Showing posts with label Talladega. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Talladega. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
What you can bring to Talladega Superspeedway
Allowed
■ Binoculars, cameras, headsets, etc., worn separately around the neck or belt are allowed, along with seat cushions carries separately.■ Cell phones, scanners, pagers and radios can be clipped to the belt.
■ One soft-sided bag no larger than 6x6x12 inches. Soft-sided bags include insulated coolers, scanner and camera bags, fanny packs, pursues, diaper bags, etc. They may also contain ice. All soft-sided bags are subject to search.
■ One clear plastic bag no larger than 18x18x4 inches. Clear bags may be used to carry items such as: Scanners, apparel, cameras, snacks and canned beverages. They may not contain ice. All bags are subject to search.
Not allowed
■ Items not allowed include: Hard-sided coolers, backpacks, thermos bottles and insulated cups on any size; strollers, umbrellas, etc.; any bags, or containers larger than the allowable size of 6x6x12 inches. For fans’ safety, any items left unattended in or around the gate area will be removed and disposed of. Talladega Superspeedway assumes no responsibility.Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Aaron’s 499 Weekend Notes — 40 Years of Racing
In 2009, Talladega Superspeedway proudly celebrates 40 years of the most competitive racing in NASCAR. While the track has seen changes made to the cars that circle its high banks, the surface that they race on and the grandstands that thousands of fans fill twice a year, one constant remains; Talladega Superspeedway is authentic NASCAR racing at its finest.
Key terms that describe NASCAR weekends at Talladega Superspeedway:
• Close, thrilling finishes
• Side-by-side racing
• Phenomenon
• Legendary/historic
• Fast/high speed
• Fan-friendly
• Authentic NASCAR
• Friends get together
Talladega Superspeedway makes it more affordable and convenient for fans:
• Low-priced tickets still available for the Aaron’s 499.
• The best deal in 40 years — grandstand tickets for Aaron’s 499 start at $40.
• Dega Dollar Combo — $45 gets a reserved seat and 10 “Dega Dollars” useable at Americrown food concessions.
• Infield one-day tickets reduced 40% to $40.
• Fairway to Speedway — two tickets to Aaron’s 499 and two rounds of golf playable at nine of the 11 RTJ championship golf courses for only $200 — 25% savings.
• Updated hospitality offerings including new tent design, layout, entertainment and free beverages.
Lower priced concessions and new menu items:
• Fans save 25% with combo value meals (cheeseburger or hotdog w/ fries and drink). NEW
• “The Big One” — 1/3 pound hot dog served with a special Speedway Sauce. NEW
• Branded foods onsite — Papa John’s Pizza, Boardwalk Fries and Juicy’s Outlaw Grill. NEW
Continued convenience and value:
• New pedestrian bridge over the 30-lane main entrance for improved fan traffic flow and safety.
• Free camping available as well as free parking on property.
• Fans can still bring their own food and beverage in approved coolers.
SPECIAL NOTE: TSS President Rick Humphrey presented Samson Mayor Clay King with 1,000 tickets. to the Aaron’s 499 for emergency workers and town residents 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.
First Class Entertainment/Dignitaries:
• Nick Saban, University of Alabama Head Football Coach — Grand Marshal for the Aaron’s 499
• Miss America 2009, Katie Stam, will perform the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway and visit fans in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club and Pepsi Pit Tour Experience Zone hospitality areas.
• More than 10 driver appearances throughout the weekend including the MRN at Full SPEED fan forum Sunday at 9 a.m. on the SPEED stage and special appearances at Intl. Motorsports Hall of Fame.
• Country/Rock duo LoCash Cowboys to headline free infield concert at Talladega Superspeedway.
Source: NASCAR
Key terms that describe NASCAR weekends at Talladega Superspeedway:
• Close, thrilling finishes
• Side-by-side racing
• Phenomenon
• Legendary/historic
• Fast/high speed
• Fan-friendly
• Authentic NASCAR
• Friends get together
Talladega Superspeedway makes it more affordable and convenient for fans:
• Low-priced tickets still available for the Aaron’s 499.
• The best deal in 40 years — grandstand tickets for Aaron’s 499 start at $40.
• Dega Dollar Combo — $45 gets a reserved seat and 10 “Dega Dollars” useable at Americrown food concessions.
• Infield one-day tickets reduced 40% to $40.
• Fairway to Speedway — two tickets to Aaron’s 499 and two rounds of golf playable at nine of the 11 RTJ championship golf courses for only $200 — 25% savings.
• Updated hospitality offerings including new tent design, layout, entertainment and free beverages.
Lower priced concessions and new menu items:
• Fans save 25% with combo value meals (cheeseburger or hotdog w/ fries and drink). NEW
• “The Big One” — 1/3 pound hot dog served with a special Speedway Sauce. NEW
• Branded foods onsite — Papa John’s Pizza, Boardwalk Fries and Juicy’s Outlaw Grill. NEW
Continued convenience and value:
• New pedestrian bridge over the 30-lane main entrance for improved fan traffic flow and safety.
• Free camping available as well as free parking on property.
• Fans can still bring their own food and beverage in approved coolers.
SPECIAL NOTE: TSS President Rick Humphrey presented Samson Mayor Clay King with 1,000 tickets. to the Aaron’s 499 for emergency workers and town residents 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.
First Class Entertainment/Dignitaries:
• Nick Saban, University of Alabama Head Football Coach — Grand Marshal for the Aaron’s 499
• Miss America 2009, Katie Stam, will perform the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway and visit fans in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club and Pepsi Pit Tour Experience Zone hospitality areas.
• More than 10 driver appearances throughout the weekend including the MRN at Full SPEED fan forum Sunday at 9 a.m. on the SPEED stage and special appearances at Intl. Motorsports Hall of Fame.
• Country/Rock duo LoCash Cowboys to headline free infield concert at Talladega Superspeedway.
Source: NASCAR
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rule clarification regarding passing at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — 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 No. 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 No. 01 and scoring the No. 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.
"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 No. 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 No. 01 and scoring the No. 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.
Friday, October 3, 2008
What you can bring to Talladega Superspeedway; scanner frequencies
Allowed
■ Binoculars, cameras, headsets, etc., worn separately around the neck or belt are allowed, along with seat cushions carries separately.■ Cell phones, scanners, pagers and radios can be clipped to the belt.
■ One soft-sided bag no larger than 6x6x12 inches. Soft-sided bags include insulated coolers, scanner and camera bags, fanny packs, pursues, diaper bags, etc. They may also contain ice. All soft-sided bags are subject to search.
■ One clear plastic bag no larger than 18x18x4 inches. Clear bags may be used to carry items such as: Scanners, apparel, cameras, snacks and canned beverages. They may not contain ice. All bags are subject to search.
Not allowed
■ Items not allowed include: Hard-sided coolers, backpacks, thermos bottles and insulated cups on any size; strollers, umbrellas, etc.; any bags, or containers larger than the allowable size of 6x6x12 inches. For fans’ safety, any items left unattended in or around the gate area will be removed and disposed of. Talladega Superspeedway assumes no responsibility.Scanner frequencies for the Amp Energy 500
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Fantasy Report: Amp Energy 500
Residents of Calhoun and Talladega counties may notice an influx of people into the area this weekend as 200,000 fans descend upon the Talladega Superspeedway for the Amp Energy 500, the Mountain Dew 250 and the ARCA RE/MAX Series 250. The Chase is on with 3 top contenders eyeing the trophy and Talladega could be the determining factor in who stays in it or takes themselves out of the running. Onto this week's picks:
Brandon's picks:
Jimmie Johnson✔, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, David Ragan✔, Juan Pablo Montoya, Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and David Reutimann.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr.✔, Jamie McMurray✔, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and Scott Riggs.
Frontrunners: There's no doubt that since this is an impound race that there will be some lesser teams running toward the front of the pack to start this race but they probably won't stay there for long. Case in point: Joe Nemechek sat on the pole in the spring and finished a not-so-bad 25th, whereas Montoya started 26th and finished 2nd. However, this isn't an exact science since Kyle Busch started 5th and won earlier this year at 'Dega. It couldn't hurt to put in some drivers you think doesn't have a shot at winning but might qualify well if you've already decided on who you're putting in this weekend ... for me that's Elliott Sadler (can't ever tell with him though.)
Eye on the prize: There's little question about Talladega's importance in terms of Chase points and it could be an excellent opportunity to really rake in some Fantasy points as well. You can be sure that the top guys in the point standings will be factors this weekend but I think that when the checkered flag is dropped the #48 of Johnson will be out front. Call it a hunch from the perspective of his 13th place finish in the spring, but he's had a win here and 4 top-5 finishes. After his victory last weekend in Kansas and the revival of his teams performance he's got my pick. Other notables to watch out for would be J. Gordon, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart.
Trouble in turn 4: Kyle Busch ... oh, how unpredictable you have become. I would like to say that he's a lock this weekend given the fact that he dominated the season but with dismal performances in the Chase and his innate ability to get into trouble at 'Dega he might not be a good choice. Despite the fact that I haven't been able to use Kyle for quite some time and his winning the last 2 restrictor plate races this year, I'm not sure he'll do that well on Sunday. Remember: he doesn't have anything to lose and for "crazy" drivers like Kyle that could end well for him or very badly. Although not his fault, this comes to mind: The Big One from the 2007 UAW-Ford 500.
They can't all win: When playing Fantasy one must not always try to knock it out of the park week-in, week-out. So, when picking your drivers this week, especially for B and C, try to pick someone that is a solid finisher and has the experience to stay out of big wrecks. Earnhardt Jr. is the guy I've been holding for this very race. Not only is he the fan favorite but he could also turn a few heads with a great finish, if not a win, this weekend if he can stay out of trouble. Remember in 2006, Junior almost won before getting spun out on the last lap. Another driver that could have a decent week is Montoya. He's coming off a pole at Kansas that was taken away by technicality and a near win the the spring at Talladega.
Good luck and enjoy the race!
Brandon's picks:Jimmie Johnson✔, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, David Ragan✔, Juan Pablo Montoya, Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and David Reutimann.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr.✔, Jamie McMurray✔, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and Scott Riggs.
Frontrunners: There's no doubt that since this is an impound race that there will be some lesser teams running toward the front of the pack to start this race but they probably won't stay there for long. Case in point: Joe Nemechek sat on the pole in the spring and finished a not-so-bad 25th, whereas Montoya started 26th and finished 2nd. However, this isn't an exact science since Kyle Busch started 5th and won earlier this year at 'Dega. It couldn't hurt to put in some drivers you think doesn't have a shot at winning but might qualify well if you've already decided on who you're putting in this weekend ... for me that's Elliott Sadler (can't ever tell with him though.)
Eye on the prize: There's little question about Talladega's importance in terms of Chase points and it could be an excellent opportunity to really rake in some Fantasy points as well. You can be sure that the top guys in the point standings will be factors this weekend but I think that when the checkered flag is dropped the #48 of Johnson will be out front. Call it a hunch from the perspective of his 13th place finish in the spring, but he's had a win here and 4 top-5 finishes. After his victory last weekend in Kansas and the revival of his teams performance he's got my pick. Other notables to watch out for would be J. Gordon, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart.
Trouble in turn 4: Kyle Busch ... oh, how unpredictable you have become. I would like to say that he's a lock this weekend given the fact that he dominated the season but with dismal performances in the Chase and his innate ability to get into trouble at 'Dega he might not be a good choice. Despite the fact that I haven't been able to use Kyle for quite some time and his winning the last 2 restrictor plate races this year, I'm not sure he'll do that well on Sunday. Remember: he doesn't have anything to lose and for "crazy" drivers like Kyle that could end well for him or very badly. Although not his fault, this comes to mind: The Big One from the 2007 UAW-Ford 500.
They can't all win: When playing Fantasy one must not always try to knock it out of the park week-in, week-out. So, when picking your drivers this week, especially for B and C, try to pick someone that is a solid finisher and has the experience to stay out of big wrecks. Earnhardt Jr. is the guy I've been holding for this very race. Not only is he the fan favorite but he could also turn a few heads with a great finish, if not a win, this weekend if he can stay out of trouble. Remember in 2006, Junior almost won before getting spun out on the last lap. Another driver that could have a decent week is Montoya. He's coming off a pole at Kansas that was taken away by technicality and a near win the the spring at Talladega.
Good luck and enjoy the race!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
All bets are off as Chase makes annual stop at Talladega
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In days gone by, Talladega Superspeedway's second race each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was held in late July, with impressive competition meeting oppressive heat. Seeking to enhance the first but lose the second, NASCAR moved the event to October.
Then, starting in 2004, things got hotter than ever.
Credit the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR's playoff-style championship-deciding format that encompasses the last 10 races of the season. When the format was instituted in '04 it placed tempestuous Talladega in the middle of the mix.
Sunday's AMP Energy 500 is Race 4 in the 2008 "Chase." As always, the only thing predictable about Talladega is the track's unpredictability.
Credit the banking of 33 degrees in the turns.
Or maybe the overall track length of 2.66 miles, conducive to serious speed.
And don't forget the close-quarters racing resulting from carburetor restrictor plates that reduce horsepower and put a premium on handling, drafting — and teamwork. Or in lieu of teamwork, cooperation between non-teammates.
Talladega's tough — particularly on drivers who roll into town leading the Chase standings. In the four years of the Chase thus far, only once has the leader coming into Talladega been the leader leaving town — Jeff Burton (No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet) in 2006. And that was a close call; Burton's lead was sliced to six points after a 27th-place race finish. He ended up a disappointing seventh in the final point standings.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet) has five Talladega wins to his credit. Earnhardt, eighth in points and in need of a late-season rally, isn't convinced a big points shake-up is inevitable this week.
But that's not to say he would be surprised.
"[This race] has the potential to do that," Earnhardt said.
"It's going to be tough to gain on everyone in this race. It will be tough for it to really jumble up the points. I think you just have to try to win the race.
'the only way to really gain points on anybody right now, for anybody who's outside of the top five in points, is to be first when the checkered flag falls."
Earnhardt's five Talladega wins happened between 2001-04, part of an overwhelming Chevrolet dominance at the track this decade. Since the start of the 2000 season Chevrolet drivers have won 15 of 17 races there. The two exceptions: Dale Jarrett's victory in a Ford, in the 2005 fall race and Kyle Busch's win in the No. 18 Pedigree Toyota this past April.
Current series points leader Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's/KOBALT Chevrolet) has one of those Chevrolet victories since 2000 — in the spring 2006 race.
The two drivers immediately behind him in the points — second-place Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford) and Greg Biffle (No. 16 DISH Network Ford) — have average Talladega finishes of 24th and 25th, respectively.
— Source: NASCAR
Then, starting in 2004, things got hotter than ever.Credit the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR's playoff-style championship-deciding format that encompasses the last 10 races of the season. When the format was instituted in '04 it placed tempestuous Talladega in the middle of the mix.
Sunday's AMP Energy 500 is Race 4 in the 2008 "Chase." As always, the only thing predictable about Talladega is the track's unpredictability.
Credit the banking of 33 degrees in the turns.
Or maybe the overall track length of 2.66 miles, conducive to serious speed.
And don't forget the close-quarters racing resulting from carburetor restrictor plates that reduce horsepower and put a premium on handling, drafting — and teamwork. Or in lieu of teamwork, cooperation between non-teammates.
Talladega's tough — particularly on drivers who roll into town leading the Chase standings. In the four years of the Chase thus far, only once has the leader coming into Talladega been the leader leaving town — Jeff Burton (No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet) in 2006. And that was a close call; Burton's lead was sliced to six points after a 27th-place race finish. He ended up a disappointing seventh in the final point standings.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet) has five Talladega wins to his credit. Earnhardt, eighth in points and in need of a late-season rally, isn't convinced a big points shake-up is inevitable this week.
But that's not to say he would be surprised.
"[This race] has the potential to do that," Earnhardt said.
"It's going to be tough to gain on everyone in this race. It will be tough for it to really jumble up the points. I think you just have to try to win the race.
'the only way to really gain points on anybody right now, for anybody who's outside of the top five in points, is to be first when the checkered flag falls."
Earnhardt's five Talladega wins happened between 2001-04, part of an overwhelming Chevrolet dominance at the track this decade. Since the start of the 2000 season Chevrolet drivers have won 15 of 17 races there. The two exceptions: Dale Jarrett's victory in a Ford, in the 2005 fall race and Kyle Busch's win in the No. 18 Pedigree Toyota this past April.
Current series points leader Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's/KOBALT Chevrolet) has one of those Chevrolet victories since 2000 — in the spring 2006 race.
The two drivers immediately behind him in the points — second-place Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford) and Greg Biffle (No. 16 DISH Network Ford) — have average Talladega finishes of 24th and 25th, respectively.
— Source: NASCAR
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
"The Big One" during the Aaron's 499
Not quite as big as some in the past but it took out some top contenders including Tony Stewart.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Dario Franchitti hit hard during the Aaron's 312
Franchitti is lucky to have only suffered a broken ankle during this crash.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What you can bring to Talladega Superspeedway
Allowed
■ Binoculars, cameras, headsets, etc., worn separately around the neck or belt are allowed, along with seat cushions carries separately.■ Cell phones, scanners, pagers and radios can be clipped to the belt.
■ One soft-sided bag no larger than 6x6x12 inches. Soft-sided bags include insulated coolers, scanner and camera bags, fanny packs, pursues, diaper bags, etc. They may also contain ice. All soft-sided bags are subject to search.
■ One clear plastic bag no larger than 18x18x4 inches. Clear bags may be used to carry items such as: Scanners, apparel, cameras, snacks and canned beverages. They may not contain ice. All bags are subject to search.
Not allowed
■ Items not allowed include: Hard-sided coolers, backpacks, thermos bottles and insulated cups on any size; strollers, umbrellas, etc.; any bags, or containers larger than the allowable size of 6x6x12 inches. For fans’ safety, any items left unattended in or around the gate area will be removed and disposed of. Talladega Superspeedway assumes no responsibility.Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Fantasy Report: Aaron's 499
This week NASCAR rolls into our home state for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. This track is a 2.66-mile tri-oval with 33 degrees of banking in the corners. They don't call it "NASCAR's Most Competitive Track" for nothing.
Here are our drivers:
Erik's picks: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart✔, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Jamie McMurray✔, Greg Biffle, Martin Truex Jr., Brian Vickers✔ and Paul Menard
Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson✔, Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Martin Truex Jr., David Gilliland, Elliott Sadler✔, Brian Vickers✔ and Michael Waltrip.
"The Big One": Picking a driver that can stay out of wrecks is hard anywhere but is even more difficult at Talladega. A single wreck can take out half the field eliminating your fantasy drivers. One bad week can really put you behind in the point standings.
A few drivers to consider: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon for starters. They always seem to be running at the end of this race and often at the front. This will mark Jr.'s 300th Cup start and you can bet that the "Junior Nation" will be amped up. Jeff Gordon, on the other hand, dominated at Talladega last year with 2 wins (one from the pole). Jimmy Johnson has also had success there in the past and his team looks as if they have come alive in the last couple of races. Others to watch for would be Brian Vickers and Kurt Busch. Vickers, who always seems strong at Talladega, won in 2006 after spinning Johnson into Jr. for a dramatic finish. Busch has had 7 top 10 finishes in 8 races.
Things to remember: This is an impound race. That means that the car they qualify with is the car they'll race with ... no switching to race trim after taking time in qualifying trim. This sometimes brings a few of the teams that are farther behind in points to the front. It's a gamble to pick those that qualify well because it often doesn't pay off. Don't be discouraged if your main pick is way back in the field because Gordon started 35th and remained near the back for most of the fall race last year until "The Big One" occurred and then got on the gas to eventually take the checkered flag. Also, don't forget that Gordon won from the pole last spring so nothing is set in stone.
— Brandon Wynn contributed to this post.
• Last winners — April 2007: 24-Jeff Gordon, 154.167 mph; October 2007: Jeff Gordon, 143.438 mph
• Qualifying records — No restrictor plate: Bill Elliott, April 1987, 212.809 mph; Restrictor Plate: Bill Elliott, May 1990, 199.388 15/16th-inch plate
• Most Wins — Active: 6, Jeff Gordon; All time: 10, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
• Most Poles (All Time): 8, Bill Elliott
• Most Top 5s: 23, Dale Earnhardt
— Source: NASCAR
Here are our drivers:Erik's picks: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart✔, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Jamie McMurray✔, Greg Biffle, Martin Truex Jr., Brian Vickers✔ and Paul Menard
Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson✔, Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Martin Truex Jr., David Gilliland, Elliott Sadler✔, Brian Vickers✔ and Michael Waltrip.
"The Big One": Picking a driver that can stay out of wrecks is hard anywhere but is even more difficult at Talladega. A single wreck can take out half the field eliminating your fantasy drivers. One bad week can really put you behind in the point standings.
A few drivers to consider: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon for starters. They always seem to be running at the end of this race and often at the front. This will mark Jr.'s 300th Cup start and you can bet that the "Junior Nation" will be amped up. Jeff Gordon, on the other hand, dominated at Talladega last year with 2 wins (one from the pole). Jimmy Johnson has also had success there in the past and his team looks as if they have come alive in the last couple of races. Others to watch for would be Brian Vickers and Kurt Busch. Vickers, who always seems strong at Talladega, won in 2006 after spinning Johnson into Jr. for a dramatic finish. Busch has had 7 top 10 finishes in 8 races.
Things to remember: This is an impound race. That means that the car they qualify with is the car they'll race with ... no switching to race trim after taking time in qualifying trim. This sometimes brings a few of the teams that are farther behind in points to the front. It's a gamble to pick those that qualify well because it often doesn't pay off. Don't be discouraged if your main pick is way back in the field because Gordon started 35th and remained near the back for most of the fall race last year until "The Big One" occurred and then got on the gas to eventually take the checkered flag. Also, don't forget that Gordon won from the pole last spring so nothing is set in stone.
— Brandon Wynn contributed to this post.
Fast Facts
• Last pole sitters — April 2007: Jeff Gordon, 192.069 mph; October 2007: Michael Waltrip, 189.070 mph• Last winners — April 2007: 24-Jeff Gordon, 154.167 mph; October 2007: Jeff Gordon, 143.438 mph
• Qualifying records — No restrictor plate: Bill Elliott, April 1987, 212.809 mph; Restrictor Plate: Bill Elliott, May 1990, 199.388 15/16th-inch plate
• Most Wins — Active: 6, Jeff Gordon; All time: 10, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
• Most Poles (All Time): 8, Bill Elliott
• Most Top 5s: 23, Dale Earnhardt
— Source: NASCAR
Monday, March 31, 2008
NEWS RELEASE: Talladega Superspeedway Expands Free Overnight Parks
March 27, 2008
TALLADEGA — 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 and will feature the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
“Talladega Superspeedway hosts some of the most loyal fans in NASCAR,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “And we realize that a lot of those fans are traveling long distances to be here and that some of the expense to visit us has grown since last year. We want our guests to know that we are working to help them cut the cost of attending our events by opening more land for them to stay on our property for free. Several years ago we bought approximately 500 acres for the sole purpose of using it for our overnight guests. Last spring we opened a small portion of it and we’re ready to open even more. The option to stay on track property for free will certainly help offset some expense.”
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.
TALLADEGA — 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 and will feature the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
“Talladega Superspeedway hosts some of the most loyal fans in NASCAR,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “And we realize that a lot of those fans are traveling long distances to be here and that some of the expense to visit us has grown since last year. We want our guests to know that we are working to help them cut the cost of attending our events by opening more land for them to stay on our property for free. Several years ago we bought approximately 500 acres for the sole purpose of using it for our overnight guests. Last spring we opened a small portion of it and we’re ready to open even more. The option to stay on track property for free will certainly help offset some expense.”
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.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Talladega Superspeedway Announces All-You-Can-Eat Package
I've heard of a few MLB teams (Braves and Dodgers) offering all you can eat seats and it had intrigued me. I'm not sure what the concession prices are like at 'Dega, but you probably wouldn't have to eat a lot to make up for the extra ticket price. I would have liked to have seen a few more options for food though.
Luckily for Jeff Gordon, this is not "All You Can Drink."
Press release:
TALLADEGA — Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today 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!
“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our guests’ experience,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “The all-you-can-eat package is a great value for families and race fans on a budget. For only $80 a fan can watch NASCAR’s two premier series race at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track with meals included. That’s a great deal.“
The all-you-can-eat voucher is valid from 11:30 a.m. to 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.
Luckily for Jeff Gordon, this is not "All You Can Drink."
Press release:
TALLADEGA — Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today 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!
“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our guests’ experience,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “The all-you-can-eat package is a great value for families and race fans on a budget. For only $80 a fan can watch NASCAR’s two premier series race at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track with meals included. That’s a great deal.“
The all-you-can-eat voucher is valid from 11:30 a.m. to 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.
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