Since its first race in 1969, the Talladega Superspeedway — originally called the Alabama International Motor Speedway — has emphasized safety, competitive racing and a satisfying experience for the fans, with changes made throughout the years in an effort to cover all the bases.
Rules changes this year are intended to bring racing in packs, which make the competition more fun to watch for most fans.
Fans this weekend may notice more comfortable seats have been installed, the third phase of a five-phase renovation being done to improve the fans’ experience, to the tune of $25 million.
Races typically draw crowds well in excess of 100,000, and economic impact studies have placed the impact of the track and museum at more than $400 million on an annual basis.
Race weekends have seen traffic at the Talladega Municipal Airport’s Boswell Field soar, with up to 350 planes flying in and out. The airport becomes one of the nation’s busiest two weekends every year.
Local businesses and charities have also benefited through relationships with the speedway and with NASCAR. The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation has been the recipient of charitable donations through the annual Race Fever Night auction of racing memorabilia, and earlier this year won the first Betty Jane France Foundation top prize of $100,000 when Robert Weaver won the foundation’s inaugural first place award for his charitable work.
The speedway’s impact on the area through employment and entertainment opportunities can only be envied by other parts of the country, and the staff’s continual striving for excellence is an inspiring example for others to emulate.
We commend the track and welcome the fans, teams and workers to our area for this week’s events.
