Talladega Superspeedway, nicknamed "Dega," and previously named Alabama International Motor Speedway (AIMS), is a motorsports complex found north of Talladega, Alabama. It is situated on the previous Anniston Air Force Base in the little city of Lincoln.
Talladega is the longest NASCAR oval tracks, with a length of 2.66 miles (4.281 km), contrasted with the Daytona International Speedway, which is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long. The all-out top limit of Talladega is around 175,000 fans, with the grandstand off-limit being around 80,000.
The tri-oval track was developed in 1969 by the International Speedway Corporation, a business constrained by the France Family.
The track opened on September 13, 1969, at an expense of $4 million. The track was named the "Alabama International Motor Speedway," which lasted for nearly two decades, after which the office's name was changed to "Talladega Superspeedway."
In the primary race at the track, all the first drivers deserted the track because of tire issues, which permitted France to employ substitute drivers with the victor being Richard Brickhouse. After the primary race, Talladega facilitated two Cup Series races a year, one of which would turn out to be important for the 10-race NASCAR Cup Series season finisher design.
A 4-mile (6.4 km) infield street course worked from the track's establishment until 1983. During the 1970s, six IMSA GT Championship races were held at the speedway, including a six-hour race in 1978. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame historical center was opened in 1983.
In May 2006, Talladega began to re-surface the track and the cover. Development began on May 1 and went on until September 18. The principal race on the reemerged race track was a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on October 7.
In December 2013, the ISC declared the evacuation of the 18,000-seat Allison Grandstand on the backstretch, diminishing the track's seating ability to 80,000. The 4,000-ft back immediately was renamed the "Alabama Gang Superstretch" on schedule for the 2014 Aaron's 499 held in the spring.
Location | 3366 Speedway Boulevard, Lincoln, Alabama 35096, United States |
Operator | NASCAR |
Former Names | Alabama International Motor Speedway (1969–1989) |
Major Events | NASCAR Cup Series: GEICO 500 YellaWood 500 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Unhinged 300 Ag-Pro 300 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Chevrolet Silverado 250 ARCA Menards Series: General Tire 200 |
Length | 2.66 mi (4.281 km) |
Most Wins | Dale Earnhardt (10) |
Most Starts | Dave Marcis and Terry Labonte (61) |
Poles | Bill Elliott (8) |