Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway

Tri-oval (1969–present)
Location3366 Speedway Boulevard, Lincoln, Alabama, 35096
Time zoneUTC−6 (UTC−5 DST)
Coordinates33°34′01.06″N 86°03′57.85″W / 33.5669611°N 86.0660694°W / 33.5669611; -86.0660694
Capacity80,000
OwnerNASCAR (2019–present)
International Speedway Corporation (1969–2019)
Broke ground23 May 1968; 56 years ago (1968-05-23)
Opened9 September 1969; 55 years ago (1969-09-09)
Construction cost$5 million USD
Former namesAlabama International Motor Speedway (1969–1989)
Major eventsCurrent:
NASCAR Cup Series
Jack Link's 500 (1970–present)
YellaWood 500 (1969–present)
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Ag-Pro 300 (1992–present)
Sparks 300 (2020–2022, 2024)
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Love's RV Stop 225 (2006–present) Former:
International Race of Champions (1984, 1986, 1990–1996, 1999–2001, 2003)
AMA Superbike Championship (1980–1983)
IMSA GT Championship (1971–1972, 1974–1976, 1978)
Websitetalladegasuperspeedway.com
Tri-oval (1969–present)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length2.660 miles (4.281 km)
Turns4
BankingTurns: 33°
Tri-oval: 16.5°
Straights: 2°
Race lap record0:46.530 (United States Parker Kligerman, Toyota Camry, 2019, NASCAR Cup)
Road Course (1969–1989)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length4.000 miles (6.437 km)
Turns11
Race lap record1:53.400 (United States Peter Gregg, Porsche 935, 1978, IMSA GTX)

Talladega Superspeedway (formerly named Alabama International Motor Speedway from 1969 to 1989) is a 2.66-mile (4.28 km) tri-oval superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. The track has hosted a variety of racing events since its inaugural season of racing in 1969; primarily races sanctioned by NASCAR. The track has been owned by NASCAR since 2019 with Brian Crichton serving as the track's president. The facility has a grandstand capacity of 80,000 as of 2022. Along with the main track, the track complex also features a 4-mile (6.4 km) long roval-style road course.

After a proposal in Spartanburg, South Carolina, fell through in the early 1960s, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. opted to seek his proposal elsewhere, eventually landing on an area near Talladega, Alabama. Over the track's first couple decades, it gained a reputation for being a fast, wild, and chaotic track, with speeds of over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), major accidents, and unusual occurrences being commonplace. NASCAR's introduction of the restrictor plate and the subsequent appearance of pack racing in the late 1980s exacerbated its chaotic reputation, with "Big One" accidents involving 10 or more cars occurring often; a phenomenon that has lasted into the present day.

Description

Configuration

Talladega Superspeedway in its current form is measured at 2.66 miles (4.28 km), with 33 degrees of banking in the turns, 16.5 degrees of banking in the tri-oval section, and two degrees of banking in the straights.[1] The track, similar in shape to the NASCAR-owned Daytona International Speedway, differs from Daytona due to its start-finish line; Talladega's start finish line is around a 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) away from the track's center point.[2] Within NASCAR's schedule, Talladega Superspeedway is the longest oval NASCAR races on during the season.[3] Talladega Superspeedway also features a roval-style road course, measuring at 4 miles (6.4 km).[4][5]

Amenities

Talladega Superspeedway is located near Interstate 20.[6] As of 2022, Talladega Superspeedway has a capacity of 80,000 according to the Sports Business Journal.[7] At its peak, the track contained a capacity of 143,000 according to a 2003 spectator's guide given by the Montgomery Advertiser.[8] The track's infield covers approximately 270 acres according to Business Insider,[9] and hosts around 2,700 RV parking spots.[10] In total, the track complex covers around 3,000 acres,[11] with the facility being the largest on the NASCAR schedule.[12]

Race weekend party scene

Talladega Superspeedway is known for its infield party scene during race weekends, gaining a reputation for a chaotic, Woodstock/Mardi Gras-type atmosphere.[13] The party scene has been described by ESPN's Ryan McGee as "full of redneck engineering and school buses and questionable decisions".[14] Games, parades, and nudity has been reported by numerous journalists as being commonplace;[15][16] with reporter Mike Hembree stating that the focus of the party scene was "toward beer, liquor, racing, boobs and, somewhat down the list, college football."[17] Elizabeth Blackstock, writer for Jalopnik, stated that at Talladega, "People turn into animals. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it looks like when humans just cease giving a fuck, I highly recommend finding your nearest infield campground."[18] Considered to be "notoriously rowdy" in the 1980s,[19] by the 2000s, Talladega Superspeedway officials started to crack down on "hard-core lawlessness", adding in a makeshift jail and making the scene "more civilized".[20]

Track history

Planning and construction

Failed Spartanburg proposal

Refer to caption
The Spartanburg Memorial Airport (pictured in 2008). Bill France Sr. originally drafted plans to build a track similar to AIMS near the airport. However, plans to build the track in Spartanburg fell through.

Sometime in the early 1960s, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. made initial plans to construct a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) superspeedway in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with the help of Spartanburg native Joe Littlejohn.[21] In October 1963, designs for the Spartanburg track were drawn up by C. H. Moneypenny, with it planned to be built near the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport.[22] An official announcement was made on February 18, 1964, with stated hopes of building 50,000 seats and a budget of "near a million dollars";[23] it was also touted as a "little Daytona". However, while France Sr. later stated that plans were "far away from building" in March, local residents near the airport immediately raised opposition towards the proposal in the Spartanburg City Council; particularly due to concerns of increased noise.[24][22] Despite further rumored plans to build a new airport terminal for the airport, further opposition was raised due to local blue laws.[25] Despite this, in May, France Sr. continued to scout for potential sites.[26] The proposal was eventually rejected by the local city council; the rejection, which heavily contributed to the declining racing scene of Spartanburg that started in the start of the 1960s, was seen by locals as the point of no return of the city's decline. In an interview, longtime NASCAR driver James Hylton stated that the city council "stuck a knife in their hearts, their own hearts. Because if the city fathers in Spartanburg and Spartanburg County had approved that, this would be Talladega... All the people who had a vote on that really didn't understand racing. They really didn't have a clue as to what the future held."[25]

Anniston Air Force Base proposal

According to multiple people associated with Talladega Superspeedway's beginnings, sometime in 1965, former driver and businessman Fonty Flock convinced France Sr. to scout the Anniston, Alabama, area.[27] At the beginning of 1966, The Anniston Star reported that France Sr. was negotiating to build a $1.5 million (adjusted for inflation, $14,086,154) facility in Eastaboga near the Talladega Municipal Airport. However, according to France Sr., local Alabama tax laws and the cost of surrounding land were deterrents to the track's construction.[28] In February, France Sr. had reportedly began negotiations in Gadsden.[29] However, in the next several months, France Sr. and city of Talladega officials resumed negotiations for the Eastaboga proposal. In August, the Alabama Senate passed a measure to allow Talladega and its nearby cities to finance the track with their own credit.[30] The measure was signed by governor George Wallace soon after; by this point, Talladega Industrial Development Board chairman O. V. Hill stated that the budget for the project had rose to $6 million (adjusted for inflation, $56,344,615), and planned to host a capacity from 40 to 50 thousand seats.[31] Leaders of the now-proposed 2.5 miles (4.0 km) track also hoped to raise $3 million and acquire approximately 1,500 acres of land to kickstart the project.[32] Nearing the end of the year, leaders awaited a verdict from the Union Oil Company on whether they would invest $3.5 million for the project.[33][34]

Refer to caption
An overhead picture of Talladega Superspeedway. The track was built using the remains of the defunct Anniston Air Force Base.

France Sr. later stated hopes of starting construction in the summer of 1967 and to open the track sometime in 1969.[35] A finalized plan of the project was reported in April 1967, which according to France Sr. was "economically justified".[36] In June, France Sr. stated in The Anniston Star that the "bond market just isn't what it should be at the present"; however, speculated rumors of Pure Oil, a subsidiary of Union Oil, investing the entire amount needed to finance the project were also being made, with a feasibility report stating that the project was "highly favorable".[37] In the next month, a party associated with France and Pure Oil were reported to have invested two-thirds of the financing needed for its construction,[38] along with the city of Talladega offering 650 acres.[39] At the beginning of 1968, France Sr. announced that the track would be longer than the France Sr.-owned Daytona International Speedway by "400 [to] 600 feet". In the same announcement, he also stated that he aimed to start construction in a couple of months and that the project was "90 percent assured".[40] On March 14, Talladega County officials announced that they hoped for a final verdict on access road financing in order to finally approve the project;[41][42] however, a sale of $2 million to First Alabama Securities relating to industrial bonds failed to go through.[43] Despite this, France Sr. and Hill did not consider the lack of funds to be a major problem, and instead were so confident that they thought that the purchase would nevertheless be secured within the next month.[43][44][45] In April, the city of Talladega gave France Sr. 2,000 acres at the site of the former Anniston Air Force Base.[46]

On May 16, 1968, France Sr. officially announced the construction of the project along with a new airport runway near the track, which came at a final projected cost of $5 million and an opening date in September 1969.[47] Groundbreaking occurred seven days later, with the facility officially being named the Alabama International Motor Speedway (AIMS). At the groundbreaking ceremony, France Sr. stated plans to host NASCAR, sports car, and motorcycle events at the facility. France Sr.'s son, Bill France Jr., was placed in charge of AIMS.[48] During construction, the track was advertised to have bankings steeper than Daytona International Speedway and potential average speeds over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h).[49] In October, work began on constructing grandstands, which involved bulldozing part of the Talladega Mountains.[50] In April 1969, a 4 miles (6.4 km) "roval" road course was announced by France Sr.[4] That same month, reports by the Associated Press stated that AIMS was selling 70 tickets daily on average.[51] In July, the amount of tickets sold daily was "100 or more", with the goal of 100,000 people coming to the inaugural race being "assured".[52] The next month, the only construction fatality occurred when W. L. Harry died when a crane hit his head, crushing his skull.[53]

Chaotic first years

1969 Talladega 500

Main article: 1969 Talladega 500

A date to christen AIMS was scheduled for September 14, 1969, for the 1969 Talladega 500.[54] The first tire tests for the facility were ran by LeeRoy Yarbrough and Donnie Allison in early August, with both claiming unofficial world closed circuit speed records.[55][56] Both drivers complained of "rough places" on the surface of the track during testing.[57] Later in the month, Bobby Allison in a newly-unveiled Dodge Charger Daytona ran another test session;[58][59] Bobby later claimed that the track had "great big holes" in its surface. France Sr. admitted the appearance of three holes due to Hurricane Camille, but also claimed that the holes were filled before Bobby made testing runs.[60] On race weekend, although the track surface was completed, numerous amenities, including VIP suites, were either unfinished or "barebones" according to longtime motorsports journalist Dave Despain.[27]

Refer to caption
Refer to caption
Refer to caption
Numerous drivers, including Cale Yarborough (left), Buddy Baker (middle), and Donnie Allison (right) complained about a rough track surface during the track's inaugural race weekend.

The track officially opened to the public on September 9 for practice sessions for the Talladega 500.[61] The track surface drew complaints from drivers, particularly drivers from the newly-formed Professional Drivers Association (PDA), a drivers' union. PDA drivers Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker, and Charlie Glotzbach all reported that the surface was "rough" and caused increased tire wear amongst both Goodyear and Firestone tires; the two tire suppliers for the race.[62][63] Baker later added, "they haven’t built a tire out of anything that will stand up if you hit a chuckhole at 200 miles per hour".[62] Tires were also reported to have only lasted 4 laps until they became "shredded", with Firestone pulling out of the event.[27] Anniston Star writer George Smith remarked that due to the never-before-seen speeds in NASCAR, "no one really knew what to expect of speeds in the 195-200 m.p.h. range."[64] As a result of the complaints, drivers asked France Sr. if the race to be postponed; he refused, mainly due to the high cost of building the track, which France Sr. feared would bankrupt the track if the race was postponed.[27] He proceeded to tell the drivers to race at slower speeds; this was refused by the drivers.[65] After an incident that involved Yarbrough punching France Sr. after France Sr. called Yarbrough too scared to race,[63] a meeting involving 36 PDA drivers almost unanimously agreed to withdraw from the event.[66][63]

Despite almost every major driver withdrawing from the race, with the exceptions of Tiny Lund and Bobby Isaac,[63] France Sr. announced his intents to still run the race, stating in The Anniston Star, "I can't guarantee you how many cars will run right now, but there will be a race Sunday afternoon."[67] After the first race ever ran at the track, a 400 miles (640 km) preliminary NASCAR Grand American Series race won by Ken Rush,[68] France Sr. decided to seek out non-PDA, Grand American, and PDA scab drivers to race in the main event; he also let in the smaller Grand American "pony cars", which had less power, run in the event.[27] Chrysler, who was set to debut the winged Dodge Charger Daytona at the event, replaced Bobby Allison with PDA scab Richard Brickhouse.[69] To appease fans, France Sr. also announced that any fan with a Talladega 500 ticket stub could attend any Daytona or Talladega race for free in 1970.[67] The race ran without any major issues, with Brickhouse winning the event in front of a crowd of 64,000, which was lower than expected.[70] However, second-place finisher Jim Vandiver, who was driving an older Dodge model, accused NASCAR of rigging the race; the protests were unsuccessful.[27]

Don Naman era, slow expansion

The track's second season oversaw decreasing attendance and increased disdain over the quality of racing at the track. The 1970 Alabama 500 saw a decrease of over 10,000 people from the 1969 Talladega 500, with NASCAR officials stating the attendance was "disappointing".[71] In June, reporters stated that AIMS had covered up several parts of grandstands with tarp due to a lack of spectators during races.[72] A series of races held at AIMS in July were described by Anniston Star writer Tommy Hornsby as "a complete flop".[73] In October 1970, AIMS appointed Don Naman, promoter of the Tennessee-based Smoky Mountain Speedway, as the track's first general manager.[74] Within the first month, Naman announced an improvement project that aimed to remove track surface bumps along with renovating press boxes and the track's control tower.[75][76] As part of the project, the track surface was resurfaced by using a mixture that acted as a sealant.[77] The first race under Naman's tenure saw increased attendance, with 63,500 attending despite heavy doubt placed onto the track, leading to hopes of later races having more attending per race.[78] Within 1972, attendance had rose with Naman stated hopes of building new grandstands;[79] the track also had a better reputation in local Alabama media.[80] The next year, attendance had rose to such a point to where one Anniston Star reporter had described AIMS' future as "all sunshine".[81]

Expansions and renovations remained at a slow pace throughout Naman's tenure. In 1975, AIMS officials announced renovations worth over $200,000; among said renovations was the addition of a new press box on the track's frontstretch that costed around $150,000, additional loudspeakers, and additional spectator gates.[82][83] Further renovations to paddock areas were announced in 1977,[84] along with the addition of a new 2,200-seat grandstand.[85] A second repave was also announced in 1979 due to heavy rain.[86] That same year, Naman stated that officials hoped to expand to accommodate at least 150,000 fans by 1990.[87] The next year, a new, $80,000 scoring stand was added that accommodated around 100 people.[88] In 1985, $200,000 worth of renovations were made to the track's garage area and parts of the grandstands.[89] A new, 2,500-seat tower, the Anniston Tower, was constructed in 1986 and completed the following year, increasing the grandstand capacity of AIMS to 72,000.[90][91] In November 1986, talks of annexing AIMS into the city of Talladega was proposed by Talladega mayor Larry Barton in order to pay off a $1 million deficit;[92] however, annexation talks died down by early next year.[93]

Rising speeds, breaking records

Refer to caption
Lyn St. James' car driven in 1988 at Talladega to break the women's closed circuit speed record.

Within the track's early years, the track became known for its fast speeds, with multiple world records being broken; some records were more than once were broken at the track. In March 1970, Buddy Baker became the first person to break 200 miles per hour (320 km/h) on a closed course, setting an average speed of 200.449 miles per hour (322.591 km/h).[94] Seven months later, Bobby Isaac broke Baker's record, setting a lap of 201.104 miles per hour (323.646 km/h).[95] In 1971, Paula Murphy broke the women's world record for the closed-circuit speed record, setting a lap of 171.499 miles per hour (276.001 km/h).[96] In August 1974, A. J. Foyt took the overall closed-circuit speed record from Mario Andretti, setting a speed of an average speed of 217.315 miles per hour (349.735 km/h).[97] Foyt's record was broken a year later by Mark Donohue, with Donohue setting an average speed of 221.160 mph (355.923 km/h).[98]

In the 1980s, the women's world record for the closed-circuit speed record was broken numerous times. Over the course of two days, Lyn St. James broke the women's record[99] and became the first women to break over 200 mph, setting a lap of 204.233 mph (328.681 km/h) on the second day of testing.[100] The women's world record was broken three times within the next five years; St. James broke her own record in October 1988,[101] and Patty Moise broke the record soon after St. James' attempt the following year in December.[102] Moise proceeded to break her own record a month later, setting a lap of 217.498 mph (350.029 km/h).[103]

Injury and chaos-riddled period, alleged Talladega Curse

"Jim Hunter started all that... in the old, old days he was the PR director here. He was trying to come up with some way to build the mystique of Talladega. So he put together kind of a little public relations deal of talking about how Talladega was built on an old Indian burial ground... You heard the Bobby Isaac story, right? Jim was just building on that."

Former Talladega Superspeedway general manager Grant Lynch's comments on the beginnings of the Talladega Curse[104]

In the track's early years, numerous incidents that were either deemed unusual or caused either major injury or death occurred at AIMS both on and off the track, leading to beliefs of a "Talladega Curse" which stemmed from the belief that the track was built on cursed indigenous American land as a result of the Trail of Tears;[105] an idea that has been dismissed by former Talladega Superspeedway general manager Grant Lynch as a marketing ploy created by Jim Hunter, a past publicity director for the track.[104] In the 1973 Winston 500, a crash involving 19 cars hospitalized four drivers;[106][107] Wendell Scott, one of the hospitalized four, was left so badly injured that the accident effectively ended his racing career.[108] That same year at the Talladega 500, driver Larry Smith became the first fatality at the track when Smith blew a tire and hit the wall, suffering major head injuries.[109] In the same race, longtime driver Bobby Isaac retired abruptly from both the race and full-time racing after he stated that he heard voices in his head telling him to quit during the race.[110] At the 1974 Winston 500, ten of the top 11 qualified cars reported that their cars had been "sabotaged", with various mechanical failures being found and deliberately caused; the culprit was never found.[111][112] Two more fatalities, pit crew member Randy Owens and driver Tiny Lund, both occurred in 1975 in separate races.[113][114]

Unusual incidents continued into the 1980s. At the 1982 Winston 500, L. W. Wright, a confidence trickster, was able to launder thousands of dollars worth of equipment from multiple organizations, including Sterling Marlin, Goodyear, and NASCAR themselves. After attempting to race and subsequently being parked during the race for being too slow, he vanished without a trace despite a manhunt, and was only found in 2022 when he agreed to reveal himself for a podcast.[115][116] At the 1986 Winston 500, spectator Darren Crowder broke into the race's safety car and took it for a joyride in what is considered by longtime NASCAR journalist Steve Waid as "Talladega’s most bizarre incident".[117][118] At the 1987 Winston 500, Bobby Allison blew a tire in the track's frontstretch at high speeds, causing his car to go airborne and crash into a protective catchfence, injuring four spectators.[119][120] Considered to be one of the most influential moments in NASCAR's history, as a result of Allison's crash, NASCAR introduced the restrictor plate to reduce speeds; a requirement that lasted until 2019.[121][122]

Mike Helton and Grant Lynch eras

Refer to caption
Eventual NASCAR president Mike Helton (pictured in 2019) was the general manager of Talladega Superspeedway from 1989 to 1993.

In October 1987, Naman announced his intents to retire to become a member of the board of directors at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, with former Atlanta International Speedway general director Mike Helton taking his position.[123] In the aftermath of Bobby Allison's 1987 crash at AIMS, a renovated and heavier catchfence replaced the original catchfence in 1988.[124] On January 30, 1989, Helton became the president of the track; on the same day, the track was renamed to Talladega Superspeedway, with publicity director Jim Freeman stating in a press release that "it's shorter, and everybody called it 'Talladega' anyway".[125] Under Helton's leadership, numerous renovations to Talladega Superspeedway were made. In 1990, upgrades to all of the frontstretch grandstands were made so they could withstand a double-tiered system; 2,000 seats were also added to the Birmingham Tower, along with a new media center.[126] A new infield campground was added in May 1992;[127] it was met with relative praise.[128] Further additions to the Birmingham Tower were announced later that year, with around 3,000 seats being constructed.[129] At the end of 1993, Helton left to become the vice president of competition for NASCAR,[130] with general manager Grant Lynch taking Helton's position.[131]

Under Lynch's tenure, Talladega Superspeedway underwent through constant expansion due to fears that the track was falling behind in quality of amenities of rivaling tracks; particularly tracks built by Bruton Smith's company, Speedway Motorsports.[132] Seats were added in both 1994 and 1995, with 3,100 and 5,000 seats being added in each year, respectively.[133][134] A new grandstand, the 7,800-seat Gadsden Tower, was added in 1997; by this point, temporary stands were also added to accommodate more fans for its NASCAR races.[135] Another 11,000-seat tower was announced the following year, increasing the total capacity of the track's grandstands to 120,000; the project was the track's ninth expansion in the last decade.[136] Within the same year, the track also received a makeover; landscaping was done to make the track visible from Interstate 20 and the seats were colored red and blue to replace the "historically grey and dull" aesthetic of the track.[137] A second phase of expansion following the 1998 renovation was also announced that same year, with hopes of the track eventually hosting "well above 200,000" within its grandstands.[138] A 22,000-seat backstretch grandstand, the Allison Grandstand, was announced in April 1999[139] and completed in October of that year.[140] Another expansion to the O. V. Hill Grandstands was made in 2001, with 5,200 seats being added.[141] By 2003, according to the Montgomery Advertiser, the track hosted a grandstand seating capacity of 143,000.[8]

In December 2005, track officials announced a complete repave of Talladega; the first since 1979.[142] Construction on the repave started on May 2, 2006, a day later than expected due to rain.[143] The repave was met with positive reactions from drivers, including Tony Stewart[144] and Dennis Setzer.[145] It was eventually completed by September 25 of that year, in time for ARCA Re/Max Series testing.[146] The next year, Lynch was replaced by general manager Rick Humphrey, with Lynch being transferred to work at the corporate ISC offices.[147] A $13 million, two-phase renovation project was announced in 2009, which aimed to renovate outdated seating and improve accessibility.[148] Lynch came back to his old position the following year when Humphrey was transferred to ISC.[149] The early 2010s saw steep attendance declines due to the effects of the Great Recession; a peak of approximately 190,000 in the 2003 Aaron's 499 had fallen to 108,500 by the 2012 iteration of the same event.[150] In 2013, track officials announced that grandstand capacity would be decreased to 80,000, demolishing the backstretch Allison Grandstands.[151] In lieu of the Allison Grandstands, officials decided to honor the Alabama Gang by renaming the backstretch.[152]

Continued reputation of wild, crash-riddled track

Refer to caption
Cars racing in a pack at Talladega during a NASCAR Cup Series race. Due to the introduction of the restrictor plate, cars raced in big packs, with the frequency of multi-car crashes increasing.

The track's reputation as a chaotic facility continued into the 1990s and the new millennium. As part of the introduction of the restrictor plate mandated in the wake of Bobby Allison's crash in the 1987 Winston 500, cars were made drastically slower; an unintended consequence due to slower speeds was the introduction of pack racing.[153] As part of restrictor plate racing, major accidents involving numerous cars, often called the "Big One", occurred often.[122] At the 1993 DieHard 500, two separate major accidents occurred. Early in the race, multiple drivers were involved in a seven-car crash; one of them, Stanley Smith, suffered a basilar skull fracture that affected Smith for the rest of his life.[154][155] In the same accident, Jimmy Horton's car went over the protective wall; the first of its kind since 1969 in the NASCAR Cup Series.[156][157] Later in the race, Neil Bonnett's car went airborne and hit the catchfence on the track's frontstretch, tearing a 20-foot gap.[158] The next year at the 1994 Winston Select 500, a multi-car accident involving Mark Martin sent Martin through the infield of the track, with Martin breaking through an infield guardrail.[159] At the 1996 Winston Select 500, Ricky Craven was involved in a 14-car accident that sent Craven's car airborne at nearly the same spot during Horton's crash in 1993; however, due to a newly-added catchfence that was added in the turn in the wake of Horton's crash, Craven's car was able to stay within the track confines.[160]

Heading into the new millennium, major accidents continued, with incidents involving at least 20 cars occurring frequently. At a second-tier NASCAR Busch Series race in 2002, a 27-car pileup occurred, breaking an all-time record for the most cars involved in an incident in any of NASCAR's top three series in the modern era.[161] At the Aaron's 499 that same year, an incident late in the race involved two dozen cars.[162] The record was tied at the 2003 Aaron's 499, where the accident set a new all-time NASCAR Cup Series record for most cars involved in a single incident.[163] Another catchfence incident occurred at the 2009 Aaron's 499, when Carl Edwards' car went airborne on the final lap, crashing into the catchfence and injuring seven spectators.[164] Three years later at the 2012 Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500, a 25-car accident occurred on the final lap of the race.[165]

Brian Crichton era

In 2018, ISC announced a $50 million renovation to the track's infield which aimed to completely revamp the garage and media center along with the additions of several amenities, including additional suites and a new infield tunnel.[166] Work on the project started in October of that year,[167] and was completed in September 2019.[168] Also in 2018, Lynch announced his retirement from the track, ending a 25-year reign.[169] It took effect after the 2019 1000Bulbs.com 500, with vice president of marketing and sales Brian Crichton replacing Lynch.[170][171] The next year, the track came under controversy when a member of Bubba Wallace's crew reported a potential noose in the midst of the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement.[172][173] A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation later determined that Wallace had not been a victim of a hate crime; the noose was a garage door pull rope that had existed since October 2019, although it was the only one shaped like a noose across NASCAR-owned tracks.[174][175] To further modernize the track, a scoring pylon was removed in 2024 to get spectators to look at modern video screens for live scoring.[176]

Events

Racing

NASCAR

Main articles: Jack Link's 500, YellaWood 500, Ag-Pro 300, United Rentals 250, and Love's RV Stop 225
Refer to caption
Cars racing at the spring 2024 GEICO 500. Since 1969, NASCAR has raced at the facility annually.

Since the track's inaugural season of racing in 1969, the facility has held two annual NASCAR weekends for most of its history: the spring Jack Link's 500 and the fall YellaWood 500. The former was first ran in 1970,[177] and the latter was first run in 1969 to christen Talladega Superspeedway.[178] Along with its Cup Series races, the facility also hosts lower-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series races as support events for Cup Series races, including the Ag-Pro 300, United Rentals 250, and Love's RV Stop 225.[179]

IMSA GT Championship

In the 1970s, the IMSA GT Championship raced at the track's road course numerous times. The series first raced at Talladega Superspeedway in 1971,[180] and proceeded to race at the track five more times within the decade, including a six-hour endurance event in 1978.[181] Although IMSA was scheduled to race at the circuit in 1979 in another six-hour event at the track,[182] they opted to withdraw from the event.[183]

Other racing events

The International Race of Champions (IROC) made occasional appearances at Talladega Superspeedway throughout its existence. The series first appeared in 1984 for a one-off appearance,[184] opting to come back two years later before leaving again.[185] IROC came back on a year-by-year basis starting in 1990,[186] staying for a seven-year stint until leaving at the end of their 1996 season.[187] IROC made its last year-by-year stint starting in 1999,[188] racing there until 2003[189] (with the exception of 2002).[190]

The AMA Superbike Championship raced at the circuit in the early 1980s, first making their appearance in 1980.[191] The series made their last appearance at the circuit in 1983.[192]

Other events

In 1974, initial plans were made for the track to host a music festival that was organized by the organizers of Woodstock; the organizers had chosen the track party because "people could take drugs in there and not be bothered by law enforcement." Then-general manager Don Naman, who was a devout Catholic, refused because he thought the festival "wasn’t nice for the community".[193] In 2024, the track hosted the Foodie’s Food Culture Festival, a food truck event.[194]

Lap records

As of April 2024, the fastest official lap records at Talladega Superspeedway (formerly Alabama International Motor Speedway) are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
D-shaped Tri-Oval: 4.281 km (1969–present)[195][196]
NASCAR Cup 0:46.530[197] Parker Kligerman Toyota Camry 2019 1000Bulbs.com 500
NASCAR Xfinity 0:48.695[198] Joe Nemechek Chevrolet Camaro SS 2018 Sparks Energy 300
NASCAR Truck 0:48.875[199] Trevor Bayne Chevrolet Silverado 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 250
ARCA Menards 0:51.429[200] Gus Dean Toyota Camry 2024 General Tire 200
Road Course: 6.437 km (1969–1989)[195][196]
IMSA GTX 1:53.400[201] Peter Gregg Porsche 935 1978 6 Hours of Talladega
IMSA GT 1:56.600[202] Michael Keyser Chevrolet Monza 1976 'Bama 200
IMSA GTO 2:04.327[203] Tony DeLorenzo Chevrolet Corvette 1972 Inver House 'Bama 200
IMSA AAC 2:07.130[201] Gene Felton Buick Skylark 1978 6 Hours of Talladega
IMSA GTU 2:08.200[202] Elliot Forbes-Robinson[a]
Brad Frisselle[a]
Dave White[a]		 Datsun 240Z[a]
Datsun 240Z[a]
Porsche 911 S[a]		 1976 'Bama 200
Refer to caption
A car used in the filming of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The 2006 movie is considered to be one of the most beloved auto racing-related films of all-time.

In June 2005, a collaborative movie project between NASCAR and Sony Pictures was announced, with Will Ferrell slated as the lead actor.[204] Initially put into doubt,[205] the working title was eventually announced as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby in February 2006.[206] Although most of movie's production took place in the state of North Carolina, some scenes for the movie's ending were shot at the Talladega Superspeedway.[207][208] Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was released on August 4, 2006,[209] and is considered to be one of the most beloved racing-related movies of all time.[210][211]

Parts of the 1983 movie Stroker Ace were filmed at the track.[212] Also in 2005, filming for an episode for the eighth season of The Amazing Race was produced at Talladega Superspeedway.[213] In 2010, The Legend of Hallowdega, a mockumentary film produced by RadicalMedia as part of an Amp Energy advertising campaign that poked fun at the alleged Talladega Curse was released on Halloween of that year.[214][215] Four years later, the track was heavily referenced in the Eric Church song "Talladega", which detailed Church's experiences with high school friends attending auto racing events at the track after Church graduated from high school.[216][217]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f All three drivers took the same lap time independently on the same race.

References

  1. ^ "Talladega Superspeedway". ESPN. February 27, 2006. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  2. ^ Albert, Zack (April 21, 2022). "Off-center: How Talladega's start-finish line placement came to be". NASCAR. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  3. ^ Jensen, Tom (June 19, 2020). "Talladega Superspeedway: NASCAR's Fastest Track". NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Smith, George (April 3, 1969). "What About The Charger?". The Anniston Star. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  5. ^ Perry, John (November 10, 1969). "Photo-Finish Win For Nils Sanborn". The Anniston Star. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. ^ Whitaker, Carla (April 20, 1997). "Talladega Superspeedway is just one of the attractions found around the oval". The Dothan Eagle. pp. 1E. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  7. ^ Stern, Adam (April 25, 2022). "Talladega sees strong crowd for NASCAR Cup". Sports Business Journal. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Talladega Superspeedway Spectator's Guide". Montgomery Advertiser. September 27, 2003. pp. 5C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  9. ^ Gaines, Cork (April 27, 2019). "NASCAR's Talladega Superspeedway is so big, you could fit all 14 SEC football stadiums inside". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Newby, John (April 19, 2023). "Bringing the World to Talladega Superspeedway Is a 'Year-Long Process'". Heavy. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  11. ^ Waack, Terrin (April 28, 2019). "Party at Dega". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  12. ^ Gaines, Cork (April 24, 2022). "NASCAR's biggest track is so big, you could fit 14 college football stadiums inside". Business Insider. Archived from the original on November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  13. ^ Newberry, Paul (July 26, 1992). "'A Redneck Woodstock'". Montgomery Advertiser. Associated Press. pp. 6B. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  14. ^ McGee, Ryan (April 25, 2019). "Booze, optional clothing and smoke: Tales from Talladega's infield". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  15. ^ Wray, Cheryl (May 6, 2017). "Queso races, crazy games bring NASCAR fans to Talladega infield party". AL.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  16. ^ Hembree, Mike (May 7, 2017). "Party people in the house: Talladega's wild scene extends beyond racing". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  17. ^ Hembree, Mike (October 2, 2021). "Party Time Returns To NASCAR Infield At Talladega". Autoweek. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  18. ^ Blackstock, Elizabeth (April 30, 2019). "Behold the Mind Blowing Amount of Trash Left over After NASCAR's Talladega Race". Jalopnik. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Eggering, Susan (July 29, 1985). "Wet weather tames infield". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 2A. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  20. ^ Jenkins, Chris (October 17, 2002). "It's another world". The Montgomery Advertiser. USA Today. pp. 4C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  21. ^ Howell, David (May 19, 1974). "The Speedway That Wasn't". The Greenville News. pp. 9C. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  22. ^ a b Winston, Chris (April 16, 1998). "A dream rooted in dirt Joe Littlejohn built Spartanburg into the heart of stock car racing "Back in those days, Spartanburg was the real capital of racing."". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  23. ^ "New Speedway Proposed For Spartanburg Area". The Greenville News. Associated Press. February 19, 1964. p. 16. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  24. ^ Clayton, Jack (March 5, 1964). "Speedway Spasm". The Columbia Record. pp. 3D. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  25. ^ a b Caraviello, David (April 30, 2009). "Cotton Owens Garage: In Former Hub of NASCAR, Now Only Memories Remain". Cotton Owens Garage. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  26. ^ Anderson, Joe (May 22, 1964). "Name Chosen: Royal Omen". The Greenville News. p. 17. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  27. ^ a b c d e f Despain, Dave (October 7, 2018). Dave Despain On Assignment - Talladega (Video). Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "Track Hopes Appear Dead At Eastaboga". The Anniston Star. January 4, 1966. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  29. ^ Smith, George (February 2, 1966). "Gadsden and NASCAR". The Anniston Star. pp. 9A. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  30. ^ Ingram, Bob; Mackin, Tom (August 25, 1966). "Legislature Expects To Adjourn September 2". Montgomery Advertiser. p. 3. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  31. ^ Smith, George (September 4, 1966). "$6 Million Raceway Reported In Offing For Anniston Area". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 8A. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  32. ^ Plott, Bill (October 18, 1966). "France Outlines Speedway Plans". The Anniston Star. p. 3. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  33. ^ "Raceway Due Fund Answer". The Anniston Star. December 28, 1966. pp. 1A, 5A. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  34. ^ Smith, George (January 8, 1967). "Speedway Waiting For A Green Light". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  35. ^ Smith, George (March 9, 1967). "France Moving On Local Speedway". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  36. ^ Harwell, Hoyt (April 12, 1967). "Talladega May Get Race Track". Birmingham Post-Herald. Associated Press. p. 19. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  37. ^ Smith, George (June 18, 1967). "1967 Date Still Eyed". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  38. ^ Weaver, Kendal (July 12, 1967). "New Speedway May Soon Be A Reality". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 14. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  39. ^ Smith, George (July 19, 1967). "Speedway Project 'Alive'". The Anniston Star. pp. 4B. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  40. ^ Mitchell, Billy (January 19, 1968). "France Says Construction Nearing". The Anniston Star. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  41. ^ Smith, George (March 14, 1968). "Speedway Word Expected Today". The Anniston Star. pp. 8B, 9B. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  42. ^ "Talladega Track Access Road OK'd". Birmingham Post-Herald. United Press International. March 14, 1968. p. 51. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  43. ^ a b Smith, George (March 15, 1968). "Track Money Hangs, France Sticks With 1969 Opening". The Anniston Star. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  44. ^ Smith, George (March 16, 1968). "Speedway Plans Continue". The Anniston Star. pp. 1, 2. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  45. ^ Smith, George (March 17, 1968). "Marrying Time". The Anniston Star. pp. 14A. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  46. ^ Smith, George (April 3, 1968). "Speedway Building Near". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 8A. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  47. ^ Smith, George (May 16, 1968). "France Inks Speedway Contract". The Anniston Star. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  48. ^ Mitchell, Billy (May 24, 1968). "A Dream Becomes A Reality". The Anniston Star. pp. 9, 11. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  49. ^ "Talladega Track Open in September". Montgomery Advertiser. November 22, 1968. p. 21. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  50. ^ "Work Goes Ahead On Speedway". Birmingham Post-Herald. October 31, 1968. p. 41. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  51. ^ Harwell, Hoyt (April 30, 1969). "AIMS Drawing Crowds From All Over U.S." The Anniston Star. Associated Press. pp. 3C. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  52. ^ Harwell, Hoyt (July 31, 1969). "Bear Does Good Promoting For Alabama's First Race". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. pp. 8B. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  53. ^ "Worker Dies In Accident". The Anniston Star. August 4, 1969. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  54. ^ Smith, George (December 18, 1968). "This 'N That". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  55. ^ "Sports Briefs". Birmingham Post-Herald. August 7, 1969. p. 6. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  56. ^ Falk, Lawrence (August 8, 1969). "Yarborough, Allison Crack Record". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 8. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  57. ^ "Races Get Approval". Birmingham Post-Herald. August 13, 1969. p. 24. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  58. ^ "New Dodge Gets First Road Test". The Anniston Star. August 17, 1969. pp. 1D. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  59. ^ Higgins, Tom (August 28, 1969). "Allison's Passion: Speed". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1F, 9F. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  60. ^ Perry, John (August 31, 1969). "Drivers Are Organizing Their Beefs". The Anniston Star. pp. 3C. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  61. ^ Smith, George (September 10, 1969). "Dodge Daytonas Choice For Talladega 500 Pole". The Anniston Star. pp. 12A. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  62. ^ a b McNair, Kirk (September 11, 1969). "Talladega Track Is 'Rough'". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 27. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  63. ^ a b c d Ingram, Jonathan. "How A 1969 NASCAR Driver Strike Helped Richard Brickhouse Win At Talladega". Autoweek. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  64. ^ Smith, George (September 14, 1969). "A $5 Million Question". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 5C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  65. ^ Bianchi, Jordan (October 10, 2019). "'We are going home': An oral history of the 1969 Talladega 500 driver boycott". The Athletic. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  66. ^ Smith, George (September 13, 1969). "PDA Drivers Refuse To Race Sunday After Questioning Safety Of Track". The Anniston Star. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  67. ^ a b Smith, George (September 14, 1969). "Talladega 500 Still To Be Run Today". The Anniston Star. pp. 1, 7. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  68. ^ Smith, George (September 13, 1969). "Rush's Camero Wins First AIMS Race". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 5C. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  69. ^ DeVault, Russ (September 15, 1969). "Winner's Decision to Run Put Him in Allison's Car". Winston-Salem Journal. p. 12. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  70. ^ Smith, George (September 15, 1969). "Brickhouse Triumphs At Talladega". The Anniston Star. p. 8. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  71. ^ Kirby, Henry (April 13, 1970). "Pete Hamilton wins Alabama 500 race". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. 1, 14. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  72. ^ Smith, George (June 21, 1970). "This 'N That". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  73. ^ Hornsby, Tommy (July 19, 1970). "Mitchell, Burns, Win Events At Speedway". The Anniston Star. pp. 3C. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  74. ^ "Alabama Speedway appoints first GM". The Anniston Star. October 11, 1970. pp. 5B, 6B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  75. ^ Lumpkin, Bill (November 17, 1970). "The world's fastest something". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. 12, 14. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  76. ^ Smith, George (November 17, 1970). "Changes are due for AIMS". The Anniston Star. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  77. ^ Kirby, Henry (December 18, 1970). "AIMS is undergoing resurfacing process". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 11. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  78. ^ Smith, George (May 19, 1971). "More gas fumes..." The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  79. ^ "Two cities join AIMS honor list". The Anniston Star. June 20, 1972. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  80. ^ Kirby, Henry (July 12, 1972). "'Talladega' a successful new industry". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 33. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  81. ^ Hester, Wayne (April 22, 1973). "Winston 500: Talladega track prepares for big stocks again". The Anniston Star. pp. 2C. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  82. ^ Cargile, John (January 10, 1975). "'Best press box' in car racing at AIMS". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. A8, A10. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  83. ^ Hester, Wayne (April 3, 1975). "AIMS makes improvements for '75 season". The Anniston Star. pp. 1D, 4D. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  84. ^ "AIMS constructing garage". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. January 15, 1977. p. 23. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  85. ^ "AIMS building new grandstand". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. July 14, 1977. pp. 4C. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  86. ^ "Speedway will repave rain-cracked surface". The Anniston Star. August 21, 1979. pp. 9A. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  87. ^ Cargile, John (May 1, 1979). "'Decade of change' awaits racers". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. B1, B4. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  88. ^ "New stand is planned at AIMS". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. September 16, 1980. pp. 13A. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  89. ^ Webb, Donnie (July 21, 1985). "Work done at AIMS". The Anniston Star. p. 16. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  90. ^ "New tower at AIMS". The Anniston Star. September 24, 1986. pp. 4D. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  91. ^ Smith, George (April 11, 1987). "Meteorite caused lots of excitement for Sylacauga back in 1954". The Anniston Star. p. 5. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  92. ^ Hicks, Roderick (November 4, 1986). "Talladega considers revenue". The Anniston Star. pp. 1, 9. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  93. ^ Hicks, Roderick (January 7, 1987). "AIMS annexation talk dying down". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 2B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  94. ^ "Baker cracks 200 barrier three times at Talladega". Birmingham Post-Herald. United Press International. March 25, 1970. p. 23. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  95. ^ Hornsby, Tommy (November 25, 1970). "Isaac sets speed mark at AIMS". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 2B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  96. ^ Wappler, Paul (August 21, 1971). "Allisons' Show Continues; Donnie Gets Pole for 200". Montgomery Advertiser. p. 10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  97. ^ Smith, George (August 4, 1974). "Foyt's Coyote howls, record set at AIMS". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 6C. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  98. ^ Hester, Wayne (August 10, 1975). "Records". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 8C. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  99. ^ Williams, Chuck (November 26, 1985). "No 200 mph, but St. James is the fastest". The Anniston Star. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  100. ^ "St. James breaks 200 mph at AIMS". The Anniston Star. November 27, 1985. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  101. ^ Goldberg, Charles (October 11, 1988). "Lights, camera, action: St. James breaks her own world speed record". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  102. ^ "Women's Speed Record Set". Winston-Salem Journal. December 15, 1989. p. 50. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  103. ^ "The legend lives on". East Alabama Sports Today. October 12, 2018. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  104. ^ a b Lawrence, Andrew (October 16, 2014). "Talladega drivers, officials talk Big Ones crash lore before Sunday's crucial Chase race". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  105. ^ Hinton, Ed (April 23, 2009). "They're hearing voices at Talladega". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  106. ^ Moore, Bob (May 7, 1973). "Yarborough: 'Lord's Hand Was On Us'". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1B, 5B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  107. ^ Myers, Bob (May 7, 1973). "The Tale Of Tragic Talladega". The Charlotte News. pp. 14A. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  108. ^ Donovan, Brian (2008). Hard Driving: The Wendell Scott Story. Steerforth Press. p. 243. ISBN 978-1-58642-144-1.
  109. ^ Kirby, Henry (August 13, 1973). "Smith, 30, first 500 casualty". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. B1. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  110. ^ Myer, Bob (August 13, 1973). "Isaac Quits Racing On Sudden Hunch". The Charlotte News. pp. 8A. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  111. ^ Hester, Wayne (August 12, 1974). "Sabotage!... it's an ugly word, but it did happen at AIMS". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 3B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  112. ^ nascarman (October 22, 2015). "Historical Motorsports Stories: The Race Cars Have Been Sabotaged!". Racing Reference. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
  113. ^ Hester, Wayne (May 5, 1975). "Tragedy at Talladega: Young crewman dies". The Anniston Star. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  114. ^ Hollis, Charles (August 18, 1975). "Four-car crash kills Tiny Lund". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 3B. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  115. ^ Houston, Rick (February 16, 2023). "L.W.: NASCAR's Biggest Mystery Lands Himself in Jail". Scene Vault Podcast. Archived from the original on March 3, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  116. ^ Houston, Rick (February 21, 2023). "L.W. WRIGHT, Part Two -- Talladega and Beyond". Scene Vault Podcast. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  117. ^ Goldberg, Charles (May 5, 1986). "Crowder's Sunday drive ends in jail". The Anniston Star. pp. 5B. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  118. ^ Waid, Steve (October 1, 2020). "Waid's World: 'The Curse' Has Long Been a Part of Talladega Lore". Frontstretch. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  119. ^ Robinson, Bill (May 4, 1987). "Allison walks away a survivor". The Atlanta Constitution. pp. D11. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  120. ^ Love, Brian (May 4, 1987). "4 Spectators Injured In Bobby Allison's Crash". The Montgomery Advertiser. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  121. ^ Rhodes, Beth (April 24, 1988). "NASCAR Takes Step Backward". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1H. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  122. ^ a b Hummer, Steve (February 13, 2019). "Say goodbye Sunday to restrictor-plate racing, but not the restrictions". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  123. ^ Goldberg, Charles (October 7, 1987). "Naman moves to HOF". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  124. ^ Webb, Donnie (April 28, 1988). "The near-disaster: One year later". The Anniston Star. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  125. ^ "AIMS only a memory after name change". The Anniston Star. January 31, 1989. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  126. ^ McCarter, Mark (April 22, 1990). "$1 million-plus Speedway work nearing finish". The Anniston Star. pp. 14B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  127. ^ Rochell, Anne (May 1, 1992). "Track infield 'up all night'". The Anniston Star. pp. 6B. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  128. ^ Burger, Frederick; Janovy, Jena (May 4, 1992). "Ho-hum, routine race weekend, but infield camp OK". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 2A. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  129. ^ McCarter, Mark (October 22, 1992). "Jamboree good for Short Track". The Anniston Star. pp. 15B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  130. ^ Higgins, Tom (November 23, 1993). "Hmiel changes his mind about changing his job". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  131. ^ "Lynch picked at Talladega". The Anniston Star. December 14, 1993. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  132. ^ Estes, Cary (October 9, 1997). "All dash, No flash". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. F1, F7. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  133. ^ "Ticket demand spurs new construction at Talladega". The Daily Sentinel. August 16, 1994. p. 8. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  134. ^ "Talladega adds seats in Turn 2". The Anniston Star. March 5, 1995. pp. 8B. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  135. ^ Patterson, Ken (July 24, 1997). "DieHard fans put the squeeze on Talladega". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 6C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  136. ^ "Dega adds '50-yard-line' seats". The Anniston Star. March 21, 1998. pp. 1A. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  137. ^ Halvatgis, Jenna (September 23, 1998). "'Bold' replaces old". Montgomery Advertiser. Associated Press. pp. 4B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  138. ^ Tutor, Phillip (April 25, 1998). "Speedway adding even more seats". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 3A. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  139. ^ Martin, Grant (April 24, 1999). "Track begins Alabama Gang honor with Allison Grandstand". The Anniston Star. pp. 2D. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  140. ^ Medley, Joe (October 18, 1999). "Allison Grandstands a Talladega natural". The Anniston Star. pp. 3D. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  141. ^ "Expansion creates more choice seats". Montgomery Advertiser. March 8, 2001. pp. 7C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  142. ^ Creed, Jimmy (December 16, 2005). "'Dega's plans to pave draws raves". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 4C. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  143. ^ Adamson, Scott (May 2, 2006). "'Dega asphalt project waits another day". The Anniston Star. pp. 4B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  144. ^ Thomas, Ben (July 18, 2006). "Stewart digs repaving". Montgomery Advertiser. pp. 1D, 3D. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  145. ^ Adamson, Scott (September 3, 2006). "Repaving project sailing smoothly". The Anniston Star. pp. 1E, 2E. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  146. ^ Adamson, Scott (September 26, 2006). "Juan for the Road". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 2B. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  147. ^ Medley, Joe (July 4, 2007). "Moving Up And Making Changes At Talladega". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  148. ^ Medley, Joe; Strickland, Brian; Turner, Christa (November 3, 2009). "Grandstands getting revisited". The Anniston Star. pp. 5C. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  149. ^ Strickland, Brian (March 31, 2010). "Ready to roll at Daytona". The Anniston Star. pp. 6B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  150. ^ Muskewicz, Al (May 7, 2012). "Staying home". The Anniston Star. pp. 5C. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  151. ^ Utter, Jim (November 28, 2013). "Talladega Superspeedway reducing to 80,000 seats". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 8C. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  152. ^ "Talladega names backstretch after Alabama Gang". Associated Press. April 30, 2014. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  153. ^ King, Alanis (February 21, 2016). "The Days When Even NASCAR Got Too Fast, And How They Changed The Sport". Jalopnik. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  154. ^ Scott, Chris; Scott, Richard (July 26, 1993). "Race driver hurt". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. A1, A3. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  155. ^ Nance, David (December 16, 2022). "A Fan's Memories of Stanley Smith". Pure Thunder Racing. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  156. ^ Siano, Joseph (August 1, 1993). "AUTO RACING; Remains of the Race: Horton Ponders Crash". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  157. ^ Higgins, Tom (July 26, 1993). "Talladega precautions still not working". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1B, 6B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  158. ^ Hathcook, Tim (July 26, 1993). "Bonnett flip: A painful sight". The Anniston Star. pp. 5B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  159. ^ Higgins, Tom (May 2, 1994). "Spencer gets blame for wreck". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 5B. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  160. ^ Harvego, Erin (April 29, 1996). "Too many cars, too little room". The Anniston Star. pp. 4B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  161. ^ Medley, Joe (April 21, 2002). "Keller arises from carnage". The Anniston Star. pp. 6, 7. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  162. ^ Muskewitz, Al (April 22, 2002). "'The Big One' proves to be inescapable again". The Anniston Star. p. 5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  163. ^ Moon, Josh (April 7, 2003). "Early 'big one' damages more than half the field". Montgomery Advertiser. pp. 4B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  164. ^ Muskewitz, Al (April 27, 2009). "7 race fans injured from last-lap crash". The Anniston Star. pp. 1A, 4A. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  165. ^ Scott, David (October 8, 2012). "'Big wreck' gives Kenseth win". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1C, 3C. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  166. ^ Weaver, Matt (July 26, 2018). "First Look: Talladega Superspeedway's $50 Million Infield Renovation". Autoweek. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  167. ^ Tomberlin, Michael (October 23, 2018). "Talladega Superspeedway waves green flag on $50M Transformation with tunnel". Alabama News Center. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  168. ^ Bean, Josh (September 25, 2019). "'A race fan's track': Talladega shows off new fan infield experience". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  169. ^ Hawes, Don (September 13, 2018). "Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch retiring in 2019". WVTM-TV. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  170. ^ Rebman, Stephanie (August 13, 2019). "New president named for Talladega Superspeedway". Birmingham Business Journals. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  171. ^ "Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch looks back as he steps down". The Anniston Star. December 1, 2019. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  172. ^ Andrejev, Alex (June 21, 2020). "FBI now investigating noose found in NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace's garage at Talladega". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  173. ^ Weaver, Matt (June 25, 2020). "NASCAR Releases Image Of Talladega Noose, Says Concern For Bubba Wallace Was Real". Autoweek. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  174. ^ Lutz, Tom (June 23, 2020). "FBI concludes that Bubba Wallace not victim of hate crime over noose incident". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  175. ^ Goldman, Tom (June 25, 2020). "NASCAR Completes Noose Investigation; Can't Determine How It Got Into Driver's Garage". NPR. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  176. ^ Connock, Shane (April 21, 2024). "Why NASCAR removed the scoring pylon from Talladega and other tracks". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on April 23, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  177. ^ "France Sets Heavy Schedule For Bama Track During 1970". The Anniston Star. December 11, 1969. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  178. ^ Smith, George (September 15, 1969). "Brickhouse Triumphs At Talladega". The Anniston Star. p. 8. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  179. ^ "Back to the Future: New venues, return of familiar locations highlight 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series slates". NASCAR. September 29, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  180. ^ Webb, Donnie (March 18, 1971). "AIMS adds new race". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 13. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  181. ^ Smith, George (April 3, 1978). "Gregg, Frisselle romp in Six Hours". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 3B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  182. ^ "Blazing compacts ready for Six Hours of 'Dega". The Anniston Star. March 11, 1979. pp. 2B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  183. ^ "AMC Spirits favored at Talladega". Birmingham Post-Herald. March 28, 1979. pp. C2. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  184. ^ Higgins, Tom (July 29, 1984). "Waltrip Edges Yarborough". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 14C. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  185. ^ Harris, Mike (August 10, 1986). "'Young Al' takes IROC". The Anniston Star. Associated Press. pp. 6B. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  186. ^ McCarter, Mark (March 11, 1990). "IROC returns to Talladega". The Anniston Star. pp. 11B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  187. ^ Patterson, Ken (December 17, 1996). "Talladega no longer a stop for IROC". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  188. ^ Tutor, Phillip (October 10, 1998). "IROC returns in speedway's 30th anniversary". The Anniston Star. pp. 1D, 2D. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  189. ^ "Talladega one of three tracks to lose IROC". The Anniston Star. January 16, 2004. pp. 3C. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  190. ^ Estes, Cary (November 8, 2001). "No IROC race at 'Dega". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. C2. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  191. ^ Bragg, Rick (April 15, 1980). "Lawson gets cycle sweep". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B, 3B. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  192. ^ Lewis, Terry (March 22, 1983). "Baldwin takes 'quiet' victory". The Anniston Star. pp. 1B. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  193. ^ Harris, Carl (May 1, 1985). "Speedway once rejected $2 million bid". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. F1. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  194. ^ Norwood, Chris (June 27, 2024). "Head to the track for a food truck snack". The Anniston Star. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  195. ^ a b "Talladega - Motor Sport Magazine". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  196. ^ a b "Talladega Superspeedway - Racing Circuits". RacingCircuits.info. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  197. ^ "2019 NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500". October 14, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  198. ^ "NASCAR XFINITY 2018 Talladega Fastest Laps". April 28, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  199. ^ "2020 NASCAR Truck Series Chevrolet Silverado 250". October 3, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  200. ^ "2024 ARCA General Tire 200". April 20, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  201. ^ a b "Talladega 6 Hours 1978". April 2, 1978. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  202. ^ a b "Talladega 120 Miles 1976". August 7, 1976. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  203. ^ "200 mile Talladega 1972". August 5, 1972. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  204. ^ McCarthy, Michael (June 17, 2005). "Sports, Hollywood double-teaming core audiences". The Leaf-Chronicle. USA Today. pp. B7. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  205. ^ Creed, Jimmy (June 23, 2005). "Ferrell's NASCAR flick still on track, Talladega title not". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 3C. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  206. ^ Strickland, Bran (February 10, 2006). "'Dega hits big screen". The Anniston Star. pp. 1C, 2C. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  207. ^ Levy, Emanuel (July 20, 2006). "Talladega Nights with Adam McKay". Emanuel Levy Cinema. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  208. ^ Fleming, Natalie (October 6, 2005). "Movie crew shoots scenes at Talladega". The Anniston Star. pp. 6C. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  209. ^ Fryer, Jenna (August 3, 2006). "'Talladega Nights' a sign of circuit's comfort". The San Francisco Examiner. Associated Press. p. 50. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  210. ^ Martinelli, Michelle R. (May 7, 2017). "Why NASCAR fans love 'Talladega Nights'". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  211. ^ McCarter, Mark (October 22, 2016). "Mark McCarter: 'Talladega Nights' had caricatures that soared". The Anniston Star. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  212. ^ Amann, Sandy (July 6, 1983). "'Stroker Ace' is movie to test your humor". Birmingham Post-Herald. pp. E1. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  213. ^ Sellers, Andrea (October 19, 2005). "The Schroeder family becomes the fourth team eliminated from 'The Amazing Race: Family Edition'". Reality TV World. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  214. ^ Goldberg, Matt (October 8, 2010). "First Look at Terry Gilliam's Short Film THE LEGEND OF HALLOWDEGA Starring David Arquette and Justin Kirk". Collider. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  215. ^ Cheek, Adam (April 19, 2023). "'The Legend of Hallowdega' Lives". Frontstretch. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  216. ^ Roland, Tom (October 2, 2014). "Eric Church's 'Talladega' Circles A Defining Rite Of Passage" (PDF). Billboard. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
  217. ^ Thompson, Gayle (October 9, 2014). "Eric Church Says 'Talladega' is 'Really About Life'". The Boot. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.