6 reasons to attend the 2018 fall race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway on October 12-14, plus a sneak peek at Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project, set for completion October of 2019
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Ready. Set. Burn rubber! It’s almost time to hit the track for the 2018 fall NASCAR Playoff weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, happening October 12-14. Grab your tickets for a tension-filled doubleheader featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) 1000Bulbs.com 500 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Talladega 250.
People from all 50 states and 22 countries (as far away as Australia) will flock to Talladega Superspeedway this October for its fall 2018 race weekend. And it’s gearing up to be an amazing weekend!
Here’s why:
1. Exciting Races
Nowhere in motorsports will you see more three and four-wide bumper-to-bumper racing than at Talladega Superspeedway. It’s 500 miles at 200 mph speeds of nail-biting, non-stop action where the excitement never ends. Here’s the 2018 doubleheader NASCAR Playoff weekend schedule that you do not want to miss! Check it out:
Friday, October 12
- 4:35PM – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
Saturday, October 13
- 10:05-11:20AM – Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice
- 11:30AM – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Introductions
- 12:00PM – Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race (94 laps, 250.04 miles)
- 3:35PM – Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Sunday, October 14
- 12:15PM – Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
- 1:00PM – 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race (188 laps, 500.08 miles)
Purchase your tickets to get your grandstand seat or camping spot in the infield.
2. A Big, Bad Racetrack
You can’t have the big race without an incredible facility, and Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest and baddest. What makes the Track at ‘Dega so impressive?
- It’s the most competitive track with a NASCAR record of 88 lead changes twice (29 different leaders during a single race) for a 500-mile race (total of 188 laps) and holds the record for fastest single-lap qualifying speed in a NASCAR competition at 212.809 mph.
- It’s the most mammoth and longest track in NASCAR at 2.66 miles.
- Its banks are the steepest in NASCAR at 33 degrees.
- It holds NASCAR’s official qualifying record of 212.809 mph, set by Hall of Famer Bill Elliott.
3. Greatest Drivers in the World
History shows that NASCAR has produced some of the most famous names in the history of motorsports. Names like Petty, Pearson, Allison, Yarborough, Waltrip, Gordon and Earnhardt. Well, the tradition continues with some big names who will descend upon Talladega’s historical venue.
The 1000Bulbs.com 500 is the second race in the Round of 12 in the MENCS Playoffs, while the Talladega 250 is the elimination race in the Round of 8 where the field of title contenders will be cut from eight to six at the checkered flag. Take a look at who will be revving their engines!
The 16 driver playoff field for the MENCS Playoffs include: 7-time Champ Jimmie Johnson, former premier series titleist Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch and Martin Truex, Jr., along with Joey Logano, Erik Jones, Chase Elliott, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola and Alex Bowman. Keselowski is the race’s defending champion.
Playoff drivers who will battle in the NCWTS Talladega 250 include: Alabama’s (Fairhope) own Grant Enfinger, Johnny Sauter, Brett Moffitt, Noah Gragson, Ben Rhodes, Stewart Friesen, Justin Haley and Matt Crafton.
Parker Kligerman, who won last year’s Talladega 250, hopes to be a spoiler again this year in hopes of winning a record third TSS NCWTS event.
4. Off-Track Entertainment
While the racing on the track is second to none, the fun, off-track atmosphere allows families of all ages the chance to enjoy the Talladega experience. There’s lots to do!
Friday and the “Big One on the Blvd.”
The “Big One on the Blvd.” has become a Friday night tradition and you’ll definitely want to be a part of the action—or at least a highly-entertained spectator on the sidelines. This driver/fan event starts off with a parade featuring some of NASCAR’s favorite drivers atop a float as they toss beads and other goodies to the crowd.
Following the parade, check out four all-new and totally outrageous fan competitions. This fall, you’ll want to check out “Miso Hangry,” where contestants compete in a three-course meal challenge where they dine on pickled eggs, beef dumplins’ and ramen noodles. Me not-so hungry anymore! And, there’s much more!
Saturday Night Music
More inside-the-track fun continues the following night with the Saturday Night Infield Concert presented by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel with singer/songwriter Chris Janson headlining the show. FREE to all 1000Bulbs.com 500 ticket holders and infield guests.
5. Amazing Fun
With nearly 3000 acres of property and lots of camping, Talladega Superspeedway’s night scene is nationally known. Not only is it a place to party and be free, but it also provides the opportunity to make countless new friends and create cherished memories of a lifetime.
With 15,000 free camping sites (some non-alcohol camping areas), tailgating is the ultimate at Talladega, and it’s a pilgrimage of sorts, as friends become family each year. Your experience at ‘Dega can be exactly what you want it to be.
6. Something for Everyone
The track offers something for everyone. Free Friday to view the NCWTS qualifying is Free for everyone, while kids 12 and under get in free for Saturday’s Talladega 250.
In addition, there is the Kid’s VIP Experience Presented by Children’s of Alabama, which allows kids a host of activities on Sunday morning prior to the 1000Bulbs.com 500, including HOT laps in a Grand Marshal car around the track, autograph area at the entrance to the drivers meeting, fist bump alley at driver introductions, garage tours and a whole lot more.
There is special pricing for kids on Sunday. And, on Saturday evening in the next door FOX Sports 1 Dome of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Kids Movie Night will feature The Lego Batman Movie.
There are also special ticket packages for military, first responders, teachers and educators and college students.
“We have a large variety of things to do at Talladega Superspeedway,” Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway Grant Lynch said. “We’re family-friendly and have many programs to participate in, so it’s a good time for everyone.”
The Talladega Infield Transformation Experience—A Sneak Peek
There are a lot of changes just around the corner for Talladega Superspeedway—and I do mean a lot! It’s all part of the preparations for Talladega Superspeedway’s 50th anniversary, taking place in 2019, which will also see Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project—a $50 million redevelopment endeavor that is part of the International Speedway Corporation’s (ISC) long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major complexes.
Project Highlight
The highlight of the project is the Garage Fan Zone Experience, which will allow grandstand ticket holders and infield guests who purchase Garage Fan Zone Experience admission close access to:
- Racing teams
- Cars
- Inspection stations (during race preparations)
The Garage Fan Zone Experience will also feature:
- New, modern 35,000-square-foot Open Air Club with 41-foot video board, 740-square-foot bar and views into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garage
- Wi-Fi in all areas
- Social and engagement areas with concessions, souvenirs and restroom facilities
- Guest services center and first aid station.
- New tram route to transport fans to Garage Fan Zone Experience
- And more!
Enhanced Amenities
The project will offer new attractions and enhanced amenities for fans, sponsors, teams and stakeholders in the famous, historic Talladega infield.
Enhanced amenities include:
- New Paddock Club
- New Gatorade Victory Lane with up-close fan view
- New expanded, premium RV camping and amenities
- New infield road infrastructure, premium parking and utilities
- New NASCAR Race Operations building and broadcast booths
- Renovation and Driver’s Meeting area and expansion/upgrades to current media center
Scheduled for Completion in 2019
The project is set to begin after the 2018 fall race weekend and will be completed in October 2019. The completion of the project will coincide with the retirement of Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.
Lynch has served as chairman since 2009. He first joined the staff in 1993 as general manager before being promoted to Vice President of the ISC. It was in this same year that he was named president of the venue.
“I’ve enjoyed what I do, I’ve enjoyed my career and I’ve built a lot of racetracks,” Lynch said. “I’m happy to do my last project here at Talladega and finish up with the new Talladega Infield Experience project.”
Hit the Track
Are you ready for the high-speed races at Talladega Superspeedway? Find out more about all aspects of what Talladega Superspeedway has to offer by going online to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855.518.RACE (7223). Purchase your tickets and head to the track October 12-14!
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