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
- Sprint Cup Series Record 28 Different Leaders At Talladega: There were 28 different leaders in Sunday’s AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, an all-time Sprint Cup Series record. The previous record of 26 was snapped on Lap 142 when Joe Nemechek crossed the start/finish line in first. Michael Waltrip later extended the record to 28, leading lap 165. The old record of 26 different leaders was originally set July 27, 1986, at Talladega. It was tied on April 22, 2001, again at Talladega. Sunday’s race also placed in the top five in terms of lead changes. There were 64 total lead changes, which is tied for fifth-most in NASCAR history.(NASCAR)(10-6-2008)
- 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)
- New emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009) Comment here
- Fans injured in Edwards wreck UPDATE 2: Seven spectators suffered injuries at the end of the Aaron's 499 Sunday when the #99 Ford of Carl Edwards went airborne and slammed into the catchfence on the frontstretch. "None of the injuries are dangerous or life-threatening," said Dr. Bobby Lewis, medical director at Talladega Superspeedway. "It's mostly bumps and bruises with possible minor fractures." Two women were airlifted to an area hospital, but Lewis said that was for traffic concerns and not because of the severity of their injuries. "One has a lacerated lip and possible broken jaw," Lewis said. "The other person was not injured, but has unrelated medical problems." When the car hit the catchfence, pieces exploded off the car as catch fencing bent back severely, but did not break. "I'm not sure if it was pieces of car or pieces of debris from the fence that hurt the spectators," Lewis said.(ESPN)(4-26-2009)
UPDATE on fan: A woman who was injured during a wreck at Talladega Superspeedway is listed in fair condition at UAB Hospital. Another woman who was taken to Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of a medical condition after the wreck was discharged Sunday night. Her name was not released. A spokesman for UAB Hospital said the fan still being treated, Blake Bobbitt, was in fair condition Monday afternoon. Seven fans sustained minor injuries caused by flying debris Sunday when Carl Edwards' car went into the safety fence on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. The other injured fans received treatment at the track and did not have to go to a hospital.(ESPN/AP)(4-27-2009)
UPDATE 2: A teenager from the Shoals area was among the spectators injured in a crash at the Talladega Super Speedway.
Blake Bobbitt, 17, of Rogersville, was one of seven NASCAR fans injured when Carl Edwards' car went into the safety fence on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega on Sunday. WHNT News 19 spoke exclusively with Bobbitt's father, whose grateful that his daughter is still alive. Terry Bobbitt owns the Minnow Bucket convenience store in Rogersville. He works long hours and does not get many days off. He saw Sunday as the perfect opportunity to take a break, have a good time and escort his teenage daughter to Talladega. "It was her first trip," says Bobbitt. Bobbitt and his daughter, Blake, landed seats on the second row. It was an exciting race. However, as it neared the end, the fun came to a crashing halt. "Basically, it was headed to us," says Bobbitt. Carl Edwards' race car flipped into another car and slammed into the metal safety fence - only a few feet from stunned and scared spectators. Metal debris flew everywhere. Terry and Blake took cover, but it wasn't quick enough. "When it actually happened, I turned and I pointed to her to make sure she saw the car that was coming in the air," says Bobbitt. "All in that same motion, I grabbed her and it took her down. I didn't know she'd been hit at all until we got up." A piece of metal broke Blake's jaw. Emergency responders rushed her to UAB Hospital. Doctors performed reconstructive surgery and had to insert two plates into her jaw. As a result, her mouth will be wired shut for the next six weeks. Blake Bobbitt attends Lauderdale County High School. Her 18th birthday and graduation are both within the next month. Her parents say it's bad timing, but still a big blessing. Terry says it's a miracle that Blake wasn't hurt worse. "She's alive. I'm alive," says Bobbitt. "That's the main thing. We had a guardian angel over us, no doubt." Terry Bobbitt and his wife both say that the community has been extremely supportive. Beyond that, Carl Edwards even called the hospital to check on Blake after the surgery. Terry says they're expecting doctors to release Blake from the hospital on Wednesday.(whnt.com)(4-29-2009)
- Talladega Catch-fence to be evaulated: Talladega Superspeedway officials will evaluate to see if the catch-fence system involved on the spectacular last-lap crash in Sunday's Sprint Cup race needs to be heightened, track president Rick Humphrey said Monday. #99-Carl Edwards' car went airborne into the fence after a nudge by winner Brad Keselowski coming off Turn 4, leaving seven people with non-life threatening injuries. Two women were airlifted to area hospitals. One was released on Sunday night and another remained hospitalized on Monday in "fair condition" with a possible fractured jaw. Humphrey said the poles and cables, while bent, did not appear to come unattached. That left him to speculate that those injured were struck by pieces from Edwards' car. Humphrey said the track will evaluate whether the height of the catch fence needs to be adjusted to prevent debris from reaching the stands. The Talladega fence was approximately 14 feet from the ground to the top. The distance from the track to the top of the fence at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte is 21 feet. LMS went from a catch-fence system that was 15 feet tall with three feet of hangover to 21 feet with six feet of hangover after parts of an IRL car went into stands during a 1999 race. Three were killed and eight injured in that incident. "We certainly will look at that and see if any of that needs to change and if it would have made any difference [Sunday] ... what would have happened had the fence been higher," Humphrey said.
Humphrey said the fence is in the process of being reconstructed in time for a weekend driving school. He said no decisions will be made on whether the system needs to be adjusted until officials have looked at it from all perspectives. "The system in place did its job," Humphrey said. "It is designed to put the race car back on the track and it certainly did. But we'll certainly continue to look at videos and all that we have to see if there is anything else that needs to be done." That includes looking to see if fans need to be moved further from the racing surface. "We'll look at everything to see what we can do to prevent this," Humphrey said. "Let me just say how fortunate we feel and how blessed we are that nobody was really hurt seriously." Humphrey understands there are concerns about safety concerns in general at Talladega. He has read comments from drivers and media members, some suggesting the track should be blown up and rebuilt from scratch. "Racing is a dangerous sport in general," he said. "Certainly, Talladega has created some very exciting racing and exciting finishes and along the way there have been some incidents that people have been rather outspoken about. "We've had several caution-free races here, too. The racing here is unique. I don't think anything drastic needs to happen," he said. Humphrey said NASCAR officials, who plan to address the finish later in the day, appeared satisfied that the system in place worked. "We'll continue to have discussions to see what, if anything, needs to be done," Humphrey said. "The answer is not to blow the place up and start over."(ESPN)(4-27-2009) Comment here
- Aaron’s Extends Title Sponsorship at Talladega Superspeedway: Talladega Superspeedway announced that Aaron’s Rents, Inc. has extended its contract for title sponsorship on both the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The nation’s leader in rental sales and lease ownership activated a clause in its contract that allows the company to extend its role as title sponsor for multiple years. “Aaron’s has been a great partner to Talladega Superspeedway since 2002,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “We are excited that they have decided to extend their contract with us and we look forward to welcoming our fans to the Aaron’s 312 and Aaron’s 499 for years to come.”
“Aaron’s has realized great value partnering with Talladega Superspeedway and producing one of the premier event weekends on the NASCAR schedule, The Aaron’s Dream Weekend.” Stated Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron’s, Inc. “Taking advantage of the option to extend our partnership allows Aaron’s to continue to have a high-profile marketing platform through 2013. Rick Humphrey and his staff have been very accommodating and we appreciate all of their efforts that help make the Aaron’s Dream Weekend such a great experience for all of our guests and those that attend this tremendous facility. We look forward to continuing to build on what we have developed here since 2002.”(TSS PR)(4-26-2009)
- Overnight Parks Will Be Rocking All Weekend at Talladega: LoCash Cowboys will be cranking the tunes for infield guests on Saturday night of race weekend, but they won’t be the only band appearing at Talladega Superspeedway. Six bands will perform free concerts for guests in four overnight parks surrounding track property Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26.
Overnight Parks and Band Performing:
Infield – LoCash Cowboys (Saturday, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
West B - Who So Ever (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
West C – Cross Country (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Reserved South Park – The River (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Free South Park – Renaissance (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Free South Park – Thunder (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
North Park – Trackside the Band (Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.(TSS PR)(4-20-2009)
- Talladega Superspeedway Donates 1,000 Tickets to Town of Samson In Wake of Tragedy: In front of the Samson City Hall Monday, Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey presented Mayor Clay King with 1,000 tickets to the April 26 Aaron's 499 in hopes of providing some relief and excitement to the devastated Geneva County town. Samson was the site of a horrific mass shooting on March 10 that left 11 people dead and an entire community grieving. King will first distribute tickets to the victims' families and public-safety personnel that responded to the shootings. Additional tickets will be held at City Hall for any residents that would like to attend the Aaron's 499.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(4-15-2009)
- "The Big One" coming to Talladega: Race fans won't have to wait for the action on the track to heat up at Talladega Superspeedway to experience "The Big One"; they'll be able to order it anytime they want. A one-third pound hotdog served with a special Speedway Sauce, the Big One is part of a revamped menu designed to give race fans more concession options at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. Other new menu items include: Bama BBQ, Prime Rib Sandwiches, Nachos Grande and a half-pound Angus burger.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(4-15-2009)
- LoCash Cowboys to Headline Free Infield Concert at Talladega: The roar of the engines from the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25 will be followed that evening by the roar of a free concert in the track’s infield, brought to you by the Bama Jam Music and Arts Festival, a Ronnie Gilley Entertainment Production. The country/rock duo LoCash Cowboys will headline the free event, which will be open to both Saturday and Sunday infield guests, including all infield campers. Sunday infield admission tickets will be sold in advance, for the first time ever, beginning Saturday, April 4. Those fans will be allowed access to the infield Saturday night in order to attend the concert. The opening act for LoCash Cowboys will be the winner of the BamaJam Battle of the Bands, to be held April 17-18 in Enterprise, Ala. Nearly three dozen bands are scheduled to compete in the two-day event at the Bama Slam Saloon. For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. You can purchase tickets online at www.bamajammusicfestival.com or by calling 1-877-4BAMAJAM (422-6252).(TSS PR)(4-11-2009)
- Miss America to performing National Anthem at Talladega: Miss America 2009, Katie Stam, will perform the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, in addition to appearing in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club and Pepsi Pit Tour Experience Zone hospitality areas on Sunday, April 26. Stam will also make a special appearance at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony earlier in the week, on Thursday, April 23. Talladega will be Stam’s first time attending a NASCAR race and the Indiana native is excited about visiting NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track. Stam attends the University of Indianapolis and is pursuing a degree in Communications. Her career ambition is to become a television news reporter and anchor. Stam is also the National Goodwill Amabassador for Children’s Miracle Network and is the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke. For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(4-7-2009)
- Workers Raise Pedestrian Bridge Over Talladega Superspeedway Main Entrance: Workers finished setting a pedestrian bridge over the Talladega Superspeedway main entrance last week. The 270-foot bridge used to span between the former Lincoln High and Elementary schools. The bridge was moved from its former location in nearby Lincoln, to its new home in front of the track in only two days. “The new pedestrian bridge is going to be a big help during the upcoming Aaron’s Dream Weekend,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “This should improve both the vehicle traffic flow coming in and out of the North Tunnel and the pedestrian traffic to and from the grandstands.” For tickets to the races, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(4-6-2009)
- Easter Egg Hunt at Talladega Superspeedway, April 11th: The Easter Bunny is returning to NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track on Saturday, April 11 for the track’s Fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the infield. Open to children age 1-10, this free event is fun-filled for the whole family. Clowns from the Aromaz Dynasty Daughters of the Nile, will be painting faces and tying balloon animals, while the Easter Bunny will judge the Easter Basket competition and pose for pictures with the children. When it’s time to hunt for eggs, kids will find that 15,000 plastic eggs stuffed with candy and prizes have been hidden throughout the infield.
A detailed list of events follows:
* 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 the Easter Basket Contest will be held as soon 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 10:45 a.m., kids age 4 through 6 will participate in a hunt, followed by kids age 7 through 10 at 11:00 a.m.
* Visit With The Easter Bunny – The Easter Bunny will be available to pose for pictures with eager egg hunters during the event.
* Face Painting – Clowns from The Aromaz Dynasty Daughters of the Nile , #163, will be ready to create miniature masterpieces on the cheeks of all who visit as well as demonstrating how to tie balloon animals.
* Refreshments – Two of Talladega Superspeedway’s official sponsors, Pepsi and Golden Flake, will provide refreshments and snacks. Barber’s Dairy will also have a “Chug Truck” on hand passing out cold Barber’s milk.
* Displays and Games –Talladega Superspeedway Pace Cars, the Talladega On Wheels promotions vehicle, displays from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Dodge trucks and cars and various other special vehicles utilized by the track will be on display for all to enjoy.
For race tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(4-2-2009)
- ‘Dega Bound? Talladega Superspeedway Fan Guide Available Online: Talladega Superspeedway has posted an electronic version of its 2009 Fan Guide on the track website for race fans attending the April 24-26 Aaron’s Dream Weekend. The Fan Guide is located at talladegasuperspeedway.com. Included in the Fan Guide are traffic maps, overnight parking maps, gate schedules, grandstand guidelines, fan policies and much more. Race fans that have specific questions concerning their trip to Talladega Superspeedway or need to purchase additional tickets are encouraged to call the ticket office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(3-31-2009)
- Talladega Reduces Single-Day Sunday Infield Admission Prices by 40%: Race fans that want to experience the infield at Talladega Superspeedway will be able to do so at a 40% discount over previous years. The regularly priced $70 Sunday infield admissions have been reduced to $40 for the Aaron’s 499 on April 26th. Infield admissions go on sale at 6 p.m. Saturday of race weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office and the Gate V9 ticket booth. Children 11 and under are admitted free of charge to the infield with a paid adult. In addition to reduced prices on infield admissions and grandstand seating, Talladega Superspeedway continues to offer free day parking on track property and free overnight parks. The track recently announced reduced prices at the concession stand as well.
For more information, please call the Talladega Superpeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(3-28-2009)
- Talladega Offering ‘Dega Dollars With Purchase of Sprint Cup Ticket: Talladega Superspeedway just found a way to feed fans’ wallets while helping fans feed their families…’Dega Dollars. For every $45 ‘Dega Dollar combo package purchased, race fans will receive a reserved seat in the Lincoln or Gadsden grandstands for the Aaron’s 499 plus 10 ‘Dega Dollars. This combo offers savings of approximately 45% from previous years’ prices, when a similar package could cost up to $85. ‘Dega Dollars spend like cash at all Americrown concession stands at Talladega Superspeedway and come at a great time for race fans. Just recently, Talladega Superspeedway announced the addition of Americrown combo meals that save fans up to 25%. Talladega Superspeedway continues to offer free day parking on track property and free overnight parks, so attending a race weekend is now more affordable than ever in recent history. To order ‘Dega Dollar packages, race fans should call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(3-13-2009)
- Talladega Rolls Out Monthly Payment Plan for Tickets: Talladega Superspeedway announced it is rolling out a monthly payment plan for customers, when tickets to the AMP Energy 500 go on sale to the general public this Saturday. The payment plan can be used for race tickets, including specially priced $40 AMP Energy 500 tickets, hospitality packages and overnight parking spaces. Track officials expect the monthly payment plan to help ease the financial burden on race fans faced with difficult economic times. The monthly payment plan allows race fans to make automatic payments for their ticket purchases with a debit or credit card, until August 1, 2009. The earlier race fans make their purchases, the more time they have to spread their payments out at lower monthly installments. After the first initial payment, each monthly installment will be automatically charged to the customer’s debit or credit card on the first of the month until August 1. To begin a payment plan, guests should call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. The payment plan and reduced tickets prices aren’t the only new features for the AMP Energy 500. The green flag for the “wild card” in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup waves on Nov.1, three weeks later than previous years. With the new date, the AMP Energy 500 is sure to shake up the championship standings as host to Race Number Seven in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Tickets to the AMP Energy 500 and the upcoming Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 24 -26, are available at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(3-7-2009)
- Tallladega Revamps Concessions To Save Fans Money: First, Talladega Superspeedway offered fans the “Best Deal in 40 Years” by reducing more than 20,000 tickets to only $40. Now the track has partnered with Americrown Service Corporation to further reduce the cost of attending a race for fans, by dramatically reducing concession prices. Beginning in April, combo meals featuring a hamburger, fries and a drink will be packaged at nearly a 25% savings over the cost of the meal if each item were purchased separately. Another combo package featuring a hotdog instead of a hamburger, again offers a 25% savings. In addition to $40 tickets and reduced pricing at concession stands, Talladega Superspeedway continues to offer free day parking on track property and free overnight parks.
Race fans should make plans now to experience part of Talladega’s history in 2009 during the triple-header, Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 24-26, featuring the ARCA RE/MAX Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.(TSS PR)(3-6-2009)
- Overnight Parks Filling at Talladega: Talladega Superspeedway is urging customers that intend to bring an RV to Talladega Superspeedway to act quickly and reserve their overnight parking spaces today. Several RV overnight parks have already sold-out and the remaining lots are filling fast. All reserved overnight parks outside the track open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday of race week (April 21st) and must be cleared by 11 a.m. Monday following the race. Guests will be required to show their race tickets and parking pass prior to entry and a valid ticket must be shown each time for admission. Reserved overnight parks with availability include:
* West Park B – Located between Jackson Trace Rd and New Jackson Trace Rd., this overnight park is a short walk to the Souvenir/Display Area and the frontstretch grandstands. Price per spot $75.
* Family Park – Located just outside Turns 1 and 2, this overnight park is closest to the free shower houses and the Allison Grandstands on the backstretch. Frontstretch ticket holders can ride the free tram to the frontstretch grandstands. Price per spot $85.
* East Park – Located just off Speedway Blvd, this overnight park is for self-contained RVs and pull behinds only. Price per spot $110.
* Champions Corner – Located just outside Turn 1, this overnight has a strict no-alcohol policy for park residents and guests. Each space features water hookups, gravel parking pads and morning newspaper delivery to your doorstep. Price per spot $280.
* Legends Lane – Located just outside Turn 1, this park is for self-contained RVs and pull behinds only. It features gravel parking pads and water for each site and is close to the free shower houses. Price per spot $260.
Overnight park reservations can be made by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(2-4-2009)
- Race Weekend Volunteers Raise More Than $580,000 For Service Groups: Service groups throughout the region raised more than $580,000 as result of their members’ volunteer efforts during Talladega Superspeedway’s two major race weekends in 2008.
Race weekend service group volunteers perform a variety of tasks during race weekends, including stubbing tickets, staffing concession and souvenir stands, catering, parking cars, assisting in security efforts, providing guest information and other duties. Many volunteers return to the track year after year because they enjoy the work and meeting race fans. Such is the case for John Damoth with Auburn University at Montgomery School of Nursing. Organizations interested in providing workers for Talladega Superspeedway’s race weekends are encouraged to contact Patrick Barfield, Director of Administration at (256) 761-4709 as soon as possible to arrange volunteer hours for the 2009 Aaron’s Dream Weekend April 24-26, and the 2009 AMP Energy 500 event weekend Oct. 30 – Nov. 1.(TSS PR)(1-28-2009)
- Get The VIP Treatment At Talladega In The Trackside Fan Suite: Talladega Superspeedway has a special offer for the race fan that demands the ultimate in comfort and luxury…. the Trackside Fan Suite hospitality package. “Enjoying the race from the comfort of a suite is a very different experience from what many fans are accustomed to,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “This is one of the most V.I.P. experiences you can have at Talladega Superspeedway. And now that the Aaron’s Dream Weekend is a triple-header race weekend, the value is even greater for our fans.”
The Trackside Fan Suite Package includes:
· Pass into the Trackside Fan 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 race program
Inside the luxury suite, guests will find:
· Closed-circuit televisions
· Private restrooms
· Catering for continental breakfast, buffet lunch and beverages (water, soda, wine and beer)
· Cash bar available
Each Individual Suite Package is $800 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(TSS PR)(1-23-2009)
- Talladega Superspeedway Honored: Talladega Superspeedway received the Community Service Award from the Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce today during the Chamber’s annual banquet and awards ceremony. The Community Service Award recognizes businesses for their contributions to the community and betterment of the Talladega area. This is the second year in a row the superspeedway has been honored during the banquet. In 2008, Talladega Superspeedway was presented with the Large Business of the Year award. For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(1-16-2009)
- Talladega Reduces Sprint Cup Series Tickets To $40: Talladega Superspeedway just gave its fans another reason to help celebrate its 40th Anniversary, by reducing more than 20,000 Sprint Cup Series tickets to only $40 each. Beginning January 8, tickets in the Gadsden and Lincoln grandstands will be available at this phenomenal low price for both the April 26 Aaron’s 499 and the Nov.1 AMP Energy 500 Sprint Cup Series races. “We recognize the difficult economic conditions our fans are facing, so to help we are thrilled to offer our fans a $40 ticket to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “In 40 years of racing, no other racetrack has matched Talladega Superspeedway for sheer speed or thrilling competition.” The Gadsden and Lincoln Grandstand tickets normally retail for $70 and $75 respectively, creating a savings of more than 40% for race fans. In addition to a new lower ticket price, fans attending the April 24 - 26 Aaron’s Dream Weekend and the Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 AMP Energy 500 Weekend will find that some of the best things at Talladega are still FREE. With more than 15,000 free campsites in three overnight parks, free day parking on track property and a free Kid’s Zone in the display area, Talladega Superspeedway is making life easy for race fans during tough economic times. For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.(TSS PR)(1-9-2009)
- Talladega promotes George Dennis to Senior Director of Sales and Marketing: Talladega Superspeedway announced the promotion of George Dennis to Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. Dennis previously served as the Director of Sales and Marketing at the track since his hiring on April 1, 2002. Dennis came to Talladega Superspeedway after previous experience as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Birmingham Barons baseball team and Special Events Coordinator for The Birmingham News. He is a 1996 graduate from Samford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. For information on tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(12-8-2008)
- Talladega Superspeedway Announces $99 All-You-Can-Eat Deal: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that the popular All-You-Can-Eat package for the Allison Grandstands returns in 2009 for the April 24-26 Aaron’s Dream Weekend. The $99 package includes a reserved seat in the Allison Grandstand for the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and a Pre-race Pit Pass for Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 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. Fans wanting to take advantage of this great deal should act soon as quantities are limited. For information on tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(11-10-2008)
- Below yellow line at Daytona/Talladega OK on last lap? NO UPDATE 3: This was posted back in Feb 2007 about the Truck Series race at Daytona. The 'rule' was metnioned at the end of ABC's broadcast, but NASCAR ruled otherwise.
Drivers throughout the Craftsman Truck Series garage were still talking about last week's [Feb 2007] three-wide finish at Daytona International Speedway. While they admitted the finish was good for television, most wondered why NASCAR allowed Johnny Benson to drive below the yellow line - Daytona's out of bounds line - to jump from third to second in the final 200 yards. Benson wasn't penalized because "if you can see the checkered flag on the last lap, anything goes," according to NASCAR spokesman Owen Kearns.(Augusta Chronicle)(2-24-2007/10-5-2008), no word on the exact ruling, problem with the ruling? take it up with NASCAR, contact info on my Racing FAQ/Contact NASCAR page.
from NASCAR: Post-Race Comments from NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 5, "You cannot improve your position anytime you go below the yellow line. In our judgment, he (Regan Smith) improved his position and the penalty for that is a pass thru, so he was moved back to the tail end of the longest line or 18th position. At the driver's meeting, we clearly state that you cannot improve your position by going below the yellow line. We do not feel he was forced below the yellow line. Anytime you get into a situation like this, there are going to be two different opinions. We respect Regan's view, but we made the call, we think it's the right call and the finish is final. NASCAR has to maintain some kind of control – and that's the reason we say, you cannot advance your position by going below the yellow line. If he had not improved his position, he probably would have been awarded 2nd place."(NASCAR)(10-5-2008)
UPDATE: Smith and even Johnson, the two-time defending champion, said after the race they thought that the rules were not as tight coming to the finish line. A NASCAR spokesman stated publicly after a controversial truck race finish at Daytona in February 2007 that such was the case. Hunter, speaking for NASCAR on Sunday, said that was not true. "From what the officials tell me, it was pretty black and white,'' Hunter said of the decision. "You can't advance your position. It doesn't matter how you get there. It's a no-no.''(Roanoke Times)
UPDATE 2: Talladega Drivers Meeting: THIS IS YOUR WARNING DRIVERS: Race Director -David Hoots told the drivers and crew chief’s today “This is your warning. If you race below the yellow line and in the judgement of NASCAR you advance your position, you will be black flagged. If, in NASAR’s judgement you force someone below the yellow line in an effort to stop him from passing you , you may be black flagged” Hoots added: “Aggressive driving zones..first off don’t place yourself in position of opening up in our judgement of what’s aggressive. It’s considered all the way around the race track with much emphasis and observation placed on the turns and in the tri-oval. If you think that you are getting ready to go over being aggressive back off and let’s get to the end of the race."
Hoots also warned the group about speeding. “I would remind you all we had numerous speeding penalties yesterday at the entrance and exits and yellow line to yellow line,” he said. NO Questions: When asked by Hoots if there were any questions - the room of drivers and crew chiefs was silent.(Dialed in/Claire B. Lang)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR Rule Clarification Regarding Passing At Daytona International Speedway And Talladega Superspeedway: At yesterday's Drivers Meeting, NASCAR reiterated the rule about passing under the yellow line and provided the same information to all drivers and crew chiefs in a hand out, as we've done in past Daytona and Talladega races. The verbatim language is: "This is your warning: race above the yellow line. If, in NASCAR'S judgment, you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged. If in NASCAR's judgment you force someone below the yellow line (in an effort to stop him from passing you), you may be black-flagged."
"During the last lap of yesterday's race at Talladega Superspeedway the driver of the #01 violated NASCAR policy by driving under the yellow line to improve his position," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "In NASCAR's opinion he was not forced below the yellow line. NASCAR correctly took immediate action to enforce the policy by penalizing the #01 and scoring the #20 as the race winner."
Helton continued, "Since the end of the race there has been some confusion as to what is allowable during the last lap at Daytona and Talladega. To be clear, as we go forward, there will be no passing under the yellow line at any time during NASCAR races at Daytona or Talladega, period. This includes any passing below the yellow line near the start/finish line on the final lap," said Helton.(NASCAR PR)(10-6-2008) Comment here
- Talladega Grand Marshals: Pepsi employees who serve with the Army National Guard; Antonio Clements, John Foster, Richard Stuckey, Daniel Harris, Demetrius Blackmon, Reginald Thomas, Kenneth Goodwin and Raymond Castleberry, will serve as the Grand Marshals for the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The AMP Energy 500 will be Talladega’s 40th fall race.(TSS PR)(10-2-2008)
- John Berry To Perform at Talladega Superspeedway: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that country music star John Berry will perform the national anthem prior to the Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn Dixie on Oct. 4th and “God Bless America” prior the AMP Energy 500 on Oct. 5th. Tickets to the AMP Energy 500 are available by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(9-30-2008)
- Golfer to Serve As Honorary Starter at Talladega: Fresh off a rousing victory in the Ryder Cup, the first for America since 1999, Boo Weekley has been tabbed as the Honorary Starter for the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 5th. Over the course of the Ryder Cup weekend, Weekley went an impressive 2-0-1, with a team victory in Saturday Fourballs competition with teammate JB Holmes and a Singles victory over Oliver Wilson on Sunday. Weekley is currently ranked 17th on the PGA Tour Money list and owns two career PGA Tour victories in addition to his team victory in the Ryder Cup (2007 & 2008 Verizon Heritage). Tickets to the AMP Energy 500 are available by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.(TSS PR)(9-25-2008)
- Reserved Overnight Parking Still Available at Talladega: Overnight parking is still available in several of Talladega Superspeedway’s reserved overnight parks, including the all-reserved infield. “We do have overnight parking spaces available for guests wanting to spend the entire weekend at the track,” explained Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “This is a great opportunity for race fans from as close as Birmingham to cut down on back and forth travel expenses by camping out with friends and family at Talladega Superspeedway.“ 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 reserved overnight parks outside the track open at 8 a.m. the Tuesday of race week (Sept. 30) and must be cleared by 11 a.m. Monday following the race. Guests will be required to show their race tickets and parking pass prior to entry and a valid ticket must be shown each time for admission. Reserved overnight parks with availability include:
* Yellow Reserved Infield Overnight Park – Located north of Talladega Boulevard in the infield, this overnight park has convenient access to the infield shower house and is for automobile and tent camping only. Price for a two-night stay is $250 and includes two infield admissions.
* Champions Corner – Located just outside Turn 1, this overnight has a strict no-alcohol policy for park residents and guests. Each space features water hookups, gravel parking pads and morning newspaper delivery to your doorstep. Price per spot $280.
* East Park – Located just off Speedway Blvd, this overnight park is for self-contained RVs and pull behinds only. Price per spot $110.
For more information on the reserved overnight parks or tickets for the upcoming AMP Energy 500 weekend, guests should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS PR)(9-17-2008)
- 2009 Talladega Tix on Sale: Tickets to the new triple-header Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway go on sale this Saturday, August 23rd. The April 24- 26 Dream Weekend is enhanced in 2009 by the addition of a Friday ARCA RE/MAX Series event. The 2009 Aaron's Dream Weekend features The Birmingham News Qualifying for the Nationwide Series, followed by the ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 race on Friday, April 24. On Saturday, April 25, fans will see The Birmingham News Qualifying for the Sprint Cup Series, followed by the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. On Sunday, April 26, the greatest drivers in the world face off in the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race. Tickets are still available for the upcoming Oct. 3-5 AMP Energy 500 Weekend. The AMP Energy 500 is Race Number Four in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and a critical factor in determining the 2008 Sprint Cup Series champion. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(8-23-2008)
- 2009 Cup Schedule Announced, 4 "off" weeks: NASCAR announced today its national series schedules for the 2009 season, which features realigned dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Truck Series. In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series there will be a three-way date swap between Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) and Talladega Superspeedway.
• Atlanta’s second 2009 race will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6, taking the Labor Day weekend slot now held by Auto Club Speedway.
• Auto Club Speedway’s second race will be Sunday, Oct. 11 – the fourth week of the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” a slot formerly held by Talladega.
• Talladega’s second event will move to Sunday, Nov. 1, making it the seventh Chase event – the slot formerly held by Atlanta.
“The 2009 schedule reflects realigned dates that are good opportunities for everyone involved in our sport – fans, sponsors, tracks and teams," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. The season begins with a tripleheader weekend at Daytona International Speedway capped by the running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. In addition to that season-opening event for the Sprint Cup Series, the Truck Series starts its season on Friday night, Feb. 13, followed the next afternoon by the Nationwide Series opener. For all three series, the season will conclude with another tripleheader weekend, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20-22.
Other key NASCAR Sprint Cup dates in 2009:
• The 31st annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona – a non-points event – will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7.
• On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 12, Richmond International Raceway will again host the “Chase cut-off” race, affording the last opportunity for drivers to qualify for NASCAR’s championship playoffs.
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the first races in both the “Race to the Chase” (Sunday, June 28) and the Chase (Sunday, Sept. 20).
There also will be an additional off-week for NASCAR’s premier series in 2009, prior to the Labor Day weekend event, giving teams a final break before a 12-week stretch that will end the season. Because of the way the calendar falls, NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will have a total of four off-weeks during the 2009 season.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will have a 35-race schedule. Changes from this year include a new event at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 1, replacing Mexico City; a switch of the Atlanta Motor Speedway event from March to September; and moving the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event in Montreal to Sunday, Aug. 30.
The NASCAR Truck Series in 2009 again will have 25 races, with one realigned date: The series’ late-season race at Atlanta will be replaced by a night event at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, Aug. 28.(NASCAR PR)(8-19-2008)
- Fans Vote Bobby Labonte, Rex White Into Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame: The votes are in for the 2008 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame honorees. Bobby Labonte won by the closest margin in history for active driver, while Rex White won the inactive driver category by a landslide. Labonte and White will be enshrined to the Walk of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 4, during the AMP Energy 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting NASCAR's greatest names and a tribute to one of racing's brightest stars - the late Davey Allison. Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame has inducted one active driver and up to two inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans' vote chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict guidelines. White, 78, of Fayetteville, Georgia, will be inducted as this year's inactive driver. White won the 1960 NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) championship as a driver/owner, recording six wins and 35 top 10s in 41 starts. He is one of just six driver/owners in history to win a series championship. Fan voting for the 2008 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame began on April 15. In addition to Labonte, active driver nominees this year included: Michael Waltrip, Jeff Burton, Morgan Shepherd, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Robby Gordon, Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson, Jeremy Mayfield, Joe Nemechek, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler, Ken Schrader and Carl Edwards. White competed against inactive drivers, Jim Paschal, Bill Rexford, Jack Smith and Speedy Thompson. In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a large marble monument, while drivers inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have
bronze plaques placed around the park, accessible by walkways that form the shape of Talladega Superspeedway. For additional information, visit talladegawalk.com.(TSS PR)(7-25-2008)
- Buy a Talladega Suite Ticket, Get a Gas Card: Talladega Superspeedway is helping fans get to the track. With the purchase of an "Individual Suite Package," fans will receive a $45 gas card, allowing them to sit back and relax in luxury with extra bills in their wallet. With the purchase of an individual suite package, guests will enjoy: 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 . Each Luxury Suite Package is $800 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(7-24-2008)
- Experience Talladega Superspeedway - Stay All Week: Don't miss a minute of all the fun and excitement of a race week at Talladega Superspeedway by making plans to stay on track property in one of the many overnight parks! Reservations run as low as $75 for a Tuesday - Monday stay during the AMP Energy 500 race week. 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 reserved overnight parks outside the track open at 8 a.m. the Tuesday of race week (Sept. 30) and must be cleared by 11 a.m. Monday following the race. For more information on the reserved overnight parks or tickets for the upcoming AMP Energy 500 weekend, guests should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(7-21-2008)
- Talladega Superspeedway Media Center Undergoing Facelift: When racing returns to Talladega Superspeedway for the October 3-5 AMP Energy 500 Weekend, the media will be pleased to find that the Ken Patterson Infield Media Center has undergone significant changes to its interior. Contractors are currently in the process of hanging and painting drywall, with new carpet and tile coming soon. "The changes we are making will give the Media Center a fresh new look," said Kristi King, Talladega Superspeedway Senior Director of Communications and Consumer Marketing. "I'm sure our friends in the media will be excited to find a more comfortable work environment awaiting them on Oct.3rd." Tickets are available at talladegasuperspeedway.com or 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS PR)(6-25-2008)
- TSS Announces Promotion of Kristi King: Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey announced that Kristi R. King has been promoted to Senior Director
of Communications and Consumer Marketing. Since joining TSS in 2004, King has played an integral role in expanding national media exposure as well as targeting and exploring new areas of consumer marketing. "I am excited to announce the promotion of one of our long-time employees - Kristi King," said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick
Humphrey. "Kristi's hard work and dedication is certainly one of her finest qualities and we feel this promotion will allow her to continue the great job she has been doing as well as expand and utilize her creativity to explore new consumer marketing opportunities." A 14-year veteran in the motorsports industry, King previously held the position of Director of Public Relations. Prior to joining TSS, King served as Director of Public Relations for North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham from 1994 - 2002 and Director of Public Relations and
Marketing from 2002 - 2004 before transferring to TSS in June 2004. A 1994 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, King and husband David have a 3 month old son, Will, and reside in Riverside. In addition to King's promotion, Humphrey announced new title changes in the marketing and ticketing departments. George Dennis is now Director of Sales and Marketing and Todd Pryor is Director of Ticketing and Relationship Marketing.(TSS PR)(6-16-2008)
- TSS President Rick Humphrey Honored: Rick Humphrey, President of Talladega Superspeedway, has been named a recipient of the Clarence L. Pugh Sr. Distinguished Alumnus Award by his alma mater Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. The Clarence L. Pugh Distinguished Alumnus Award is the Lenoir-Rhyne College Alumni Association's highest award and is presented annually to that alumnus/a who has achieved great prominence in his or her field of endeavor. Humphrey is a 14-year veteran in the motorsports industry and has served as President of Talladega Superspeedway since July 2007. As President, he oversees a staff of 50 and is responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the 2.66-mile, 3,000 plus acre complex. In addition to his duties as President, Humphrey serves as Executive Director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.(TSS PR)(5-28-2008)
- California race to move rumor returns: Speculation is mounting that NASCAR's Labor Day race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana could be moved to October, starting next year. The track has struggled to sell all of its 92,000 seats on Labor Day weekend partly because of the weekend's typically hot temperatures, and has petitioned NASCAR for another date. One proposal being weighed is a three-track swap, in which Fontana would receive Talladega Superspeedway's date in October, Atlanta Motor Speedway would get the Labor Day race and Talladega would receive Atlanta's fall date in October. That would put the California race in the middle of the 10-race Chase for the Cup that decides NASCAR's premier championship. But NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said the sanctioning body is still meeting with officials for all tracks and that next year's schedule "is still being determined." NASCAR hopes to announce the schedule by September, he added. Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker said "nothing has been decided yet" and that the three-track swap idea "is one of several scenarios that I have heard are being discussed." She also said "it's possible that [Labor Day] date will remain the same" next year but is hopeful of moving the race. "Everyone is in agreement that a later date for the second [Fontana] race is in the best interests of the sport," Zucker said. Her track also stages a Cup race in late February.(Los Angeles Times)(5-25-2008) Comment here
- On Sale Now - AMP Energy 500 Event Weekend Tickets: Tickets to the October 3-5 AMP Energy 500 event weekend are on sale now. The AMP Energy 500 event weekend features 1,000 miles of racing at Talladega Superspeedway with the ARCA Series 250 on Friday, the Craftsman Truck Series Mountain Dew 250 on Saturday and the Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500, race number four in the in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, on Sunday. Tickets are available at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(5-16-2008)
- 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)
- 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)
