Talladega Superspeedway announced that the back straightaway will forever be known as ‘The Alabama Gang Superstretch’, paying tribute to the original members – racing legends Bobby and Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer, all of whom have played a significant role in the track’s history and are today huge supporters of the 2.66-mile venue. For this weekend’s Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega, The Alabama Gang Superstretch name will be displayed in huge, block lettering midway down the outside retaining wall of the backstretch, which measures over 4,000 feet. The monumental, new addition to the track will ‘stretch’ more than 200 feet.
The trio will serve in ‘official’ capacities during what will be a busy and exciting Saturday at the track. The Allisons will serve as the Grand Marshal’s for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 200 ARCA race, while Farmer will be the Honorary Starter from atop the flag stand.
‘This place is special,’ said Bobby of the speedway. ‘We (The Alabama Gang) have always felt like we were a part of it.’
‘When you won Talladega, there was something extra special about it,’ added Donnie. ‘It was a huge deal to us, our family and friends.’
‘We made each other the best we could be since we raced against each other in the early years,’ quipped Farmer of he and the Allisons. ‘We liked racing against each other, and Talladega was the ultimate place to race.’
The Alabama Gang is also represented atop The Alabama Gang Superstretch. From the exit of turn two to the entrance of turn three, fans now have additional RV options from which to view all races at Talladega Superspeedway. They include Allison Motorhome Ridge, Farmer Motorhome Overlook and Bonnett Corporate Motorhome Summit.
The Alabama Gang continues to live on today with a new generation of racers. The torch of the Allison legacy is passed from Donnie and Bobby to their grandsons Justin and Robbie. Justin Allison, with the help from his grandfather Donnie, has recently emerged on the racing scene in the ARCA Racing Series. Robbie Allison, grandson of Bobby and son of Davey, now lives in Mooresville, NC and is competing in Legends and Late Model cars, as well as Pro Champion Karts. Both Justin and Robbie have high aspirations. Interestingly enough, since Talladega Superspeedway opened in 1969, there have been more than 50 drivers from the state of Alabama to compete at the most competitive facility in the world, and all can say they are a part of ‘The Alabama Gang.’
The track was also had former crew chief Larry McReynolds, a Birmingham native, who helped Davey Allison to several wins, on hand at Wednesday’s event. Bonnett’s widow Susan Bonnett Northcutt and Liz Allison Hackett and Krista Allison, widow and daughter of Davey Allison, respectively, joined in on Wednesday’s ceremonies, as well. For a variety of ticket packages for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, log onto talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)
