(6-15-2005)
Talladega Pole Day Ticket Features Fast Fords: Eleven fast Fords flash across Talladega Superspeedway's new commemorative pole day ticket for the Sept. 30 Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day. In honor of the track's recent partnership with UAW-Ford as the Oct. 2 UAW-Ford 500 race title sponsor and Ford as the Official Car and Truck of Talladega Superspeedway, the limited-edition collectible tickets feature Fords competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The tickets are only $10, which is the same price as general admission grandstands seating for Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day Commemorative Tickets showcase the #38 Ford driven by Elliott Sadler, the #17 Ford driven by Matt Kenseth, the #6 Ford driven by Mark Martin, the #97 Ford driven by Kurt Busch, the #99 Ford driven by Carl Edwards, the #14 Ford driven by John Andretti, the #88 Ford driven by Dale Jarrett, the #21 Ford driven by Ricky Rudd, the #16 Ford driven by Greg Biffle, the #27 Ford driven by Kirk Shelmerdine and the #66 Ford driven by Hermie Sadler. The glossy, colorful tickets also feature the logos of Talladega Superspeedway, UAW-Ford 500, Discount Food Mart, International Speedway Corporation and NASCAR. Tickets to all of these events are available by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA or see www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(6-6-2005)
Repaving and Night Racing at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway will become the 11th NASCAR race track to get lights and'Dega fans could see their first night race as early as the fall race of 2007, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch said Sunday. While repaving the track is in the works now, the installation of lights will begin once that project is finished, Lynch said. NASCAR spokesperson Denise Maloof, who would not comment on any plans for illuminating Talladega Superspeedway for night racing, said the reasons for running night races are simple. "Our TV partners like racing in prime-time," she said. "You can't beat prime-time. It's a marquee time for racing to be on the air." NASCAR does not enter into the expensive task of lighting speedways blindly, she said. "The numbers we see from Nielsen Media Research are good," Maloof said. "The fans like it, too. It's a new experience. At Daytona when they flipped the switch for the first time it was electric - no pun intended. It's a different atmosphere. It can also be more comfortable for fans and drivers."(Alabama Live)(5-2005)
Aaron's and Talladega Extend Agreement: Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership (Aaron's) of Atlanta, Ga. and Talladega Superspeedway (TSS) of Talladega, announced the continuation of the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Aaron's and Talladega Superspeedway partnered for their first event in 2002. Today's extension announcement marks a new, multi-year agreement ensuring that Aaron's will remain as title sponsor of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race and the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race traditionally held in the spring of each year.(Talladega Superspeedway)(5-2-2005)
Seats at the Aaron's 499 at Talladega sold out: Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch announced that the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race is sold out. The track, which has a seating capacity of 143,000, one of the largest capacities on the NASCAR circuit, has sold all available grandstand seats and all infield overnight parking spaces for tomorrow's race.
"Thanks to our loyal fans, Talladega Superspeedway continues to be one of the most popular venues and sought-after tickets in motorsports," Lynch said. "We have the most exciting, competitive races in NASCAR and we are thrilled that tomorrow we will have a capacity crowd." Fans who do not have tickets can still purchase one day infield admission tickets for the Aaron's 499.(Talladega Superspeedway)(5-1-2005)
Heavy Winds at Talladega predicted/Weather warning from EMA: Campers and race fans have a lot more speed to watch out for this weekend than just what’s happening at the Talladega Superspeedway. A warning from the National Weather Service in Birmingham has predicted 20 to 30 mph winds during the day Friday and some gusts up to 60 and 70 mph late that afternoon until midnight. There’s also a slight chance for severe thunderstorms Friday and early Saturday morning. "The Talladega County Emergency Management Agency will sound the three nearest outdoor warning sirens that surround the speedway with the normal test siren tone followed by a public address to advise those camping of the approaching weather should winds begin to gust as high as predicted," according to a press release from the EMA. The speedway has advised campers to secure awnings, trash cans, tents, barbecue grills and other items that could become airborne by tying down such objects or putting them away. "Do not wait until the storm arrives to try and secure items," the press release states. "Please make your preparations to day or this evening for your safety and the safety of all citizens and race fans." Because the predicted winds are so severe, tornadoes and straight-line winds are a threat. Campers, keep your ears tuned in for the sirens and to weather radios in case warning severe weather.(Daily Home via Catchfence)(4-29-2005)
Talladega Introduces Pepsi/Winn-Dixie Kids Zone: Talladega Superspeedway officials recently annunced the latest free perk for this new generation of NASCAR fans - a brand new Pepsi/Winn-Dixie Kids Zone to be open for the first time on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 of the upcoming Aaron's Dream Weekend. The Pepsi/Winn-Dixie Kids Zone will be located in Talladega Superspeedway's new corporate display area close to the North Tunnel of the track. The area is dedicated exclusively to kids and will feature four inflatable rides, entertainment from clowns and face painting. The new area will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the start of the race each day.
Tickets to the 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway April 28 - May 1 are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting us online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday.(Talladega Superspeedway)(4-28-2005)
Bob Riley, Governor of the State of Alabama, has proclaimed April 29, 2005, as Race Fever Day in the State of Alabama.(4-27-2005)
Water boy? Opera Man? Adam Sandler Grand Marshal at Talladega: Adam Sandler, star of the upcoming comedy "The Longest Yard," which will be released nationally on Memorial Day weekend, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the May 1st Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Sandler will participate in pre-race activities at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track and then issue the most famous words in racing, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines." The former Saturday Night Live star has portrayed roles in over a dozen movies, but has made a name for himself starring in blockbuster comedies such as "Happy Gilmore," "The Wedding Singer," "50 First Dates" and "The Waterboy" to name just a few. In his new movie, "The Longest Yard," Sandler will play a pro quarterback doing time in the same prison with a former college football champion and coach portrayed by Burt Reynolds. In this remake of the 1974 original, the pair takes on the task of putting together a football team comprised of inmates to take on the guards at the facility. Co-starring in the film will be Chris Rock, James Cromwell, Nelly and William Fichtner.
Tickets to the 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway April 28 - May 1 are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting us online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday.(Talladega Superspeedway)(4-20-2005)
New 'Talladega On Wheels' Makes Its Way Through Region: Race fans are now able to taste the excitement of Talladega Superspeedway in their own hometowns with the recent introduction of a new promotional vehicle dubbed "Talladega On Wheels." The 43-foot trailer has already been spotted on the highways and at various locations throughout Alabama and Georgia in the past couple of weeks - not surprising because it's hard to miss. The massive promotional unit is splashed with images of the exhilarating racing action at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. When the vehicle stops, out come the loudspeakers, two television screens airing race footage and interactive racing video games, Talladega Superspeedway merchandise, and informational materials on the track and ticket availability. In many cases, Talladega On Wheels also brings along the track's No. 24 Jeff Gordon Pepsi show car and the tire changing machine, enabling fans to get an up-close look at a real race car as well as to test their pit crew ability in changing tires.
Talladega Superspeedway named Ty Gardner of Oxford, AL as its new Group Sales and Promotions Coordinator, with Talladega On Wheels appearances chief among his duties. Gardner is a 2000 graduate of Jacksonville State University, where he earned a degree in marketing. Gardner has worked with the team at Talladega Superspeedway for the past several years, first as an intern with the marketing department, and then as a seasonal employee assisting during race time.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-29-2005)
Talladega Scoring Tower Work starts: Construction began recently on Talladega Superspeedway's new 148-foot scoring tower, set to be completed in time for the 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend April 28 - May 1 at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. The tower is centrally located in the track's infield, providing fans with a state-of-the-art tool to keep up with the high volume of lead changes for which the track is widely known.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-27-2005)
I Wanna Easter Egg: Approximately 1,500 people took advantage of the beautiful weather on Saturday to gather in the northern section of Talladega Superspeedway's infield, enjoying an Easter egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Prior to the hunt, parents and children enjoyed snacks and refreshments provided by Golden Flake and Pepsi, checked out displays of Ford, New Holland and John Deere vehicles and had their faces painted with both seasonal and racing themes. Others played racing video games and watched race footage broadcast on the track's new Talladega On Wheels promotions vehicle and took pictures with the No. 24 Jeff Gordon Pepsi show car. Many tested their skill on the tire changing machine, as well. Parents registered for a free track ride with The Racing Experience, one of several driving schools that periodically visit Talladega Superspeedway. The highlight of the day for many children was a visit from the Easter Bunny. The bunny mingled with the crowd throughout the afternoon, stopping often to take photos with those who brought cameras to capture the excitement of the day. Small gifts were given to every child who participated, as well. The hunt was divided into two age groups, with children ages 1 to 5 and children ages 6 to 10 separated into two different areas. Of the many eggs hidden, all contained candy - yet some contained slips redeemable for prizes ranging from plush Easter bunny toys to race tickets for the Aaron's Dream Weekend set for April 28 - May 1, 2005 at Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-27-2005)
Tickets Available for First Ever UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega: Tickets are available to everyone for the first ever UAW-Ford 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway. Returning fans have had the opportunity to renew and upgrade their seats, and now the opportunity is open to all race fans to claim their spots for race three in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. UAW-Ford 500 Weekend on-track action kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 29 with Alabama Beef Producers Qualifying Day for the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Saturday. On Friday, Sept. 30, the stars of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will zoom around the track during Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day, setting the field for Sunday's UAW-Ford 500. On Saturday, Oct. 1, fans will see the rising stars of the ARCA RE/MAX Series duke it out around the 2.66-mile tri-oval seeking a win of the series season finale, the Food World 300. On Sunday, Oct. 2, racing enthusiasts will be treated to the unparalleled excitement of the fierce competition in the first ever UAW-Ford 500, race three into the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office for more information or to order at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, or visit online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. More information on reserving a spot in Talladega's overnight parks and reserved infield area is also available online or by calling the Ticket Office.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-17-2005)
Additons at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey announced the recent addition of Catie Christian and Jody Weldon to the track's Marketing Department. Christian has been named Hospitality Sales and Operations Coordinator, and Weldon has been named Marketing Coordinator. As Hospitality Sales and Operations Coordinator, Christian will be responsible for the sales and operations of suites, the hospitality village and corporate display area of the track. Weldon will be responsible for individual hospitality sales and operations as well as various organizational tasks within the marketing department. A native of Pinson, Ala., Weldon will graduate from The University of Alabama in May 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in communications and information sciences with a major in advertising and a dual minor in marketing and English. Weldon returns to the marketing department at Talladega Superspeedway after a successful internship at the track in the summer and early fall of 2004.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-17-2005)
Talladega Easter Hunt: This Easter weekend, Talladega Superspeedway will host an Easter Egg Hunt that will have the infield hopping with kids big and small! From 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, NASCAR's Most Competitive Track and the Easter bunny will welcome children into the infield to search for eggs containing a variety of prizes - from candy to an Easter treat that is hard to beat - race tickets to the 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway set for April 28 - May 1. A sweet surprise for parents will be a drawing for a free ride with Racing Experience, one of several driving schools that periodically visit Talladega Superspeedway. Perhaps one of the best parts of the day is that every child who participates in the hunt will get a small prize, so no ambitious egg hunter will leave empty-handed! The search will be separated into two age groups with one egg hunt for children ages 1 to 5, and a separate egg hunt for children ages 6 to 10. In the meantime, there will be plenty to see and do with the John Deere tractors and various Ford vehicles on display, as well as the track's #24 Jeff Gordon Pepsi show car. The new Talladega On Wheels unit will also be on site, with interactive racing video games and the chance to test your pit crew skills on the tire-changing machine. And if the need to re-fuel arises, refreshments will be provided by Golden Flake and Pepsi, the Official Salted Snack and Official Soft Drink of Talladega Superspeedway. And the Easter Bunny himself will be hopping around the whole time, helping kids search for eggs and posing for photos with visitors who have brought cameras to the event. All children between ages 1 through 10 are encouraged to participate in the hunt, and kids of all ages are welcome to witness the fun as it unfolds.(Talladega Superspeedway)(3-15-2005)
New Scoring Tower at Talladega Superspeedway: A giant, state-of-the-art scoring tower will rise soon from the infield at Talladega Superspeedway, just in time to enable fans here for the Aaron's Dream Weekend April 28-May 1 to keep up with the high volume of lead changes for which NASCAR's Most Competitive Track is widely known. The mammoth, 148-foot tower will be centrally located and will display scoring in a format standard to stock car racing, with the length of the tower emphasizing in bright lights the lap number and the numbers of the top 10 cars contending for the lead each lap. At the bottom of the row, the positions of the remainder of the field will progress in sets within two additional spaces. Flood lights will shine brightly atop the tower, showcasing rotating signage emblazoned with select sponsor logos. "We hold the record for having the most lead changes in a race, and we had more than 100 of them combined from our two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races last year," said Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey. "Racing here is so close, tracking the field is especially important. This new scoring tower will allow fans to do that, so it will be a particularly useful improvement at our facility." Talladega Superspeedway holds the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series all-time record for most lead changes in a race (75 in the spring of 1984) and most leaders in a race (26, most recently in the spring of 2001), establishing it as NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. NASCAR.COM fans recently voted Talladega Superspeedway the Track with the Most Exciting Racing Action in 2004, and it's a standard the track will no doubt uphold throughout the exciting 2005 racing season as well. The season kicks off with the 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend, set for April 29 - May 1. The 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend includes Winn-Dixie Qualifying Day Presented by Pepsi for the NASCAR Busch Series on April 28, The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on April 29, the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race on April 30 and the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on May 1. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, children age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets to these events are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting us online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. More information on reserving a spot in Talladega's overnight parks and reserved infield area is also available online or by calling the Ticket Office. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday (Talladega Superspeedway PR)(3-9-2005)
Talladega Superspeedway Unveils New Web Site Design: Although Talladega Superspeedway is steeped in 35 years of rich history and tradition, its presence on the World Wide Web has enabled it to progress within a technological age that seems to evolve as quickly as cars zipping around the legendary track. Now that presence has been remarkably enhanced through a new, cutting-edge web site design launched Tuesday, March 1 at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. The redesigned www.talladegasuperspeedway.com features a new layout, color scheme and dynamic navigation, making it easier to locate important track information. The home page is more streamlined, focused on providing easier access to tickets, maps of the facility's many overnight parking options and other important information for race fans planning to visit during our two major event weekends. In addition, historical information and statistics, expanded color photo galleries and new, downloadable wallpapers will be available for fans to view. The new site also incorporates an improved "search" function, putting fans just one click away from just about everything they could ever want to know about NASCAR's Most Competitive Track.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(3-4-2005)
NASCAR.COM Fans: Talladega Superspeedway Has Most Exciting Racing Action: Talladega Superspeedway already holds the distinction of being NASCAR's Most Competitive Track, and now a legion of NASCAR fans have voted it the "Track With the Most Exciting Racing Action" for 2004. The accolade is a result the 2004 NASCAR.COM Fan's Voice Awards, which consisted of 19 separate categories. Historically, Talladega Superspeedway holds records for both the most lead changes in a race (75 in the spring of 1984) as well as the highest number of leaders in a race (26 on two separate occasions, most recently in the fall of 2001.) Last year, the two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races at Talladega Superspeedway produced over 100 lead changes and 31 different drivers led at least one lap at the world-famous 2.66-mile tri-oval. The track's 35th Anniversary Celebration as well as the fall event's status as race three in the inaugural 10-race Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship format only compounded the electric energy of competition at Talladega Superspeedway in 2004. Talladega Superspeedway has yet another season of out-of-your-seat and on-your-feet racing action planned for race fans with the Aaron's Dream Weekend set for April 28 - May 1 and the UAW-Ford 500 Weekend set for Sept. 29 - Oct. 2. The 2005 Aaron's Dream Weekend features Winn-Dixie Qualifying Day Presented by Pepsi for the NASCAR Busch Series on Thursday, April 28, The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald Qualifying Day for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Friday, April 29, the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, April 30 and the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, May 1. Tickets to these events are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342)(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(2-25-2005)
Talladega gets a race sponsor for fall race:Leaders from the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford Motor Company joined today with Talladega Superspeedway to announce that the fall NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway will be known as the UAW-Ford 500, beginning in 2005. The race entitlement is part of a multi-year agreement between the entities that also establishes Ford as the official car and truck of the historic Alabama racetrack. The natural relationship between Ford Motor Company and the racing industry can be traced back to the automobile's origins, for as soon as men could create cars it seemed they wanted to race them. Before company founder Henry Ford became a household name for designing the affordable Model T in 1908, he had already been winning races for several years prior in other models he'd designed, starting with a 1901 victory on a one-mile oval at the Detroit Driving Club in Grosse Pointe, MI. Ford's history in NASCAR can be traced back to the very first Grand National (now NEXTEL Cup) Series event, when Jim Roper drove his Lincoln to victory in Charlotte on June 19, 1949. Ford also holds a special place in Talladega Superspeedway history as the vehicle in which Bill Elliott set an all-time 212.809 mph NASCAR qualifying speed record
here. The all-time NASCAR race speed record was also set in a Ford at Talladega, when Mark Martin won the 1997 Winston 500 at an average speed of 188.354 mph.
Tickets to the Oct. 2 UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, race three in the 2005 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, go on sale March 7 and may be purchased by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting us online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. More information on reserving a spot
in Talladega's overnight parks and reserved infield area is also available online or by calling the Ticket Office. For our hearing
impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway's Ticket Office 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(2-22-2005)
Kids Free at Talladega Race Weekend, Thurs-Fri-Sat: Talladega Superspeedway will admit children absolutely free of charge for three of the four days of its race weekends. Kids age 11 and younger will be admitted to the grandstands at no cost when accompanied by a ticketed adult Thursday, April 28 through Saturday, April 30. That means that kids 11 and younger can witness - for free - Winn-Dixie Qualifying Day presented by Pepsi on Thursday, which sets the field for the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race, The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald Qualifying Day on Friday, which sets the field for the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday, and the Saturday Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race. Kids age 11 and younger will again be admitted free of charge to the bulk of on-track events when the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series returns in the fall along with the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Tickets to the Aaron's Dream Weekend April 28 - May 1 are available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) or by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(2-15-2005)
Talladega honors Labonte, Martin, Wallace: When three veteran NASCAR drivers announced last year their intentions to bring their full-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series careers to a close, Talladega Superspeedway officials immediately sought a way to honor them appropriately. Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace all have played significant roles in the 35-year-old track's rich history, and now race fans will have the opportunity to purchase collectible qualifying day tickets honoring their impressive careers, Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey announced today. Only 5,500 of the tickets will be printed, with each granting admission to The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald Qualifying Day on Friday, April 29, during which the field will be set for the May 1 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Aaron's 499. These colorful, limited-edition souvenirs feature current and retro photos of each of the drivers, and cost $10 - the same price as a regular walk-up grandstand admission ticket for qualifying day.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(1-25-2005)
TSS Honors Larry Johnson for 35 Years of Service: Before the first sounds of roaring engines filled the air and the first green flag fell at Talladega Superspeedway, Larry Johnson was hard at work at the now legendary track. The entire staff of Talladega Superspeedway gathered Thursday to honor Johnson, who has been employed at the facility for all of its historic 35 years of existence. Johnson, who today works in the Superspeedway's Maintenance Department, officially began working for TSS on Sept. 2, 1969. Prior to that day, he played a part in bringing NASCAR founder William H.G. France's ambitious 2.66-mile dream to reality as an employee with Moss-Thornton, the Alabama construction firm that built the track. Johnson was hired by then-superintendent Red Pugh, who came from Daytona to oversee maintenance at Talladega Superspeedway. Twelve days after he was hired, Johnson witnessed the first NASCAR race at the new facility on Sept. 14, 1969 - the inaugural Talladega 500. At the surprise presentation, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch introduced Johnson by first recalling several signs of the times in 1969, from popular music to the cost of the average automobile 35 years ago. Lynch read a letter sent by International Speedway Corporation President Lesa D. Kennedy in which Kennedy personally thanked Johnson on behalf of ISC management as well as the France family. Lynch then thanked Johnson, asking him and his wife, Alice, to join him and Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey before the assembled employees for the presentation of gifts, a special holiday bonus and a cake commemorating his service. Johnson received a standing ovation. Johnson, who served as superintendent during part of his tenure here, said he never dreamed he'd experience such a long and fulfilling career in one place, adding that it has been the people surrounding him that have made it happen. He said the special presentation was not only an honor but a complete surprise, with his suspicion raised only when he arrived at what he thought was a facility-wide holiday meeting and saw that his wife was there, too. The Johnsons reside in Talladega County and have five children: sons Lonnie Herrington and Larry Dale Johnson, and daughters Renee Perley, Dana Phillips and Vicki Johnson.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-19-2004)
Talladega helps raise funds:Talladega Superspeedway joined forces with local radio station WTDR Thunder 92.7 Wednesday for the annual Bake A Christmas fundraiser, ultimately raising more than $12,000 to provide Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in the station’s immediate listening area. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, officials from the track joined forces with on-air personalities at the station in a special live auction broadcast led by WTDR 92.7 Owner and Producer Jim Jacobs. For the eighth consecutive year, Jacobs and his staff welcomed track officials as special guests throughout the day, chatted with listeners and offered to the highest bidders spectacular racing memorabilia coupled with delicious donated baked goods. Among the standout auction items was a crew shirt donated by Evernham Motorsports signed by the organization’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Kasey Kahne, Bill Elliott and Jeremy Mayfield and three checkered flags from Talladega Superspeedway emblazoned with the autographs of the biggest stars in racing over the years.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-18-2004)
Races looking for sponsors: at least four race tracks are looking for a title sponsor for their Nextel Cup races in 2005:
Chicagoland [Tropicana left, will miss the big orange]
Michigan [DHL lasted one year, will they be involved in NASCAR ?}
California [Pop Secret moved from the Rock for a year, General Mills
Talladega [EA Sports gone]
California is looking for $2 million for the labor day prime time race
(NASCAR Scene Print)(11-26-2004)
Talladega Ticket Holders Get Ultimate Stocking Stuffer: Just in time for the holidays, Talladega Superspeedway offers a gift that will knock race fans' socks off. Hopefully they'll re-hang them from the chimney with care, in place to hold the ultimate stocking stuffers - certificates entitling ticketholders to the May 1 Aaron's 499 to dash through the turns of Talladega in their own four-wheel open sleighs. From Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, fans who purchase a ticket to the first Talladega race of the new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season will receive a special Talladega Superspeedway Track Ride Voucher. The ticket holders may redeem the certificates on one of three dates early next year for the thrill of taking their personal vehicles for a spin around the legendary 2.66-mile tri-oval. The glossy, specially-designed vouchers are the perfect size to be placed in a festive envelope stuffed into a holiday stocking or carefully placed in a very large box - that is, if it is possible to package the excitement of driving the sweeping lines of the famed Talladega Superspeedway. The possibilities are endless when it comes to ways of presenting what every race fan would see as the experience of a lifetime. Those who have experienced it say it is a memory they will cherish forever. Fans may choose between Feb. 27, March 5 or April 16, 2005 to redeem the vouchers. One track ride constituting one vehicle and as many occupants as there are seatbelts in that vehicle, so it's a gift that can be enjoyed by several fans at once.
Tickets to the May 1 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway may be purchased by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT, or by going online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(11-27-2004)
Tornado Hits Talladega: A line of tornadoes Wednesday that destroyed dozens of Alabama homes, killing one woman and injuring at least two other people, left survivors to rummage through the destruction on Thanksgiving Day. Scattered damage also was reported in Dallas, Clay, Etowah and Talladega counties. A huge scoreboard was flattened at the Talladega Superspeedway, and three airplanes were blown over at the adjacent Talladega Municipal Airport. The storms, spawned by an advancing cold front, also caused flooding and power outages from central Alabama north to the Tennessee Valley region of north Alabama. On the coast, a water spout was reported over Mobile Bay.(more at Alabama Live)(11-25-2004)
What used to be a scoreboard at Talladega Superspeedway?
Thanks to Mike Wilson of Birmingham, Alabama for the image.
Talladega Not Planning on Going to 2-day format: Count Talladega Superspeedway among the tracks holding out on NASCAR's new plan to shorten race weekend schedules during the 2005 Nextel Cup season. Several tracks are not buying into the plan, which would move qualifying from Fridays to Saturdays at most tracks. Most of the holdouts are tracks that have sponsored qualifying days or typically draw large crowds for the runs for the pole. "Right now, we have no plans to change anything," Kristi King, director of public relations at Talladega Superspeedway, said. "We're sticking to what we have scheduled. We'll continue to look at it and talk with NASCAR as we go forward." The Friday qualifying days for both Talladega race weekends are sponsored, in the spring by The Birmingham News and in the fall by Discount Food Mart.(Alabama Live)(11-17-2004)
Talladega names Director: Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey announced today that Patrick Barfield has been named Director of Operations at the facility. Barfield has served as Manager of Gate Operations and Guest Services at Talladega Superspeedway since 1999. Among Barfield’s many duties will be managing facility event traffic and overseeing track rentals as well as continuing a variety of tasks directly tied to guest services, from facilitating the operations of the track’s tram system to overseeing the operations of its information booths. Prior to joining Talladega Superspeedway, Barfield worked in International Speedway Corporation’s Public Affairs Department from February 1998 to September 1999, further developing experience gained the year prior serving in various capacities at Daytona International Speedway. An Alabama native, Barfield graduated from Brooks High School in Killen, Ala. in 1991. He is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human environmental sciences. He will officially begin his new role as Director of Operations at Talladega Superspeedway Dec. 1 as the facility continues its preparation for the 2005 racing season. Tickets are available for another year of out-of-your-seat and on-your-feet racing action at Talladega, starting with the Aaron’s Dream Weekend April 28 – May 1. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CDT, or by visiting us online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(11-3-2004)
Inspection Process at Talladega: NASCAR pulled a little switch this week for Talladega inspections when they opened the garage a day earlier than usual. The effort, being heralded as a success by NASCAR, took a lot of the frantic movement out of the speedway inspection process. The idea was to get the cars on the ground, inspected and ready to go early Friday morning; and with the efforts of both NASCAR and the competitors the plan worked fairly well. The added bonus of an extra half-hour of practice time for the teams was the reward for the head start in the exacting and very involved speedway inspection process. NASCAR’s reward was a “friendlier schedule to deal with.” NASCAR opened the garage Thursday, with the promise that each team could make one pass through the inspection gauntlet that speedway cars must endure. The extra time made for a more casual inspection, and left most of the crew chiefs with extra pre-practice time to work on their cars. NASCAR sources said they didn’t find anything out of the ordinary in inspections here, but some teams had to grind edges off their cars to fit templates. There was also a curious set of rear spring buckets that were found on one of the DEI entries [#1], forcing NASCAR inspectors to check the other DEI cars that had already gotten their cleared for competition stickers.(Team Ford Racing)(10-2-2004)
Steps to Avoid an April repeat: Talladega Superspeedway officials have taken quiet steps to quell the possibility of a riot such as occurred at the end of the April race here. Fans, frustrated by a confusing finish under caution (with Jeff Gordon beating local favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr.) erupted, throwing cans and garbage onto the track as the race ended. Track VP Rick Humphrey said two proactive steps had been taken. First, security will be increased, with added police and private security personnel, in uniform, in the grandstands. Second, the track sent out letters to all ticketholders noting that such behavior will not be tolerated and encouraging fans to report offenders.(Speed Channel site)(10-2-2004)
Helen Keller School Trio ‘B-Boys’ To Perform National Anthem: Three young men from the Helen Keller School in Talladega are slated to perform the National Anthem during the EA SPORTS 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Helen Keller School is one component of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), which serves students who are blind or have multiple disabilities. Brian Helton, 12, of Fruithurst, Ala., Ben Meredith, 18, of Dothan, Ala. and Timmareo Woods, 15, of Auburn, Ala., are all students at the school and form the vocal trio known as ‘B-Boys.’ They will perform before both the Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Oct. 2 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series EA SPORTS™ 500 on Oct 3. Helen Keller School teacher Stephanie Gaddis brought the group together for an assembly program at the school. She wanted a singing group for the pageant, and asked Helton and Woods if they were interested performing. They agreed and quickly came up with a name for themselves and added Meredith to become a trio. Teacher’s Aide Mrs. Janet Williams offered her assistance and within no time, B-Boys began stunning audiences with their beautiful vocal harmonies. They have performed for assemblies at the school, as well as for several community groups, according to Lynne Hanner, Director of Institutional Advancement for AIDB. “The B-Boys also performed for more than 1,200 people earlier this year at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, during our Race Fever annual fund raiser.”(TSS PR)(10-2-2004)
Tickets still available for Talladega: The ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 begins at 1 p.m. Saturday., Oct. 2. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series EA SPORTS™ 500 begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. Two-day tickets to Saturday and Sunday’s events start at $60 in the Allison Grandstand. For one $60 ticket, fans can catch all the action of the ARCA RE/MAX Series and the final practices and preparation of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams on Saturday, then enjoy EA SPORTS 500 on Sunday. This week, the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office is open Monday through from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets also are available by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA, or by logging onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(10-2-2004)
Talladega Media Center Re-named for Patterson: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that the Infield Media Center wil be renamed the Ken Patterson Media Center. Patterson, who served as director of Public Relations for Talladega Superspeedway from 2000 until his untimely death, passed away April 2 fr m complications of myelo dysplasia syndrome. “Ken was an integral part of the Talladega Superspeedway family and one of the most respected individuals in this sport,” said Grant Lynch, President of Talladega Superspeedway. “We wanted to honor Ken and renaming the Media Center seemed a natural way to make sure his dedication to the NASCAR community lived on. He will forever be part of Talla dega Superspeedway.” Since his death, several memorials have been established to honor Patterson, who made an impact on so many lives. Talladega Superspeedway’s White Flag Club awarded scholarships to students in Talladega County, St. Clair County and Calhoun County schools. A $500 scholarship was awarded to selected students in each county in Ken’s honor. The Ken Patterson Memorial Golf Tournament was held in late July and all proceeds from the event benefited the Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund, which was set up for Patterson’s children, Zachary, 5, and Brady, 8 months. Contributions may be sent to Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund, Attn: Efie Russell, PO Box 370, Anniston, AL 36202. Contributions may als o be made at any Colonial Bank. In addition, beginning in January, the NMPA will present Ken Patterson Helping Others Award to a deserving public relations representative in motorsports. Voting for the award will be done by the NMPA members and will be given to the representative who has exhibited the qualities of excellence Patterson always strived for. Talladega Superspeedway will donate $1,000 in the name of the winner each year to the Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund. Patterson is survived by his wife Jenny and sons Zachary and Brady.(Talladega Superspeedway)(10-1-2004)
Orange County Choppers Grand Marshal's at Talladega: Members of the Orange County Choppers organization will sign autographs for fans this Saturday, Oct. 2 at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 and Sunday, Oct. 3 prior to the EA SPORTS* 500. The OCC gang will sign on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the track's display area, where they will also have on display several of the gleaming custom-built motorcycles for which they have gained international fame. OCC members expected to appear for the sessions are the Orange County Choppers Owner Paul Teutul, Sr. and Chief Fabricator and Designer Paul Teutul, Jr., Cody, Vinny and Mikey. Custom OCC motorcycles that will be on display are The Talladega Superspeedway Bike, the Fire bike, the Vinny Bike, the Mikey and Vinny Bike, and the Black Widow. The sessions precede the highlight of OCC's involvement in the EA SPORTS 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, which will be during pre-race activities on Sunday when they unveil a chopper that not only commemorates the track's 35th anniversary celebration, but also benefits a wonderful cause - Victory Junction Gang Camp. Talladega Superspeedway commissioned the motorcycle and will auction it on eBay following the race with proceeds going to the camp. Orange County Choppers Owner Paul Teutul, Sr. and Chief Fabricator and Designer Paul Teutul, Jr. will serve as Grand Marshals for Sunday's Oct. 3 EA SPORTS* 500 and will give the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" for the third race in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(10-1-2004)
Raceway Ministries To Offer Worship Sites: Raceway Ministries will offer several activities for race fans during the EA SPORTS 500 weekend Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 at Talladega Superspeedway, including three ministry sites throughout the grounds, live music and pinewood car racing for children. One-hour interdenominational worship services will be held throughout the weekend at three ministry sites and in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Pavilion Four. Ministry Site One is located by the security building in the North Park. Ministry Site Two is located near the first security area in the triangle of the Family Park. Ministry Site Three is located in the infield, near the middle of the back straightaway. All worship services will be held at 9 a.m. Ministry Sites Two and Three will hold Timothy Cup pinewood car races for children one hour after the checkered flag drops on the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 Saturday afternoon. Painting of the pinewood cars will take place at these sites all weekend leading up to the Saturday races. Site One will host music groups offering performances Saturday morning and afternoon. In addition, Raceway Ministries expects to distribute 8,000 bottles of water to race fans, each bottle bearing a “living water” sticker, as well as more than 200,000 tracts as a means of outreach. Raceway Ministries began its fan outreach program at Talladega Superspeedway in 1982 and is now affiliated with National Raceway Ministries, an interdenominational group that serves several major race tracks in the country.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-28-2004)
35th Areo Warrior Reunion: The big 35th Areo Warrior Anniversary Reunion / Daytona Superbird Auto Club 2004 at Talladega is scheduled for September 30th through October 3rd, 2004. The cars will make a parade lap around 9:30am/ct [10:30am/et] on Sunday, Oct 3rd. Some of the drivers attending who have driven or had something to do with one of the Winged Cars include Charlie Glotzbach, Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Buddy Baker, George Wallace [former race engineer with Chrysler Corporation], Charlie Gray [formerly of Ford], Larry Rathgeb [Chrysler], Bill Holbrook [Ford], John Bach [Former Holman-Moody and Wood Brothers crewman], and Steve Lehto who has just written a book on Bobby Isaac. More info at either: superbirdclub.com or aerowarriors.com.(9-28-2004)
Talladega Escapes Major Damage from Ivan: Talladega Superspeedway escaped major damage from Hurricane Ivan’s punishing winds and torrential rainfall that devastated many areas of Alabama Thursday. “Fortunately, the only damage sustained by Talladega Superspeedway was the loss of some signage, and the roof of one of the facility’s greenhouses was destroyed,” Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch said. “Race fans should know everything will be in perfect order here at the end of the month as we welcome them for the EA SPORTS 500 weekend. Our major roads are all clear and traffic will flow as usual. We’re ready to go racing.” Talladega Superspeedway issued a statement over the weekend welcoming people from the southern Alabama and Florida areas to its campgrounds for refuge, but warned the arriving evacuees to go further north Wednesday morning as the track of Hurricane Ivan became more clear and the weather threat became more imminent for the area. Superspeedway staff also took necessary precautions Wednesday to secure the facility prior to the hurricane hitting land on the Gulf Coast early Thursday morning. TSS offices were closed throughout the day Thursday, and reopened mid-morning on Friday. “As reports of the destruction continue to mount, we become more and more aware of how fortunate we are to have escaped with as little damage as we had. Our thoughts are with the many people affected by this terrible storm as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding,” Lynch said.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-18-2004)
Hurricane Ivan and Talladega Update: Earlier this week Talladega Superspeedway was working with FEMA on setting locations for campers and tents to get away from Hurricane Ivan. With the track of Ivan now headed across Talladega County, we are encouraging folks to seek shelter in designated areas.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(9-15-2004)
Hurricane Ivan Evacuees are Welcomed in Talladega County The Talladega County Emergency Management Agency at the request of the Alabama State Emergency Management Agency contacted Talladega Superspeedway to request that the speedway make available certain campgrounds and parking areas for possible hurricane Ivan evacuees. Talladega Superspeedway has graciously agreed and is on standby for anyone needing to use specified camping and / or parking facilities for refuge from hurricane Ivan and its dangers. All Talladega county local municipalities and volunteer responders have been notified of the possible arrival of evacuees. Each agency is on standby to assist if the need should arise. The combined statement of the Talladega County Commissioners is “We are grateful to Talladega Superspeedway for their hospitality and we are willing to assist where or if needed”. A map for travel assistance to the speedway can be requested from The Talladega County EMA at (256) 761-4705, (256) 761-2125 or (256) 223-2367.(Talladega Superspeedway PR) AND Talladega Superspeedway's infield will be abuzz with activity from 1 to 5 p.m. this Sunday [9-12] when fans are welcomed for a free, fun-filled event to thank them for their perennial loyalty to the track as it celebrates it 35th anniversary. Anyone who has purchased or purchases a ticket to the Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500 will have the experience of a lifetime this Sunday, when they may take their personal vehicle for a lap around the famed 2.66-mile tri-oval.(more info at the Talladega Superspeedway site)(9-11-2004)
#20k raised for Ken Patterson Educational Trust Fund: Ken Patterson will always be remembered for his bolstering laugh and making others smile. And yesterday he did just that. Over 160 golfers turned out for the Ken Patterson Memorial Golf Tournament held at Silver Lakes Golf Course. More than $20,000 was raised for the Ken Patterson Educational Trust Fund that was set-up to assist his two children four-year-old son Zachary, and six month old son Brady. Patterson passed away April 2, following a battle with myelo dysplasia syndrome. He served as Director of Public Relations at Talladega Superspeedway from June 19, 2000 until his death. “Ken was not only an employee, he was a friend,” said Talladega Superspeedway Vice-President/General Manager Rick Humphrey. “I will remember him most for his trademark laugh. His laughter lessened worries, calmed situations and brightened all of our days. We miss him tremendously.” The tournament was hosted by Talladega Superspeedway and the White Flag Club. Representatives from the racing community, sponsors, business associates and friends of Patterson’s donated prizes, food, beverages, and trophies for the event. A commemorative poster was signed by each golfer in attendance and presented to Patterson’s wife, Jenny during the awards ceremony. “Our family is overwhelmed by today’s turnout,” Jenny said. “I never knew how many people Ken touched until he passed away. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from everyone.” To make donations to the Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund that has been set up for Zachary and Brady Patterson, contributions may be sent to: Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund, Attn: Effie Russell, PO Box 370, Anniston, AL 36202.(TSS PR)(7-30-2004)
Talladega names new PR Manager: Talladega Superspeedway Vice-President/General Manager Rick Humphrey announced the addition of Lisa Battles to its staff as public relations manager. A native of Decatur, Ala., Battles is a 1998 journalism graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. She returns to Alabama after living the past six years in the Nashville area, where she has been working at award-winning newspapers in Wilson County, Tenn. Battles most recently served as copy editor at The Lebanon Democrat, the daily newspaper in Lebanon, Tenn. Prior to that, she served as editor and news editor at the daily’s sister newspaper, Mt. Juliet News in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Her role at both newspapers included extensive coverage of motorsports, including a weekly column on racing.(TSS PR)(7-21-2004)
2nd Talladega race looking for a sponsor: Talladega Superspeedway officials are searching for a new sponsor for the track's fall race because this October's EA Sports 500 will be the last to carry that name. Electronic Arts, which markets numerous electronic sports games, has notified the track that it will not extend its contract for naming rights beyond October. Rick Humphrey, the track's vice president and general manager, said the search for a title sponsor for the fall race in 2005 is ongoing. EA Sports took over sponsorship of the fall race in 2001 with a three-year contract. Then the company extended the contract a year to include the upcoming race on Oct. 3. EA Sports used the Talladega race to promote new editions of the game, but the company also had to enter licensing agreements with race teams, drivers, tracks and NASCAR. Humphrey said Electronic Arts "concluded sponsorship of a single event was not as necessary as other elements to market their game successfully." Aaron's, a rental company, sponsors Talladega's spring race. Its contract goes through 2005, and discussions have already begun about extending the contract. "We are comfortable with the way those negotiations are going," Humphrey told The Birmingham News.(Macon Telegraph/AP)(7-7-2004)
Pit Passes at Talladega: Back by popular demand, Talladega Superspeedway is once again offering Pre-race Pit Passes for individual sales to the Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500, the third race into the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Fans who have purchased a ticket to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series EA SPORTS 500 in the Tri-Oval Tower, O.V. Hill South Tower extension and Birmingham Tower extension by Sunday, July 4, will have the opportunity to purchase a Pre-race Pit Pass on a first-serve basis on Tuesday, July 6 for $50. Only a limited number of Pre-race Pit Passes will be available. Ticket holders in those sections must call 1-877-Go2-DEGA on July 6 ONLY, to purchase their Pre-race Pit Pass for the EA SPORTS 500 at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track. A Pre-race Pit Pass allows fans to enhance their experience, putting them on the track, at the Start/Finish Line, onto Pit Road and up close and personal with all the activities surrounding the pre-race entertainment. Pre-race Pit Passes are good beginning at 8 o’clock on the morning of the EA SPORTS 500 and will last until one hour prior the start of the race. These times are tentative as track schedule and weather permit. There is no age restriction and no dress code during pre-race festivities. Fans who purchase tickets in the Tri-Oval Tower, O.V. Hill South Tower extension and Birmingham Tower extension by July 4 are allowed to buy one Pre-race Pit Pass for each tower seat purchased. Tower seats in those sections are two-day tickets allowing fans to watch both the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 on Oct. 2 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series EA SPORTS 500 on Oct. 3. The 2004 EA SPORTS 500 Weekend starts with the Alabama Beef Producer’s Qualifying Day for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 on Thursday, Sept. 30. The Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day is Friday, Oct. 1 to set the field for the NEXTEL Cup EA SPORTS 500. Cost of admission to each qualifying day is $10 with children 11-and-under allowed admission for free. The “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup” is on as Talladega Superspeedway celebrates it’s 35th Anniversary with the running of the Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500. Get your tickets today by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA, for our hearing-impaired guests call TDD # 1-866-472-8725 or log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(7-1-2004)
Talladega Tix Available: Now that fans have had the chance to renew their seats or make upgrade requests from last fall’s weekend of racing at Talladega Superspeedway, tickets for the EA SPORTS 500 Weekend are now available simply by calling the track’s ticket office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. The EA SPORTS 500 Weekend is the 35th Anniversary of Talladega Superspeedway and on-track action kicks-off on Thursday, Sept. 30, with the Alabama Beef Producers Qualifying Day for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300. On Friday, Oct. 1, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams return to Talladega Superspeedway to set the field for the EA SPORTS 500 in the Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day. Saturday’s events begin with the two final practice sessions for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The Food World 300 begins on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. The green flag drops on the EA SPORTS 500 at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. Fans can watch both the Food World 300 and the EA SPORTS 500 for one $60 ticket. The Allison Grandstand, located out of Turn 2, is a two-day $60 ticket and offers a bird’s-eye view of Turns 1 and 2 and all the passing that takes place heading down the longest backstretch on the NASCAR circuit. In 2004, Talladega Superspeedway began offering Pre-race Pit Passes for individual sales. Only a limited number of Pre-race Pit Passes will be available. Fans who have purchased a ticket to the EA SPORTS 500 in the Tri-Oval Tower, O.V. Hill South Tower extension and Birmingham Tower extension by Sunday, July 4, will have the opportunity to purchase a Pre-race Pit Pass on a first-serve basis for $50. Ticket holders in those sections must call 1-877-Go2-DEGA beginning on Tuesday, July 6, to purchase their Pre-race Pit Pass for the EA SPORTS 500. A Pre-race Pit Pass allows fans to enhance their experience, putting them on the track, at the Start/Finish Line, onto Pit Road and up close and personal with all the activities surrounding the pre-race entertainment. The chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is on as Talladega Superspeedway celebrates it’s 35th Anniversary with the running of the Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500. Get your tickets today by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA, for our hearing-impaired guests call TDD # 1-866-472-8725 or log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(6-14-2004)
King named Director of PR for Talladega: Kristi R. King has joined Talladega Superspeedway as the Director of Public Relations, track president Grant Lynch announced today. King comes to Talladega after serving as Director of Public Relations for North Carolina Speedway. “Kristi spent some time with us this spring and really fit in well with our team here at Talladega,” Lynch said. “We are excited she has decided to take this opportunity. I think she will quickly become an asset not only to our facility but to our community as well.” A 10-year veteran of the sport, King’s duties at Talladega will include all aspects of public relations including advertising and promotions as well as media relations. She will begin her duties in early June. “I am excited about this new opportunity at Talladega Superspeedway and remaining a part of the International Speedway Corporation family,” said King. “Talladega is known for its competition and tradition and has the greatest fans in world. I am honored to be joining their team and look forward to the EA SPORTS 500 Weekend.” King, an Ellerbe, NC native, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. King and her husband of three years, David, will relocate to Alabama next month.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(5-19-2004)
A New 'NASCAR' Track in Alabama? A group of Alabama investors is exploring opening a new NASCAR speedway in Baldwin County [on the Gulf], an estimated $350 million venture in one of the state's popular tourist areas. The group plans to approach NASCAR officials in June with the proposal. The group has hired a Raleigh, N.C.-based consultant to help with the development process, according to Rick Edwards, one of 10 businessmen from around the state involved in the venture. The group either owns or has an option to buy five sites on the Foley Beach Express, ranging from 500 acres to 1,000 acres. "Nothing is definite with NASCAR," Edwards, a developer based in Point Clear, told the Mobile Register in a story Sunday. "We got a group together and said, `Let's make a run at it.' Alabama's Talladega Superspeedway hosts NASCAR events in the spring and fall. The newspaper's efforts to reach NASCAR President Mike Helton were not successful. The plan is to incorporate a speedway with other entertainment venues that could take advantage of the 500 to 600 acres of parking that would be needed on race days, Edwards said. The sites also include extra land to serve as a buffer for the noise. "We're hoping that what we've got will be a little different than anything done in the past," Edwards said. "Our biggest concern is whether it will affect the Talladega race. We don't feel like it will. It's an entirely different market down here."(Alabama Live)(5-10-2004)
Fall Talladega Race Tix on Sale: Get your tickets today for the Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500 Weekend by calling the track’s ticket office at (877) Go2-DEGA. The EA SPORTS 500 Weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 30, with qualifying for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300. On Friday, Oct. 1, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams return to Talladega Superspeedway to set the field for the EA SPORTS 500 in the Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day. Saturday’s events kick-off with two practice sessions for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The Food World 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series race begins at 1 p.m. The green flag drops on the EA SPORTS 500 at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go-2-DEGA. For the hearing impaired, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (866-472-8725). For more information about Talladega Superspeedway, including seating charts and overnight Park maps, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. The track’s official website includes a 3D Virtual Tour where fans can choose a particular grandstand section and get a view from those seats.(TSS PR)(4-30-2004)
Future changes at Talladega? NO Cooler Ban planned: Talladega Superspeedway officials will examine ways to prevent fans from littering the track as they did Sunday, spokesperson Kristi King said. Fans threw cans, containers and other trash onto the track after series officials put Jeff Gordon ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and did not restart the race after a caution with four laps to go, giving Gordon the victory. King said track officials will begin studying what to do in the next couple of weeks as they prepare for the Oct.3 race there. A ban on coolers, though, seems unlikely.(Roanoke Times)(4-28-2004)
Crowd at Talladega Pretty Well Behaved: Although the negative fan reaction to Jeff Gordon's victory in the Nextel 499 at the Talladega Superspeedway may not have presented the face most people would like to associate with Talladega, as a whole the consensus seemed to be that the weekend went well. "It was really a great weekend. We had four good days, and the weather cooperated, although I am disappointed in how the fans behaved at the end of Sunday's race," speedway general manager Rick Humphrey said. Humphrey added that he had not seen any solid numbers, but said the Associated Press was estimating Sunday's crowd at 155,000. Talladega County Chief Deputy Jimmy Kilgore said the Sheriff's Department made "about 80 arrests" total during the weekend. "For the most part, the fans were very well behaved. Although they didn't seem to like Gordon winning very much." No one was charged with throwing anything on to the track Sunday, but various arrests were made for disorderly conduct, minor domestic arguments, public intoxication, public lewdness and driving under the influence. "We also arrested a couple of people for carrying pistols without a permit," Kilgore said. Lincoln Police Chief Dennis Surrett said it was a “typical race weekend” for his officers. “We had five DUI arrests, and others for various charges, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamines,” he said. “There were no arrests for public intoxication or disorderly conduct. For the most part, the crowd was well behaved. Most of the incidents were contained at the race track,” he said. The Alabama State Trooper Post in Jacksonville, which covers all of Talladega County, reported no accidents with injury in its jurisdiction Sunday.(Daily Home)(4-27-2004)
Award to Honor Ken Patterson: Talladega Superspeedway and National Motorsports Press Association Announce Ken Patterson Helping Others Award. A colleague. A newspaper editor. A husband and father. A man’s man. A friend. Everyone knew him simply as Ken, and he was regarded as one of the best in the business. Ken Patterson, director of Public Relations for Talladega Superspeedway, died April 2 from complications of myelo dysplasia syndrome. Since his untimely death, several memorials have been established to honor Patterson, who made an impact on so many lives, and today Talladega Superspeedway president Grant Lynch announced another as a joint effort with the National Motorsports Press Association. Beginning in January, the NMPA will present Ken Patterson Helping Others Award to a deserving public relations representative in motorsports. Voting for the award will be done by the NMPA members and will be given to the representative who has exhibited the qualities of excellence Patterson always strived for. Talladega Superspeedway will donate $1,000 in the name of the winner each year to the Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund. “Ken was a respected, exceptional person who was taken from us far too soon,” Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch said. “He will be deeply missed and we want to make sure his memory and his work within NASCAR and the community lives on. “This is just a start as we look for ways to permanently honor and remember Ken Patterson.” The Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund has been set up for Patterson’s children, Zachary, 4, and Brady, 3 months. Contributions may be sent to Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund, Attn: Effie Russell, PO Box 370, Anniston, AL 36202. Contributions may also be made at any Colonial Bank.
This year, Talladega Superspeedway’s White Flag Club will award a $500 scholarship to students in Talladega County, St. Clair County and Calhoun County schools in Ken’s honor. Additionally, some 500 purple and yellow ribbons will be worn throughout the weekend by speedway staff and members of the motorsports industry. The purple and gold ribbons signify Ken’s alma mater, Louisiana State University where he played baseball. A large arrangement of purple and gold flowers as well as a framed Anniston Star tribute will be on display in the media center throughout race weekend.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(4-24-2004)
Tix still available for Talladega Races: Tickets for the Aaron's 499 Cup race and Aaron's 312 Busch Series race can be purchased by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or by visiting online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For the hearing impaired, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (866-472-8725). You may also purchase tickets in person at Talladega Superspeedway’s Ticket Office located at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.(4-23-2004)
Alabama Gang Member To Serve as Grand Marshal at 'Dega: NASCAR legend and one of the original members of the famed “Alabama Gang” Bobby Allison will serve as grand marshal for Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. The Hueytown, Ala., driver and 1983 NASCAR Cup champion had 84 NASCAR victories – four of them at Talladega Superspeedway – will say the most famous words in motorsports when he commands drivers to start their engines prior to the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.(TSS PR)(4-23-2004)
Talladega Honorary Starter: An Aaron’s employee will serve as honorary starter for Sunday’s race and wave the green flag. The yet-to-be-named honorary starter is a winner of a nationwide contest conducted with employees of Aaron’s during its “PT Rodeo” – a contest among Aaron’s product technicians. Product technicians are the last point of contact with customers, and the best of the best.(TSS PR)(4-23-2004)
Talladega National Anthem: Mercury recording artist and 1999 ACM Top New Male Vocalist Mark Wills will sing the national anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499. Wills gained national attention in 1996 when his self-titled debut album produced “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Places I’ve Never Been.” He followed up with ‘90s radio staples like “Wish You Were Here,” “She’s In Love” and “I Do (Cherish You),” and “Don’t Laugh At Me.” Wills’ latest album, “And the Crowd Goes Wild,” is in stores now.(TSS PR)(4-23-2004)
Talladega Busch Race, Grand Marshal, National Anthem: On Saturday, Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn will serve as grand marshal for the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Busch Series race. An Aaron’s employee will serve as honorary starter for the race and wave the green flag. Holli Marie Mosley of Mobile, Ala., will sing the national anthem prior to the Busch Series event on Saturday. The 17-year-old junior at McGill-Toolen High School in Mobile is missing her school prom to attend Saturday’s race.(TSS PR)(4-23-2004)
Intimidator’s 2000 Win Tops Website Poll As Fan Favorite: No one thought he could do it. The driver aptly nicknamed “The Intimidator” was way back in 18th place with only five laps to go. A perennial fan favorite at Talladega Superspeedway since his first victory there in 1983, no one thought Dale Earnhardt could pull it off to win the 2000 Winston 500. Amazingly, he did. Earnhardt said of the win then: “To think anybody could come from as far back in the field as we were and win this race is beyond me. You saw it. I couldn't believe it." Earnhardt had 10 wins at Talladega Superspeedway – the most of any driver. Some say he could see the draft. Others thought his driving style was perfectly suited to the track’s high-baked, wide corners. One thing’s for sure – Earnhardt’s win that day was voted by visitors to the track’s Web site as the No. 1 Motorsports Moment at Talladega Superspeedway. For the past four weeks, fans have voted for the “Five Best Races at Talladega Superspeedway” on the track’s official website. These five races will be depicted on a limited-edition collectible pole day ticket for the Discount Food Mart Qualifying Day on Friday, October 1. This ticket will allow the bearer to access qualifying day at the track and can be purchased for $10. Christened in 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway, “NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track” was built for $4 million at the intersection of a soybean field and World War II-era runways. For 35 years, Talladega Superspeedway has thrilled
