Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega is home to the Aaron's 499 and the AMP Energy 500 of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide | 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
Overview
You won't see Ricky Bobby at Talladega Superspeedway, but you will see some of the most exciting racing in NASCAR. The 2.66-mile track is the sport's largest, and the 212.809 mph qualifying lap established by Bill Elliott in 1987 is still the fastest in NASCAR history.
The first race at Talladega, Aaron's 499, was April 26. The second, the AMP Energy 500 and part of the Chase for the Championship, takes place Nov. 1.
It's not uncommon to see multiple lead changes on a single lap at Talladega, where cars run together in one, big freight train because of aerodynamics.
It's all about horsepower and jockeying for position at Talladega. Dale Earnhardt was the best, winning 10 times here, while son Junior has ascended to his late father's throne with five victories. Jeff Gordon is closing fast, though, with two victories in 2007, bringing his win total at Talladega to six. Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart (then teammates at Gibbs Racing) won last year's races.
Address
3366 Speedway Blvd.
Talladega, AL 35160
talladegasuperspeedway.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Complete fan guide (downloadable): Web site
Notable Events
AMP Energy 500 Weekend
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
• Practice Day and Qualifying
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
• Practice Day
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009
• Qualifying
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
• Mountain Dew 250, 3 p.m.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009
• AMP Energy 500, noon
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Tickets
Ticket office: 877-462-3342
Online (and seating chart): Buy tickets.
Pit passes: Available with purchase of select hospitality packages.
Fan hospitality: Different options available, call the track ticket office for
further information, or visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.
Special packages: Call the track ticket office for further information, or
visit talladegasuperspeedway.com.
Track Specs
Track length: 2.66 miles
Banking: Corners — 33 degrees; frontstretch — 16.5 degrees;
backstretch — 2 degrees
Frontstretch: 4,300 feet
Backstretch: 4,000 feet
Race length: 500 miles
Grandstand seating capacity: 143,231
Opened: 1969
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Allowed (one soft-side bag — 6"x6"x12" limit; clear, plastic
bags are allowed, 18"x18"x4" limit).
Glass containers: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Allowed.
Cameras/binoculars: Allowed; must be worn separately.
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit Area Guidelines
Pit area passes available, call the track ticket office for details.
Camping
Reserved: Available.
Unreserved: Available; call the track ticket office for further information.
Associated Driving Schools
Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure
888-GO-RACE1
Web site
Richard Petty Driving Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Web site
Racing Experience Inc.
888-RACING-8
Web site
Jeff Gordon Racing School
877-4-Jeff-24
Web site
Getting There
• From Atlanta: Take I-20 west to exit 173.
• From Birmingham: Take I-20 east to exit 168.
Parking
Free parking: Available.
Handicapped parking: Available; permit required.
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
