TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS
Info
Talladega Superspeedway
PO Box 777
Talladega, AL 35161
Ticket Office Phone: (256) 362-RACE (7223)
Public Relations
Department Phone: (256) 362-2261
Department Fax: (256) 761-4717
Ticket Office Phone: (256) 362-2261
Track Specs:
Superspeedway: 2.66-mile trioval 48 feet wide (12-foot apron)
Turns: Banking: 33 degrees Length: 3,750 feet Radius: 1,100 feet
Trioval: Banking: 18 degrees
Frontstretch: Chute length: 2,150 feet (from turn to middle of trioval);
Total length: 4,300 feet Banking: Minimal for drainage only
Backstretch: Length: 4,000 feet Banking: Minimal for drainage only(Talladega Website)
Seats: 145,000
Website:
Talladega SuperSpeedway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide: Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame
International Motorsports Hall of Fame(Talladega)
Jayski's Restrictor Plate Page
Old Track Name: Alabama International Motor Speedway
- Slowest Cup race ever at Talladega: A track record 11 caution periods over 55 laps caused the average speed to be 129.396mph, the slowest in a NASCAR Winston/Nextel Cup race at Talladega. The record (130.892) was set in 1975 in a race won by Buddy Baker.(St Petersburg Times)(4-27-2004)
- Four Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Cup race at: There are four current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that #20-Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
California 0 for 14 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 10 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Talladega 0 for 18 with a best finish of 2nd [6 times] in 2001,2002,2005,2006
Darlington 0 for 15 with a best finish of 4th in 2001 & 2002
Stewart has won at 18 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(3-2-2008)
- Stewart's 2nd's at Talladega tie a record: #20-Tony Stewart's six second-place finishes without a victory matches the record for current tracks. Bobby Allison never won at Martinsville but finished runner-up six times, and Mark Martin has the same distinction at Pocono.(Gaston Gazette)(10-8-2006)
- All 77: Three drivers had competed in all 77 restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega:
#01-Mark Martin (2 Talladega, 0 Daytona wins)
#21-Ken Schrader (1, 0)
#55-Michael Waltrip (1, 3)
until Talladega in April 2007, when Waltrip & Schrader failed to qualify and Martin didn't run the race.
Plus all three ran the one-off restrictor plate race at New Hampshire, but that was not a drafting/aero track.(4-29-2007)
- Aaron's 499 ticket sales off 8 to 10%: The sale of tickets for Sunday's Aaron's 499 are off about 8% to 10% from last year, Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey said Friday. That's pretty much in line with what other NASCAR tracks are seeing this season as record gas prices are forcing some fans to stay home.(Alabama Live)
Children age 11 and younger will be admitted free of charge with a ticketed adult in the general admission grandstands area for all of Saturday’s activities, including The Birmingham News Qualifying for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race and the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Tickets are still available to the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, which includes The Birmingham News Qualifying on Friday, the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday. Tickets may be ordered by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA or going to talladegasuperspeedway.com.(4-26-2008)
- Taylor Hicks To Perform National Anthem at Talladega: Taylor Hicks, who won the fifth-season of the American Idol competition, will sing the National Anthem prior to the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, April 27 at Talladega Superspeedway. The 31-year-old Hicks, born in nearby Birmingham Ala. and raised in Hoover, captured more than 63 million votes to win the fifth season of American Idol, which has a tradition of producing today's greatest singing stars. After winning the fifth season of American Idol in 2005, Hicks' first single "Do I Make You Proud" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard's Hot 100, the Single Sales chart and the Pop 100 with more than 190,000 copies sold in its first week of release. His self-titled major-label debut album arrived in late 2006 and "Live at the Workplay Theatre," a concert album recorded in summer 2006, was released in 2007. Tickets are still available for the Aaron's Dream Weekend by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-18-2008)
- Toby Lightman To Perform Prior To Aaron's 499: NASCAR fans at Talladega Superspeedway are in for a treat when they recognize the familiar voice of Toby Lightman as she performs prior to the Aaron's 499. Lightman sings the new musical opening on all NASCAR on FOX network television broadcasts, "NASCAR Love (Let's Go Racing)". Tickets are still available for the Aaron's Dream Weekend by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS)(4-14-2008)
- Talladega helping guests by Expanding Free Overnight Parks: In an effort to help ease the cost of race fans wanting to attend the Aaron's Dream Weekend next month, Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that the track is expanding its free overnight parks. The Aaron's Dream weekend is scheduled for April 25-27. Staying in an overnight park can be as simple as setting up a tent, or as elaborate as getting a group together and sharing an RV. All free overnight parks open at 8 a.m. the Tuesday of race week (April 22) and must be cleared by 11 a.m. Monday following the race. Guests wanting to stay in the parks will be required to show their race tickets prior to entry and a valid ticket must be shown each time for admission. For more information on the free overnight parks or tickets for the upcoming Aaron's Dream Weekend, guests should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342)(TSS PR)(3-30-2008)
- Talladega announces All-You-Can-Eat Package: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that they are offering an all-you-can-eat package for the Allison
Grandstand. The $80 package includes a reserved seat in the Allison Grandstand for the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race with all-you-can-eat vouchers for both days! The all-you-can-eat voucher is valid from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Each trip to the concession stand allows a voucher holder to receive a maximum of 2 sandwiches (2 hotdogs or 2 hamburgers or 1 of each), 2 bags of chips and 2 soft drinks. Guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat-package also have the opportunity to add a Pre-race Pit Pass to their order for only $15! The Pre-race Pit Pass allows access onto the track from 8 a.m. until one
hour before the start of the Aaron's 499 on Sunday only. A tram will shuttle guests from the front of the Allison Grandstand to pit road. Pit road access is subject to change pending NASCAR rules and subject to weather and time permitting. To find more information on the all-you-can-eat package at Talladega Superspeedway, fans are encouraged to visit the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(3-9-2008)
- Get A "Suite" Seat at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that race fans will have the opportunity to watch a full weekend of racing from the comfort of a luxury suite with the "Individual Suite Package." The Individual Suite Package includes:
* Pass into the suite Friday, Saturday and Sunday
* 1 Suite/Hospitality parking pass per two Suite passes
* Pre-Race pit passes (Saturday and Sunday only; schedule & weather permitting) allowing guests access to pit road until 1 hour prior to track activity
* Sunday souvenir programs
* Saturday Event Souvenir
* Friday Event Souvenir
Inside the luxury suite, guests will find:
* Closed-circuit televisions
* Telephone service
* Security guard
* Private restroom
* Catering for continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and beverages (soda, water and beer)
* Cash bar available
Each Luxury Suite Package is $800 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(TSS PR)(3-2-2008)
- Talladega Opens New Infield Overnight Park: In response to strong demand from race fans wanting more opportunities to stay overnight in Talladega Superspeedway's
infield, track officials announced today the opening of the Orange Infield RV Park. The Orange Infield RV Park is a reserved overnight park with space for 180 RVs. The all-reserved infield typically sells out well in advance of the race, so guests are encouraged to reserve their spaces early. The park is located on the west side of Talladega Boulevard, between the Yellow and Red Zones. The Orange Infield RV Park package is $330 and includes 2 infield admissions and a reserved RV site. The sites are dry, so guests staying in the park should plan on providing their own power and water. For more information on staying overnight in any of Talladega Superspeedway's overnight parks, guests should call the Talladega
Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(2-26-2008)
- Chamber of Commerce Names Talladega Superspeedway Large Business of the Year: The Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce named Talladega Superspeedway Large Business of the Year during its annual celebration luncheon. Track Public Relations Director Kristi King was also named Outstanding Chamber Member at the event. 2007 season was a record for Talladega Superspeedway in terms of donations and charitable contributions. Race weekend work, provided during the track's two major event weekends by volunteers from various service groups throughout the region, produced more than $500,000 to be shared by the respective organizations. Talladega Superspeedway also hosted Race Fever Night to benefit the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation. The largest source of unrestricted funds for the AIDB Foundation, the event raised over $200,000. To close out the year, the track again partnered with WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM to raise over $15,000 to provide Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the track's surrounding region.(Talladega PR)(1-18-2008)
- Tickets On Sale Now For International Motorsports Hall Of Fame Ceremony: Tickets are on sale now for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and officials are encouraging individuals and businesses alike to reserve their tickets early. This year’s black-tie ceremony set for Thursday, April 24th, consists of a reception, banquet and awards ceremony. This year, the induction class features: Land Speed Record breaker Art Arfons, NASCAR Champion Robert “Red” Byron, drag racing guru Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, car fabricator Frank Kurtis, NASCAR car owner and driver Everett “Cotton” Owens and Winston promoter Ralph Seagraves. Additionally, 2007 Driver of the Year and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will be honored for his accomplishments. Individual tickets for the evening are $125 and a table of eight may be reserved for $1,000. Tickets and tables are available by calling 1-256-362-5002.(TSS PR)(1-17-2008)
- AMP Energy to Sponsor fall Talladega race: Leaders from Pepsi-Cola North America joined with Talladega Superspeedway to announce that beginning in 2008, the fall Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway will be known as the AMP Energy 500. Mountain Dew AMP Energy drink is blasting onto the NASCAR scene in 2008 with several high profile sponsorships. In addition to the race at Talladega Superspeedway, Pepsi-Cola North America announced last year that Mountain Dew AMP Energy will be a lead sponsor of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s #88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series. Mountain Dew is no stranger to the NASCAR scene, having found a winning formula as lead sponsor of Darrell Waltrip's championship-winning Cup entries in 1981 and 1982 and most recently, having sponsored the 2007 Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.(TSS PR)(1-5-2008)
- Talladega Keeps Its Crown As The King of Speed and Competition: Below is a list of the top-five race speeds recorded at the tracks and the driver that recorded that speed during competition. Only the fastest driver counts for each race during point races.
Fastest Driver of Race for 2007 Sprint Cup:
1. 4/29 Talladega, #31-Jeff Burton, 195.704 mph
2. 10/7 Talladega, #26-Jamie McMurray, 192.904 mph
3. 2/18 Daytona, #38-David Gilliland, 185.229 mph
4. 7/7 Daytona, #2-Kurt Busch, 183.214 mph
5. 2/25 California, #1-Martin Truex Jr, 178.277 mph
Top 5 Races in Green Flag Passes for 2007 Sprint Cup
1. 4/29 Talladega - 16,808
2. 10/7 Talladega - 7,979
3. 2/18 Daytona - 7,786
4. 7/7 Daytona - 5,220
5. 9/2 California - 3,753
Talladega Superspeedway Tickets are available by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(TSS PR)(1-5-2008)
- Bake A Christmas 2007 Raises More Than $15,000 For Area Children: Talladega Superspeedway officials joined the staff of local radio station WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM Friday, Dec. 14 to raise more than $15,000 during Bake A Christmas 2007, an annual fundraiser that generates money used to provide Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the track's surrounding region. This year's Bake A Christmas marks the eleventh 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 by over $2,000.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-26-2007)
- Tickets Still Available For Talladega races: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that tickets are still available for the Oct. 5-7 UAW-Ford 500 Event Weekend, including $60 two-day tickets that feature admission to the Mountain Dew 250 Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday and the UAW-Ford 500 Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday. The entire weekend feature's 1,000 miles of racing at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track and has quickly grown into one of the most exciting weekends on the NASCAR circuit. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(TSS PR)(9-28-2007)
- Tickets For 2008 April race at Talladega on Sale Sept. 1: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that tickets for the 2008 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, set for April 25 - 27, will go on sale Saturday, Sept. 1. Aaron's Dream Weekend on-track action kicks off on Friday, April 25 with Sprint Cup Series practice and The Birmingham News Qualifying for the Busch Series. General admission grandstand seats for Friday's activities are only $15, with kids age 11 and younger admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult. On Saturday, April 26, Sprint Cup Series drivers will vie for the top starting position in Sunday's Aaron's 499 during The Birmingham News Qualifying, followed by the always-exciting Aaron's 312 Busch Series race. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge on Saturday also, when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Then on Sunday, April 27, prepare to be dazzled by the most spectacularly competitive racing on the circuit in the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race. For only $60, fans can experience the excitement of both the Aaron's 312 on Saturday and the Aaron's 499 on Sunday from the Allison Grandstand located on the east side of the track just outside of turn two. Talladega Superspeedway offers a variety of other 2-day packages, as well as single-day event tickets for Saturday and Sunday. Call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office for more information or to order at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-28-2007)
- Talladega Ticket Holders to Get Sneak Peek at COT Test: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that ticket holders for the UAW Ford-500 will be able to view the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow test session on Monday, September 10 from the grandstands. The UAW Ford-500 marks the first superspeedway race for the Car of Tomorrow. Those attending the test session should enter the speedway from the main entrance on Speedway Blvd. From there, traffic will be directed to a parking area. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guests will need to show their tickets at the gate for entrance into the grandstands. Ticket holders who have purchased tickets yet have not received their tickets and wish to attend the test session should stop by the ticket office on the day of the event to receive an admission voucher. Fans who have not yet purchased tickets can still see the test session by purchasing tickets on the day of testing. To order tickets by phone, guests can call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(TSS PR)(8-13-2007)
- Talladega Names New PR Manager: Talladega Superspeedway has hired Andrew Smith as Public Relations Manager. Smith, a native of Enterprise, AL and 2005 graduate of UAB, returns to Alabama having previously served as Corporate Sales Executive at
Richmond International Raceway in Virginia. This also marks Smith's return to Talladega, where he interned in the Public Relations
department through much of 2005. Smith's responsibilities at Talladega will include overseeing the media center and press box during event weekends, creating and distributing press materials and assisting the director of public relations as a liaison between drivers and track activities. Smith will report to Director of Public Relations Kristi R. King.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(7-14-2007)
- ISC promotes Talladega Execs: Rick Humphrey has been named President of Talladega Superspeedway and Grant Lynch has been appointed Senior Vice President of Business Operations for International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Humphrey, who has served as Vice President & General Manager of the 2.66-mile superspeedway since 2002, will assume his duties immediately. Lynch has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Operations for ISC, the parent company of Talladega Superspeedway. Lynch most recently served and President of Talladega Superspeedway and Vice President of ISC, where has held both positions since 1993. Lynch's new corporate duties will include overseeing numerous ISC subsidiaries, including the company's 13 wholly-owned and/or operated racetracks and Americrown Service Corporation. Humphrey will report directly to Lynch.(TSS PR)(7-3-2007)
- Blood Donors to See COT test at Talladega: Laps For Life: A Blood & Marrow Drive For Alabama will present its second annual blood and marrow drive on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Talladega Superspeedway and officials will have even more to offer donors as a "thank you" for giving the gift of life. This year, the drive will be held in tandem with the last official test date of the season allowed for the Nextel Cup Series and teams will be fine-tuning their Car of Tomorrow for the UAW-Ford 500 - the first Car of Tomorrow race on a superspeedway. Lps For Life: A Blood & Marrow Drive For Alabama will be held from 10am to 7pm, and will begin at the Speed Channel Dome in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame adjacent to the track's administration building. Each participant and one guest will receive a special credential for the day that allows access to five different Pit Stops that once completed will compose a "Lap For Life" around Talladega Superspeedway. Afterward, participants will venture outside to board the tour bus and be transported on a track tour and into the grandstands for Pit Stop 4, "Type Testing" where they'll watch from the grandstands as the final Nextel Cup Series test session of the season. From there, participants will return to the Hall of Fame for Pit Stop 5, "The Donor Diner," where they will enjoy treats provided by Talladega Superspeedway sponsors. More info at talladegasuperspeedway.com.(6-26-2007)
- Once In A Lifetime Chance to Drive Talladega: Race fans wanting to experience one of the biggest thrills a race fan could ever dream of have only a couple of weeks left to take advantage of a special once in a lifetime chance to drive Talladega Superspeedway. In addition to witnessing the closest on-track competition in NASCAR, as an added incentive for fans, speedway officials are offering a special promotion in which any person who purchases a ticket for the October 7 UAW-Ford 500 Nextel Cup Series race by May 28, will receive a voucher to experience a racer's view of Talladega Superspeedway. Any individual, who renewed their fall tickets or has already purchased a ticket for the October 7 race, will also receive a voucher in the mail. A track ride voucher will allow each qualified account holder to drive his or her own vehicle around the freshly-paved, 2.66-mile tri-oval. Fans who take advantage of this offer will have a choice of three dates to redeem their track ride voucher; June 30, July 28 or Aug. 25. Each voucher is good for a two-lap ride in one vehicle and as many passengers as there are seatbelts. Tickets for the 2007 UAW-Ford 500 weekend on Oct. 5-7 may be purchased by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA. 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. Children age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge with a ticketed adult on Friday and Saturday of race weekend.(TSS PR)(5-20-2007
- Talladega Track Bans 14 Fans for Life UPDATE: Fourteen auto racing fans who were identified as throwing objects onto the Talladega Superspeedway track after Sunday's Aaron's 499 will never again be allowed to purchase a ticket at the track, speedway officials said Monday. The fans were arrested Sunday and charged with disorderly conduct, according to Talladega County Sheriff Jerry Studdard. All posted bond at jail facilities located at the speedway and were released, Studdard said. Disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Numerous fans peppered the track with beer cans following Jeff Gordon's win Sunday. That win allowed Gordon to surpass the late Dale Earnhardt in career wins on what would have been Earnhardt's 56th birthday. Talladega Speedway officials had warned all week that fans caught throwing objects over the fence that separates the grandstands from the track would be arrested. Track President Grant Lynch also made that announcement over the public address system before the race, and warnings were posted on track guides issued to fans before the race. Additional security was placed in the stands. Lynch said he knows that more fans than 14 threw objects, but pinpointing the culprits was more difficult than he imagined. He was in the stands at the race's conclusion but was unable to identify a single person throwing an object onto the track.(AlabamaLive.com)(5-2-2007)
UPDATE: If Talladega Superspeedway president Grant Lynch has his way, the 14 fans he banned from ever again having the opportunity to purchase a race ticket at his speedway won't ever have the opportunity to buy a NASCAR race ticket again. To any race.
At any track. "I'm going to be notifying all my fellow track presidents across NASCAR of the people we've banned to see if they'll also [participate in the ban]," Lynch said. "They'll make their own decisions, but I expect great participation from the [International Speedway Corp.] tracks." Lynch said he will make personal calls to Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz, as well as Lowe's Motor Speedway president Humpy Wheeler, since races at their tracks are coming up on the schedule. Lynch also said he is looking into additional steps to ban those 14 individuals from Talladega track property completely. "Certainly you can refuse to sell tickets to basically anyone you want to," Lynch said. "The law I'm checking into [is] can we notify them they're no longer allowed on track property, and what legal means can we take if they choose to be." Lynch said a team of attorneys is exploring that option now.(ESPN.com)(5-2-2007)
- No injuries, some arrrests at Talledega: Talladega Superspeedway officials said no injuries were reported from the postrace beer-can barrage. Less than 10 people were detained, but hundreds of cans littered the track. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter and Talladega Superspeedway president Grant Lynch released statements three hours after the Aaron's 499, which Jeff Gordon won to earn his 77th career victory and pass Dale Earnhardt on the all-time list. "We warned our fans about throwing debris on the racetrack and the consequences of such actions," Lynch said in the statement. "Additional security was brought in for the grandstands. We had a plan in place. I was in the grandstands at the conclusion of the race, and as promised, we enforced our policies and took appropriate action on individuals we were able to accurately identify. We aren't going to let less than one percent of out fans spoil a record-setting weekend," Lynch added in the statement. Hunter's statement echoed Lynch's comments. "It's very unfortunate a few unruly fans can ruin things for a lot of people," Hunter said in the statement. "The track put a lot of effort into preventing this type of behavior. Our fans are passionate, but this type of behavior doesn't represent the majority of our fans."(ESPN.com)(4-30-2007)
- Talladega Traffic Schedule & Heightened ADA Parking Enforcement: Talladega Superspeedway will welcome fans again soon for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend April 27 - 29, 2007 and track officials ask fans to make note of the facility’s traffic schedule in advance. In addition, fans should also be aware that law enforcement is heightening its regulation of ADA parking compliance, and violations will not be tolerated. The following schedule summarizes important elements of the track’s schedule and traffic plan:
Thursday, April 26:
Grandstands and Day Parking Lots will be closed to the public. The infield will open at 6 a.m.
Friday, April 27:
Traffic on Speedway Blvd. will flow in normal direction all day.
Grandstands open at 11:30 a.m.
Day Parking Lots behind the frontstretch grandstands open at 7 a.m.
After the Busch Series Qualifying, traffic will be routed out of the track’s main entrance & Old Jackson Trace Road.
Saturday, April 28:
Day Parking Lots open at 5 a.m.
Hrandstands open at 8 a.m.
NOTE: On Saturday, the following Day Parking Lot will not be open: Lot 11W
Starting at 8 a.m., all traffic on Speedway Blvd. approaching the track from the West will be one-way, with regular traffic patterns used for traffic approaching from the East.
After the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Busch Series race, Speedway Blvd. traffic will be one-way west bound, with eastbound traffic routed two-way. Any traffic approaching the superspeedway at this time will have to do so from the East.
Sunday, April 29:
Day Parking Lots open at 5 a.m.
Grandstands open at 9 a.m.
Starting at 7 a.m., all eastbound and westbound traffic on Speedway Blvd. is routed in toward the main entrance, one-way.
After the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race, all eastbound and westbound traffic on Speedway Blvd. will be routed out one-way.
ADA PARKING INFORMATION
Talladega Superspeedway provides ADA Parking for guests with disabilities who have the appropriate, valid state-issued plates or placards. The accessible lots are HC1 and HC2, located on the south end of the track near turn one, behind the O.V. Hill South Tower near Gate EP4; HC3 and HC4 located at the north end of the track near turn 4, behind the Gadsden Tower and O.V. Hill North Tower near Gates EP1 and EP3; and for guests in the Allison Grandstand, HC5 located on the east side of the track near Gate EP8.
Talladega Superspeedway provides these lots in order to make attending a race an enjoyable experience for all people and asks that all guests be respectful of state laws governing the use of ADA parking spaces and permits. Law enforcement officers will be watching for vehicles that are not permitted in these lots, including those without the appropriate state-issued plates or placards as well as those who unlawfully use such permits.(TSS PR)(4-25-2007)
- Joe Nichols To Sing National Anthem Prior To Aaron's 499: Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch announced today that country music artist Joe Nichols will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Aaron's 499 Nextel Cup
Series race on Sunday, April 29. Nichols' current single "I'll Wait For You" is Top 10 on the country charts and is the third hit single from his gold-selling album III. Talladega Superspeedway welcomes fans back for another year of the most competitive racing on the NASCAR circuit! Get your tickets now for Aaron's Dream Weekend, set for April 27 - 29, 2007. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (462-3342) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, or by logging onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(4-23-2007)
- Army National Guard to recognize Recently Deployed Soldiers at Talladega: The Army National Guard will recognize recently deployed Soldiers at Talladega Superspeedway during the Aaron's 312 Busch Series race on April 28th and the Aaron's 499 Nextel Cup Series race on April 29th. The two chosen groups of 25 Soldiers each will include many Guardsmen who have recently deployed in defense of the War on Terror. The Guard is extending these hospitality days to its members in conjunction with its ongoing partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and the #25 racecar driver, Casey Mears. Soldiers recognized at the Aaron's 499 Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday will be comprised of Alabama Army National Guardsmen chosen from a variety of Guard units around the state. Many of these Soldiers have recently served their country in Iraq, while others have served in their own communities during recent natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina. The Soldiers will be provided with entry passes to the race and access to a special hospitality trailer on the infield. For the Saturday Aaron's 312 Busch Series race, the Guard will honor the Mississippi Army National Guard 155th Armor Brigade with a similar infield hospitality package and with a one-time-only paint scheme that prominently features that brigade's emblem.(TSS PR)(4-23-2007)
- Jeff Foxworthy to serve as Talladega grand marshal: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that Jeff Foxworthy, host of the hit show, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader," will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race.(Talladega Speedway PR)(4-11-2007)
- Talladega RV Overnight Parking Spots Sold Out; Limited Auto/Tent Overnight Spots and FREE Areas Remain: All RV overnight parking spots have been sold, and only a limited amount of spots for automobiles/tents remain for the upcoming Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway April 27-29. The track's hundreds of acres of reserved overnight parks outside the track are completely filled, and the only reserved spots remaining in the 212-acre infield are within the Yellow Zone which is specifically designated for those planning to park overnight with automobiles and tents. All reserved overnight parks outside the speedway will not open until
Tuesday morning of race week, a new policy for 2007. This will include the FREE overnight parks that have typically opened the weekend prior to the race. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(4-4-2007)
- Talladega Superspeedway Officials To Oversee Intl Motorsports Hall of Fame/Museum: Talladega Superspeedway will oversee day-to-day operations of the nearby International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch announced recently. "Talladega Superspeedway has historically maintained a close relationship with the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and we obviously are familiar with the actual facility considering our offices formerly were housed there. These are just two reasons why our management will be the best possible steward of this prestigious Hall of Fame. We are very excited about the many opportunities that will result from this enhanced relationship," Lynch said. Lynch said the management transition is effective Feb. 1, 2007. A manager will be hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Hall of Fame and Museum and will report to Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey, whose present duties will expand to include serving as the Hall of Fame's executive director. Opened in April 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of motorsports history. Since then induction into the Hall has become one of the highest honors in motorsports. Plans are in the works for a spectacular 2007 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony set for Thursday, April 26 on-site at the Speed Channel Dome. This year's inductees are Junie Donlavey, Ray Hendrick, Jack Ingram, Warren Johnson,
Wayne Rainey and Bruton Smith. Also to be honored during the evening is 2006 Driver of the Year and reigning Nextel Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, as well as eight-time ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion Frank Kimmel. The black-tie event consisting of a reception, banquet and awards ceremony is always a must-attend occasion, and therefore tables are limited. Call (256) 362-5002 to reserve tickets and/or tables. To order tickets, call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(2-12-2007)
- Friday is Deadline to Renew Seats for Oct races at 'Dega: Talladega Superspeedway officials remind race fans who purchased tickets for last year's UAW-Ford 500 weekend that Friday, February 9 is the deadline to reserve the same seats for
this fall. The 2007 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend features Nextel Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series and the
ARCA RE/MAX Series 250. Guests planning to return for the 2007 UAW-Ford 500 event weekend have been sent renewal information by mail, however any fall account holder wishing to renew seats may call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA (877-462-3342) by the end of day Friday, Feb. 9 to ensure the seats are reserved. Then from February 26 through March 4, any seats that are not renewed will be open for account holders who renewed their tickets to upgrade their seats.(TSS PR)(2-8-2007)
- Talladega first racetrack In US to earn StormReady Supporter Designation: Talladega Superspeedway is the first racetrack in the United States to earn the National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady Supporter designation, which recognizes the facility
for its severe weather safety plan and for promoting severe weather safety awareness through the principles of the NWS StormReady
program. Local NWS forecast offices encourage entire communities to participate in the StormReady program, which consists of community leaders learning to better prepare for severe weather through planning, education and awareness, followed by an application and review process. Talladega Superspeedway's designation as a StormReady Supporter is an extension of that larger community effort. Based on the bylaws of the local NWS StormReady Advisory Board and an endorsement from local emergency management, Talladega Superspeedway was deemed eligible for the designation, then received final approval of its application from the local StormReady Advisory Board. In addition to the track's existing hazardous weather plan, all full-time employees participated in training sessions to learn more about storm formation, lightning safety, flash flood precautions and general severe weather preparedness. For more information on the StormReady and StormReady Supporter programs, visit the NWS StormReady website at www.stormready.noaa.gov.(TSS PR)(1-18-2007)
- Talladega Adds Alcohol-Free RV Parking Area: Talladega Superspeedway announced that it has answered the call of race fans seeking increased family-oriented amenities by introducing Champion's Corner, an enclosed RVs-only overnight parking area outside the track's first turn featuring a strict no-alcohol policy for all park residents and guests. In addition, the new Champion's Corner Overnight Park features:
- Water hook-ups and gravel surfaces for each of its 156 spaces
- Morning newspaper delivery to each guest's doorstep
- Special entertainment
- Children's activities and worship service Sunday morning provided by Alabama Raceway Ministries
The new Champion's Corner Overnight Park is the latest announcement from Talladega Superspeedway regarding projects expanding and improving its hundreds of acres of overnight parks. Track officials announced last month the expansion of several of its existing parks, including the addition of spaces for purchase in its Reserved Family Parks B, C and D, and additional capacity created within select free parks. Reserved spaces in the new Champion's Corner are limited and may be purchased for $280 by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(1-5-2007)
- Talladega expands and improves overnight parking areas: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that it is making room for even more race fans in its thousands of acres of overnight parking areas, including some areas that are free of charge for ticket holders. The areas that have expanded include Family Parks B, C and D, which are located outside of the track on the southern end, near turn two. Spaces in these parks require reservations, and are available for purchase at $80 per space. Talladega Superspeedway management has also increased capacity of its North Park, which is located across Speedway Boulevard outside the track's northern end, closest to turn three. Spaces are free to guests with race tickets in North Park, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Another area developed for expansion is a new, free South Park, located outside the track to the south of the existing Free Family Park. It will be opened as needed for race attendees. Another change to overnight parking at Talladega Superspeedway is that the parks formerly known as Reserved Family Parks I & II located outside of turn one have been renamed Winner's Walk I & II Reserved Family Parks. Starting this spring, all of Talladega Superspeedway's overnight parks outside the track will open on Tuesday of race week at 8:00am. Talladega Superspeedway will host its first races of the 2007 NASCAR season during the Aaron's Dream Weekend, set for April 27-29. Gift certificates and tickets are available by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA (462-3342) or going to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(12-14-2006)
- Talladega Superspeedway Gift Certificates: So how do you fit the experience of attending an event at NASCAR's
biggest and most competitive track into a neatly-wrapped package? With Talladega Superspeedway gift certificates available in a variety of denominations. The certificates may be redeemed for race tickets, infield admission passes, fan hospitality packages and overnight park reservations for any Talladega Superspeedway events currently available for sale. There is no expiration date, so the recipients may redeem the certificates at their own convenience. For more information go to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)
- 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)
- 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)
