PREVIEW OF TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
"HOME OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST BUBBAFEST"
Including driver's appearances, seating, stuff to do, schedule, ticket info, speedway info & more.
3366 Speedway Blvd., Talladega AL 35160 (256) 362-7223 877-Go2-DEGA (877-462-3342)
TRACK NEWS:
Talladega Superspeedway Revamps Concessions to Save Fans Money -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.
PREVIEW
We've been to Talladega many times. Jimmy had been way back when his son Matt was 6 and knew that I needed to go once to get it off my list. Well, I enjoyed it so much we gave up Atlanta for a few years and went 4 years straight for both races.
Recently, a fan asked me why Talladega was listed as a Real Race Track but not Daytona on our Race Fan Lingo page. Both tracks are roughly the same kind of track, same owners & same length of time in sport, so why was one listed and one not. Neither track produces the racing that we long time fans enjoyed before the dreaded restrict plate. So what was it? After mulling it over, I realized it all came down to the fans. 600-800 acres of free camping in the heartland of Bubba Country! And let me tell ya’ll something, I’ve seen it all at Talladega. The fans give the weekend the attention to detail it deserves. From the nightly firework extravaganzas to the Bubbate Beauty Pageant, it is live entertainment like you’ve never seen. The show alone makes it worth the trip.
THE INFIELD
We did the infield the first few times when it was still unreserved. Had a great spot going into turn 3 where you drive over the track to enter the infield. Best seats I've ever had in an infield. Could wash dishes and watch the cars coming off the back stretch and go into turn 3. A Bubbate's dream. The cars fanning out 4, 5 & 6 wide coming out of turn 2 is unbelievable. Then all of a sudden they squeeze in 2 or 3 wide going into turn 3. COOL!!!!! Also, there is no party anywhere as big as the Talladega Infield! Actually, there is no party anywhere as big as Talladega period!
By far my favorite way to do the races at Daytona or Talladega is the infield. To not have to walk around a 2.50 or bigger race track is the best part. Just get on top of The Race Wagon and watch practice. Get down and only have to walk a few feet to be home. You get more of a race fix in the infield at these 2 tracks.
The infield is now reserved and we don't like not knowing what type of motor home we will be next to because our motor home is short. We started buying grandstand seats and camping on the outside of the track after the infield went to reserved only.
One thing to remember: The higher up you are the better you will be able to see. Bar Stools on top of the motorhome work good. Even if you stand on top of a milk crate on top of the motor home you are getting an extra foot. We've seen two ladders on top of a truck with a 4x8 clamped in between them and those fans had another 12 feet!
THE GRANDSTANDS
Most long time fans don’t like going to superspeedways because you can’t see the whole track BUT that was in the old days. Now the grandstands go up so high you can see everything. It is hard to tell what car is who’s when they are far from your seats but what you see is unbelievable. You’ll see them poke out in line and test the waters to see if anyone will go with them. You see them bump drafting and let me tell you race fans, that is really cool as my niece would say. The sounds the cars make at a true Superspeedway (greater than 2.0 miles) is interesting. You hear them before you see them if you are sitting low. They actually sound like an angry swarm of hornets as they start to get close to you. Then as they get even closer they sound so different then they do on a smaller track. As they come by they make this SWOOSH, SWOOSH, SWOOSH sound. Then they hum out of hearing and it is silent. That’s what I found the oddest. Not hearing any race cars because they are so far away.
We have sat all over the speedway. We sat in Lincoln Tower, Aniston Grandstand & Gadsden Grandstand coming out of four. Pretty good seats. Great view of back stretch, most of front stretch and all the turns as long as you are up high enough. The only thing I didn't like was we could not see the start / finish line because it is located at the exit of the dog leg. BUT these seats were real close to where we like to camp.
We sat in the Tri-Oval Tower on the top row at the start/finish line. By far, the best seats I've had in a grandstand for what I consider a true superspeedway race (2.0 miles or bigger). The climb about killed me though. Does it bother anyone else that the most expensive grandstands seats are the farthest away from the bathrooms? With as much as the seat cost, you should get your own port-o-potty.
We sat in the Talladega Tower going into turn 1 one year. Good seats. Great view of the drag race coming out of the pits. We could see all four turns and all the backstretch. Giant Jumbotron located here too. The only thing I didn't like was the stands moved when the crowd jumped to their feet as Junior took the lead and this is a new grand stand.
The last place we need to sit is in the Allison Grandstand on the back stretch. I can tell these are going to be my favorite place to sit. The way those cars fan out coming out of 2 then going 4 to 5 wide down the back stretch is unbelievable. Really liked it before the yellow line became "out of bounds"...they would fan out up to 7 wide! Also this is close to where we like to camp.
DIRECTIONS TO TALLADEGA SPEEDWAY & TRAFFIC TIPS
Coming from the east via I-20: exit 173 - Eastaboga & proceed west on Speedway Blvd.
Coming from the west via I-20: exit 168 Lincoln/Talladega. Take State Hwy 77 south. Then east on Speedway Blvd.
For helpful traffic tips and information during race weekend, listen to WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM, which will broadcast regular updates.
NEW FROM THE TRACK:
“We are coming to Talladega Superspeedway from the EAST then after the race we are going...”
EAST
Entry - The best route is to exit I-20 at Exit 173 Eastaboga and proceed west on Speedway Blvd. Lots 3N -5N and 1E-4E will provide the easiest exiting. Lots 1W-4W will also provide good parking, but it’s a little longer in exiting (see the Inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Follow signs to I-20 east.
WEST
Entry - See EAST above.
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Once you reach I-20, enter the Interstate going west toward Birmingham (see map on page 30 of the fan guide).
NORTH
Entry - See EAST above.
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd to County Road 097 north to Highway 78 east. Then either go north on County Road 005 to Highway 77 north or continue east on Highway 78 to Highway 202 into Anniston, then north on U.S. Hwy. 431.
SOUTH
Entry - See EAST above.
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Then take County Road 005 south into Talladega. From Talladega you can choose a number of routes south.
“We are coming to Talladega Superspeedway from the NORTH then after the race we are going...”
EAST
Entry - The best route is Hwy 77 south to County Road 005 south, then Hwy 78 west to County Road 097 south to Speedway Blvd. Then proceed west on Speedway Blvd. to the track. Park in lot 3N-5N or 1E-4E. This will allow for easier exiting (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Follow signs to I-20 East.
WEST
Entry - The best route is Hwy 77 south to Speedway Blvd., then turn east on Speedway Blvd. to the track. Recommended parking is in lots 9W-11W or 1E-4E.
Entry to the track can also be Hwy 77 south to County Road 005 south, then Hwy 78 west to County Road 097 south to Speedway Blvd. Then proceed west on Speedway Blvd. to the track. Park in lot 3N-5N (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - If you parked in lots east or north of the main entrance, proceed east on Speedway Blvd. and follow signs to I-20. If you parked west of the main entrance, proceed west on Speedway Blvd. to Hwy 77.
NORTH
Entry - Entry to the track can be by way of Hwy 77 to Speedway Blvd. and then east on Speedway Blvd. into the track. Recommended parking is in lot 9W-11 W. Entry to the track can also be County Road 005 south to Hwy 78 west, then County Road 097 south to Speedway Blvd west to the track. Recommended parking is in lots 3N-5N or 1E-4E (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - If you parked in lots 9W-11W, exit by proceeding West on Speedway Blvd. to Hwy 77. Take Hwy 77 North to I-59. If you parked in lot 9W-11W, take County Road 114 north to Hwy 78. You can then go as far as you like on Hwy 78 (see map on page 30 of the fan guide). If you parked in lot 1E-4E, 6E, 7E or 3N-5N, exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. to County Road 097, then west on Hwy 77 north. Or, you may take Hwy 78 East to Hwy 202 into Anniston, then north on U.S. Hwy 431 (see map on page 30 of the fan guide).
SOUTH
Entry - Entry into the track can be by way of Hwy 77 to Speedway Blvd. and then east on Speedway Blvd. into the track. Recommended parking is in lot 9W-11W. Entry to the track can also be Hwy 77 south to County Road 005 south, then Hwy 78 west to County Road 097 south to Speedway Blvd. Then proceed west on Speedway Blvd. to the track. Park in lot 3N-5N or 1E-4E (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
“We are coming to Talladega Superspeedway from the SOUTH then after the race we are going...”
EAST
Entry - The best route is to come to the city of Talladega and take County Road 005 north, then take Speedway Blvd. west to the track. Park in lots 3N-5N or 1E-4E. This will make for easy exiting (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Follow signs to I-20 East.
WEST
Entry - The best route is to come to the city of Talladega and take Hwy 77 north. Then go right on County Road 377 over to County Road 326, and take 326 north to the track. About a mile from the track (after you cross the bridge) you will see Tipton Road. It will connect you to Speedway Blvd. Recommended parking is in lots 8W-11W (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding west on Speedway Blvd. to State Hwy 77. From there go either north or south on Hwy 77. Or, go back south on County Road 326 over to County Road 377, which will run into State Hwy 77.
NORTH
Entry - See WEST above.
Exit - Exit by proceeding west on Speedway Blvd. to Hwy 77. Take Hwy 77 North to I-59 (see map on page 30 of the fan guide). If you exit west on Speedway Blvd., we recommend you take County Road 114 (see map on page 30 of the fan guide) to Hwy 78. You can then take Hwy 78 west to Hwy 77. Also, if you entered the track by taking County Road 097, then Speedway Blvd. west, and parked in 3N-5N or 1E-4E, then we recommend you leave by going east on Speedway Blvd. to County Road 097 north to Highway 78 east. Then either go north on County Road 005 to Highway 77 north or continue east on Highway 78 to Highway 202 into Anniston, then north on U.S. Hwy 431.
SOUTH
Entry - See WEST above.
Exit - If you parked in lot 9W, proceed south on County Road 326 back into Talladega. From there you will have a couple of routes to choose (See map on page 30 of the fan guide). If you parked in lots 10W or 11W, proceed west on Speedway Blvd. and take a left onto Tipton Rd (see map on inside of back cover of the fan guide) to County Road 326.
“We are coming to Talladega Superspeedway from the WEST then after the race we are going...”
EAST
Entry - The best route is to exit I-20 at Exit 173 Eastaboga and proceed west on Speedway Blvd. Lots 3N-5N, 1E-4E and 1W-4W will provide the easiest exiting. Lot 5W and 6W also provide good parking, but it’s a little longer in exiting (see map on pages 28-29 of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd. Follow signs to I-20.
WEST
Entry - The best route is to exit I-20 at Exit 168 Lincoln/Talladega. Take State Hwy 77 south. Then east on Speedway Blvd. Lots 8W-11W and 2N will provide the easiest exiting. Lots 5W & 6W also provide good parking, but take a little longer in exiting. OR, exit I-20 at Exit 173 Eastaboga. Go west on Speedway Blvd. and park in 3N-5N or 1E-4E (see map on inside back cover of the fan guide).
Exit - Exit by proceeding west on Speedway Blvd. Once you reach State Hwy 77 you can go north or south (see map on page 30 of the fan guide). If you parked in lot 3N-5N, 1E-4E, proceed East on Speedway Blvd. and follow the signs to I-20 (see map on page 30 of the fan guide).
NORTH
Entry - Entry into the track can be by way of Exit 168 Lincoln/Talladega or Exit 173 Eastaboga (see map on pages 28-29 of the fan guide).
Exit - If you parked in lot 1E-4E or 1W-4W, exit by proceeding east on Speedway Blvd to County Road 097 north to Highway 78 east. Then either go north on County Road 005 to Highway 77 north or continue east on Highway 78 to Highway 202 into Anniston, then north on U.S. Hwy 431.
Exit - If you parked in lots 2N-3N or 8W-11W, exit by proceeding west on Speedway Blvd. Go north on Hwy 77 up to I-59. If you exit west on Speedway Blvd., take County Road 114 north to Hwy 78, then west to Hwy 77, and north to I-59.
SOUTH
Entry - Entry into the track can be by way of Exit 168 Lincoln/Talladega or Exit 173 Eastaboga.
Exit - If you parked in lots 1W-6W or any of the lots east of the main entrance proceed east on Speedway Blvd. and take County Road 005 south into Talladega. If you parked in lot 8W-11W proceed west on Speedway Blvd. and then take Hwy 77 south into Talladega.
2011 Changes by day:
- All parking gates will open at 5 am on Saturday & Sunday.
- The North Campground exit gates will be closed for two hours following the conclusion of the Aaron's 499 on Sunday April 25, 2010.
- Allison Grandstand Traffic: There is a NEW express exit route from the Allison Grandstand parking lots on Saturday & Sunday. One lane has been created to exit traffic onto Speedway Blvd. Vehicles will be forced east on Speedway Blvd from Airport Road entrance across from the Talladega Short Track.
- Lots 2N & 3N will be closed on Saturday.
- Lots 10W & 11W will be closed all weekend. Guests using New Jackson Trace Road will be directed to day parking lot 9W.
- Lots 5W & 6W will be used for the NEW Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone on Sunday.
- Speedway Boulevard eastbound & westbound lanes will become one-way into the track starting at approximately 7 am.
- Following the ARCA Racing Series 250 on Friday, Speedway Blvd will remain two-way traffic.
- Following the Aaron's 312 on Saturday, April 24th, all traffic wanting to enter the track will have to come in from the east. Anyone wanting to go to the west side of the track will have to wait until traffic clears.
• Pay special attention to the 1E, 2E, 2N, 3N, 1W, 2W, 3W and 4W parking, as they have great access in and out. It is a little farther walk to your seat than other lots, but you can exit after the race fairly easily.
• There is no overnight parking in areas designated as Day Parking. See map on the Inside back cover for more information. All Allison Grandstand ticket holders should park in the 6E or 7E lot.
• Starting at approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday all traffic coming onto Speedway Boulevard from the west will be routed one way. Then on Sunday at approximately 7 a.m., all lanes of traffic coming onto Speedway Boulevard from the east and west will be routed one way to the track’s main entrance.
• Saturday events during race weekend, traffic will be routed out west bound, one way only. All traffic entering the track should do so from the east.
OUTBOUND TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Traffic plan:
TALLADEGA SPEEDWAY PARKING
Day parking is FREE on speedway property.
TRAMS
During the event weekend, trams run regularly in the North Park, West Park and Family Park and from the north end to the south end of the infield. A tram is also available at the North Tunnel for infield pedestrian traffic throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, a tram runs from the large American flag at the North Tunnel to the Allison Grandstand.
2011 TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY SCHEDULE
All Times Central
TUESDAY, OCTOBER, 18th
-Grandstands/ Day Parking Lots Closed; Overnight Parks Outside the Track Open at 6 a.m. except Reserved Family Parks and the South Park which open at 8 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19th
-Grandstands/ Day Parking Lots Closed; Infield Load-In Begins at 5 p.m.
( ‘DEGAClub Load-In Begins at 9 a.m.)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20th
- Grandstands/ Day Parking Lots Closed; Facilities Open to Credentialed Media Only
7:45 a.m. NSCS EFI Test Haulers Enter
8:15 a.m. NCWTS Haulers Enter (Unload Only)
8:30 a.m. NSCS EFI Test Garage Opens
10: a.m. to 4 p.m. NSCS EFI Test Session
1 p.m. NCWTS Garage Opens
5 p.m. NSCS EFI Test Garage Closes
7 p.m. NCWTS Garage Closes
7 p.m. NSCS Haulers Enter
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21st
- Grandstands Open at 8 a.m./ Day Parking Lots Open at 7 a.m.
6:30 a.m. NSCS Garage Opens
8 a.m. NCWTS Garage Opens
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. NCWTS Final Practice
1 p.m. NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. NSCS Practice
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. NCWTS Autograph Session
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. NSCS Final Practice
4:10 p.m. NCWTS Qualifying (Two Laps, All Positions)
7:00 p.m. NCWTS Garage Closes
7:00 p.m. NSCS Garage Closes
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22nd
-Grandstands Open at 8 a.m./ Day Parking Lots Open at 5 a.m.
6 a.m. NSCS Garage Opens
9 a.m. NSCS Autograph Session
10 a.m. NCWTS Garage Opens
10:45 a.m. NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
11 a.m. NCWTS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting (Garage)
11:15 a.m. NSCS Qualifying (Two Laps, All Positions) Impound
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. TV Exhibition Run
2:30 p.m. NCWTS Driver Introductions – Security - Clear Pit Road
3 p.m. NSCS Garage Closes
3 p.m. NCWTS Coca-Cola 250 Powered By fred’s
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23rd
- Grandstands Open at 8 a.m./ Day Parking Lots Open at 5 a.m.
9 a.m. NSCS Garage Opens
11:00 a.m. NSCS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting (Garage)
12 Noon NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
12:30 p.m. NSCS Driver Introduction – Security – Clear Pit Road
1 p.m. NSCS Good Sam Club 500 (188 Laps, 500 Miles)
TICKET DEALS OCT 2011
Kids 12 and Under are FREE on Saturday and Sunday in the Allison Grandstands. Kids have a reserved grandstand seat when accompanies by an adult in the reserved Allison grandstands. The Allison Grandstands is a two-day ticket for $49.
Listen LIVE to your favorite Drivers & Crew with Track Scan! Track Scan is offering $10 off the rental of a scanner and headset during the Good Sam Club 500 Weekend. Also, kids listen free with an additional headset with same-day rentals. The kid (12 and under) must be present at time of rental. More details can be found at www.track-scan.com/talladega.
Special family sections for the Good Sam Club 500 Weekend area available in Anniston Tower Section K, as well as Allison Grandstand Sections U & T, Rows 2-33. In these sections, drinking alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Please call us at 877.Go2.DEGA to purchase the specially located tickets for these family sections as well as the FREE kids tickets in the Allison Grandstand.
All-You-Can-Eat for $89 for 2 Days!
Single tickets from 45.00-120.00
2-Day Tickets: Sat/Sunday Combo:
* O.V. Hill North & South Tower Ext $160
* Tri-Oval Tower $165
* Birmingham Tower Ext $170
Buy 2-Day Frontstretch Tickets HERE .
* Allison Grandstand (Located on the backstretch) $49
* Allison Grandstand Only: Kids 12 and Under are FREE on Saturday & Sunday with a paid adult.
HOSPITALITY & PIT PASSES FALL 2011
for more info on all and to order: More
The Talladega Experience Sunday - $129 per person (plus cost of race ticket)
on Sunday, Oct. 23. (Dale Jr no time listed & Matt Kenseth 9:30 am CST
Paddock Club
Saturday Pricing: $125 per person
$100 per person with the purchase of Sunday Miller Lite Paddock Club pass
Acceleration Package Saturday - $49 per person (plus cost of race ticket)
Pit Pass $50.00
WHAT TO DO WHILE THERE
Racing stuff first
DRIVER'S APPEARANCES
Drivers apearances start posting a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there are not public annoucements made so go by the haulers on Friday and check for the signs
Friday, Oct. 21
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will host an autograph session at Talladega Superspeedway in the OV Hill South Grandstand Sections D & E from 2- 3 pm on Friday, Oct. 21. The event is free and open to all fans that have an autograph session wristband. Wristbands can be picked up on a first come, first served basis at the Guest Services Office located in Section L of the OV Hill South Grandstand, supplies are limited.
• Dakoda Armstrong
• James Buescher
• Jason White
• Max Papis
• Nelson Piquet, Jr.
• Timothy Peters
• Miguel Paludo
• Brendan Gaughan
• Austin Dillon
• Joey Coulter
• Parker Kligerman
• Johnny Sauter
• Matt Crafton
• Todd Bodine
• Grant Enfinger
10/22/2011
James Buescher is scheduled to appear for a Q & A session at the Team Chevy Racing Display located in the Talladega Superspeedway HorsePower Plaza near Gate EP2 behind the main grandstands on Saturday, October 22, 2011 beginning at 12:30pm local time. 75 wristbands for each autograph session will be handed out at 10:00 a,m. Saturday-limit one per person. www.jayski.com
Ryan Newman & Bill Jordan from Realtree are scheduled to appear for a Q & A session at the Team Chevy Racing Display located in the Talladega Superspeedway HorsePower Plaza near Gate EP2 behind the main grandstands on Saturday, October 22, 2011from 2:30 - 3:00pm local time. 75 wristbands for each autograph session will be handed out at 10:00 a,m. Saturday-limit one per person. www.jayski.com
10/23/2011
Ryan Newman will have a question and answer session at the Sprint Fan Zone. The time is TBD. www.ryannewman.org
Richard Childress 9:45-10:00am will be at the Chevy Display located at Talladega Superspeedway for a Q & A session. rcrracing.com/
Juan Pablo Montoya is scheduled to appear for a Q & A session at the Team Chevy Racing Display located in the Talladega Superspeedway HorsePower Plaza near Gate EP2 behind the main grandstands on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 9:30am local time.
#1-Earnhardt Ganassi Over-the-Wall Pit Crew is scheduled to sign autographs n at the Team Chevy Racing Display located in the Talladega Superspeedway HorsePower Plaza near Gate EP2 behind the main grandstands on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 10:00am local time. www.jayski.com
Kenseth will make an appearance at the Jeremiah Weed display at Talladega Superspeedway Sunday morning 
9:50am www.roushracing.com
ACTIVITIES AT THE TRACK OCT 2011
Fan Fest and Hauler Parade on Thursday, Oct. 20
Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, will host a special fan fest and hauler parade at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, a distinctive outlet shopping destination located minutes from Downtown Birmingham in Leeds, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 3-6 p.m.
The Talladega Superspeedway Fan Fest & Hauler Parade event will also include:
• Prizes and give-aways from The Outlet Shops of Grand River and its family of leading designer and top name brand stores including The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store, VF Outlet, Black & Decker Clearance Center, Sunglass Warehouse, Ghirardelli Chocolate and more.
• Live radio broadcasts from Lance Taylor from the Roundtable on WJOX, Lori Ray on WZRR, Speedy from the Rick and Bubba Show on WDXB and Madison from the Dollar Bill and Madison show on WDXB.
• Music from a local disc jockey
• Face painting by Magic City Face Art
• Balloon art by Dr. B Looney
The hauler parade will depart The Outlet Shops of Grand River at 6:15 pm and is expected to arrive at Talladega Superspeedway at approximately 6:45 pm. Race fans located in the campgrounds are encouraged to turn their attention to Speedway Blvd. and watch the parade as it makes its way into the track.
Concerts in The Campgrounds presented by Motor Racing Outreach
Concerts in the campgrounds are open to the overnight park customers.
After some great days of racing action, fans can enjoy concerts at night from local bands in the following locations:
GEICO Reserved Family Park - The River
GEICO West Park C Reserved Park - Renaissance
GEICO North Park FREE Camping - Trackside the Band
Brantley Gilbert Performing Saturday Night Infield Concert
Brantley Gilbert will perform Saturday night in the renowned Talladega infield. Gilbert’s latest hit, “Country Must Be Country Wide” is currently 12th on the Billboard Country Music chart. The concert will be open to all infield guests and any race fan presenting a Sunday Good Sam Club 500 ticket.
1/3 mile high banked (18°) red clay oval with 400 ft. straightaways.
When you come in on exit 173 and turn left to go to the speedway there will be a short dirt track on your right across from the store. The name is the Talladega Short Track. The World of Outlaws runs the same weekend as the Winston Cup races. They will also have a late modified race. Go see this because it is a blast. You get to see a race at racing's roots, a short dirt track, on Saturday night. Then on Sunday, the exact opposite, a 2.66 mile asphalt jungle will be the stage for the race. It is a REAL RACE FAN'S dream come true. Also, there is usually a feature race with some one like Red Farmer and Kenny Schrader.
Kid’s Zone
The Talladega Superspeedway Kids Zone is located next to the display area, behind the frontstretch grandstands. New for the Kids Zone will be an expanded inflatable activities area, ‘peanut field’, bean-bag toss, information stations with recipe cards, and of course, free samples of delicious peanuts. The area is dedicated exclusively to kids and will feature four inflatable rides, entertainment from clowns and face painting. The new area will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the start of the race each day.
MUSEUM & INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME
• Thursday: 3pm – 5pm
• Friday: 12:30pm – 2pm
• Saturday: 8:30am – 9:30am and 11:30am – 12:30pm
• Sunday:9:30am – 11:30am
Extended race week hours are:
• Thursday: 8am – 7pm
• Friday: 7am – 7pm
• Saturday: 7am – 7pm
• Sunday: 7am – 12noon
The Museum & hall of fame are located next to the ticket office. While at Talladega, you have to do the Museum and Motorsports Hall of Fame. The Country Time Lemonade car that Michael Waltrip had a horrendous wreck in and walked away from is there. Many of the King's cars, the Washington Redskins car, a few of DW's cars and many, many more are in this great museum. There is a library located within the museum. Listen for drivers appearances at the library because they only let the people with museum ticket stubs get in line for autographs. 5 minute wait to get an autograph.
The Hall of Fame is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Hall of Fame is open extended hours during race weeks at Talladega Superspeedway.
Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. There are some great items here, old shoes drivers wore, uniforms, trophies, news articles and more.
AND Davey Allison Memorial Park
Ryan Newman and Speedy Thompson will be the next drivers enshrined to the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 22.
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 brighest stars - the late Davey Allison.
Celebrate the 2010 class as voted on by the fans. The fans have voted for Kasey Kahne and Jim Paschal to be inducted in to this year's class. A fun event perfect for the family featuring music, games and fans!
More information will be announced closer to the event and can be found at www.talladegawalk.com
The citizens of Alabama created this park to honor their fallen son, Davey Allison. His career was cut too short for us to have witnessed his true greatness as a driver. Davey is missed by his fans and all real race fans to this day. They induct drivers into the walk of fame every year.
When they bestowed the honor on Ricky Rudd he told the crowd in part, "I am honored to be the driver of Davey's car. The #28 Havoline always has been & always will be Davey's car. I'm just allowed to drive it."
The Walk of Fame is located in the city of Talladega. Take 77 to 21 heading into the city of Talladega. Follow signs to the Walk of Fame Park.
During the fall race, they have shuttle buses that take you from the speedway to the Walk of Fame for the inductees for that year.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Cheaha State Park is located in the Talladega National Forest. This large park offers a lodge set atop a beautiful secluded mountain top with many adventure trails, picnic areas, and a lake area with pedal boating, swimming, and fishing.
Located in Childersberg are the DeSoto Caverns. It features Guided tours, RV camping and 21 outside attractions. Located there is a 12-story caverns larger than football field. To keep the kids entertained there are Laser light/sound show, a maze, Gem Panning, Crystal Find, Wacky Water Golf, Potty Racers and Paddle Boats. DeSoto Caverns Park Childersburg 256-378-7252
In nearby Anniston visit the Anniston Museum of Natural History. It has displays include dinosaurs and fossils, 400-species bird collection, authentic Egyptian mummies, walk-through replica of Alabama cave, children’s discovery room, nature trails and changing art exhibits. Also in Anniston is Berman Museum of World History which has many historical objects of the American West, world wars, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jefferson Davis and Adolf Hitler.
In nearby Birmingham is The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It has a collection of over 900 vintage and modern motorcycles and as well as a substantial collection of Lotus and other racecars. There are approximately five hundred motorcycles on display at any given time. These bikes range from 1904 to current-year production.
While in Birmingham go visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. This museum tells the story of musical greats like Sun Ra, Lionel Hampton, Nat "King" Cole, Erskine Hawkins, W.C. Handy, Cootie Williams, Amos Gordon, John T. "Fess" Whatley, and many others. Exhibits and memorabilia are displayed in the historic Carver Theater. Or if Art is your thing, visit the Birmingham Museum of Art which is the largest municipal art museum in the Southeast. It has a permanent art collection of over 17,000 works of art from many diverse cultures, especially European, American, Asian, and African.
There are many Golf courses, unique shopping, Galleries, Historic Sites & Monuments in nearby Birmingham.
How about a visit to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the oldest municipally owned garden in Alabama? 67 acres containing more than 25 display gardens and the largest clearspan greenhouse in Southeast. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a State-of-art, multi-media facility housing exhibitions of historical events from post-World War I racial segregation to present-day racial progress is worth a visit too. The Birmingham Zoo has 700 wild animals! See Alligator Swamp, feed colorful parrots in Lorikeet Aviary, experience African Savannah and ride the train. Also, in Birmingham is a Children's Theatre, now in its 60th season. The Five Points South Historic District is for all you shoppers. Funky boutiques, antique shops, design studios, galleries and restaurants some in buildings as old as the 1880’s.
Don’t forget that Talladega is just an exit or two from the mountains. Go for a ride thru the beautiful countryside.
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum (Birmingham)
Paul W. Bryant Museum/University of Alabama Museums (Tuscaloosa)
Jemison Carnegie Heritage Hall Talladega 256-761-1364
Other Speedway Info
WILL CALL
Monday - Saturday will call is located at the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office inside the International Motorsports Hall of Fame building. Will call windows are set up outside. Mon - Fri Hours: 8 am - 7 pm, Sat Hours: 7 am – 6 pm
Infield Admission Passes and Infield Spots are held at the Infield Ticket Booth Will Call just outside of gate 9.
Overnight Pick-up Monday through Saturday: All Will call is available for pick-up between 7 pm and 7 am at the Infield ticket booth located outside of gate 9.
On Sunday, Frontstretch will call is at Ticket Booth D located at Entrance Plaza 3 and Allison Grandstand will call is at Ticket Booth I located at Entrance Plaza 8.
INFIELD
WALK-INS WELCOME
Walk-in admission tickets are still available Friday through Sunday at the North Tunnel, Gate V9 and the South Tunnel. Friday tickets are $110, Saturday $90 and Sunday $70. Customers are allowed to walk inside the track through the South Tunnel and Gate V9, which is dictated by track activity. Transportation is provided for those customers entering through the North Tunnel 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets may be purchased at the Infield Ticket Booth located at Gate V9. Walk-ins are required to leave vehicles outside the track in one of the parking areas. Vehicles must be in overnight parking area if customer plans on staying the night in the infield.
Vehicles illegally parked will be towed at owner’s expense.
Please note: Traffic will not be able to leave the infield through Gate V9 AND SOUTH TUNNEL until two hours following Sunday’s race
MORE INFO FOR GETTING INTO THE INFIELD:
Lineup for infield entry begins at 6 a.m. on Wednesday of race week in the gravel staging area near Gate V9. • Entry for Frontrunners Clubs I & II, Talladega and Eastaboga Boulevard and Allison Motorhome Avenue begins at 6 a.m. on Thursday of race week. • Red and Green Zone guests may enter the infield Thursday morning also for an additional $10 per guest if time permits. • Regular entry for Red, Green, 3-Day Blue and 3-Day Yellow Zone guests begins on Thursday of race week at approximately 6 p.m. Gate V9 will remain open until approximately 8 a.m. on Friday of race week. • Once a vehicle enters the infield, it must remain parked. • 2-Day Blue and Yellow Zone guest may enter the infield through Gate V9 on Friday of race week after the days activities are concluded. Gate V9 will remain open until approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday of race week. • Gate V9 will reopen Saturday of race week, once track activity is completed that afternoon. It will remain open until approximately 9 a.m. Sunday of race week. • The opening and closing of Gate V9 is dictated by track activity and is subject to change without notice. • Tow vehicles are defined as any vehicle which can be driven in and out of the infield or any large double axle trailer.
FAN INFORMATION BOOTHS
The Fan Information Booths are located at several different locations throughout the facility. There are five Fan Information Booth locations: under the Tri-Oval Tower at the top of the hill, Gate EP3 area in the HC3 handicapped parking lot (frontstretch
behind O.V. Hill North Section), Gate EP1 North End, in the HC1 handicapped parking area and on the backstretch. Child identification bracelets are also available at the Fan Information Booths. These bracelets help identify children in the event of separation from their parents or group and include both name and seat location. The fan information booths are equipped to answer all your questions and supply you with any information you might need concerning Talladega Superspeedway. The Fan
Information Booths also have contact with the control tower for announcements (on an emergency basis only) and serve as the track’s lost and found.
CONCESSIONS
High priced like tracks. The lower section of the front stretch at Talladega is in desperate need of upgrading.
RESTROOMS
As I just said: The front stretch at Talladega is in desperate need of upgrading. The last time we were there not only wasn't there hot water in the women's room near the high dollar seats, there was no water! A worker told me there was a problem with the plumbing because of all the use.....Now why would you invite 190,000 plus people to your house if the plumbing wouldn't handle it? I remember a women telling me it was her first and last race if all tracks were is such bad shape.
I told her "No, just the tracks owned by ISC/NASCAR."
The restrooms in the ticket office/Museum building were no better.
FROM PENNY: Allison grandstands, the women's restrooms are great!
There are probably close to 50 stalls and 20 sinks in each one. I'm not sure of the exact #, but I think there are 3-4 sets of them over there.
INFIELD SHOWER HOUSE
Talladega Superspeedway’s infield shower house is located at the North end of the track in the Green Zone. The shower house is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with more than 35 showers.
STAFF
To be real honest, this is something I have to check on next time I am there. I know where everything is so never needed to ask...til now that I have this website!
A FEW QUICK THINGS WORTH MENTIONING:
I can tell you now..
1. WEAR YOUR WALKING SHOES!!!!
2. Also, bring a bicycle with baskets if you have one. YOU CAN NOT RIDE IT ON SPEEDWAY PROPERTY. BUT you can ride it to the independent vendors, the dirt track and the store. PLEASE REMEMBER SAFETY. If you are too drunk to drive a car you are too drunk to drive a bike at Talladega.
3. Bring a wagon, luggage carrier or hand cart to tote your stuff to the track. Secure it with a bike chain and lock before going to your seats. KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE GATES WHERE THE TRACK WORKERS CAN SEE YOU!
4. Go to the track’s website fan guide. Download the maps with trams stops and grandstands. PLAN where to park. If you are coming from the east and seats are in turn 4, you do not want to go past the speedway and park in a lot outside of turn 1 some where. You will have to hike miles to your seat and sit hours in traffic.
WHAT IS & ISN'T ALLOWED INTO GRANDSTANDS:
No backpacks, hard coolers, large bags allowed into the grandstands.
Soft-sided coolers or insulated bags are allowed into the grandstands provided they fit the required size requirement:6”X6”X12” or smaller.
ONLY ONE SOFT-SIDED COOLER OR INSULATED BAG ALLOWED PER TICKET HOLDER
Clear plastic bags are allowed into the grandstands provided they fit the required size requirement: 18”X18”X4”or smaller.
ONLY ONE CLEAR PLASTIC BAG ALLOWED PER TICKETHOLDER. NO ICE ALLOWED IN CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS.
Items such as binoculars, radio scanners, cameras and seat cushions are still allowed in the grandstands. Talladega Superspeedway asks that fans utilize neck straps and belt clips to bring those items through the gates.
Food & Beverages ARE allowed.
All items brought through the gate areas are subject to inspection.
The track is not responsible for any items left at the gates. In essence, with the exception of hard coolers, backpacks and large bags, all items that have been allowed into the grandstands in the past are still allowed. For those fans who bring other items (scanners, cameras, binoculars, etc.) please make use of belt clips and neck straps as you enter through the gates.
SPEEDTV STAGE
located in the infield next to the bath house at turn 4
