EARNHARDT HOPES TO REDISCOVER MAGIC AFTER DECADE-LONG ‘DEGA DROUGHT

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

October 15, 2014 – Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson are not the only pre-Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup favorites in danger of missing the eight-driver Eliminator Round. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is also in a near must-win situation as he enters Sunday’s Geico 500 cutoff race at Talladega (2 p.m. ET on ESPN) ranking 12th (of 12), 26 points behind his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne for the final advancing spot.

Barring epic collapses from the drivers ahead of him, Earnhardt has to win on Sunday to move onward in the Chase. NASCAR fans thumbing through the record books might see Earnhardt has won five times at Talladega and think he should be a heavy favorite this weekend. Upon further review, they will notice he hasn’t seen victory lane at ’Dega in more than a decade (Oct. 3, 2004).

During his 19-race ’Dega drought, Earnhardt has recorded a respectable six top-10 finishes, including two runner-ups, the most recent in last fall’s Talladega tussle. The stretch pales in comparison to his three-year, seven-race run (2001-04) at Talladega when he notched a track-record four consecutive victories, followed by two straight runner-up finishes and a fifth checkered flag.

Earnhardt will attempt to rekindle some of his old Talladega magic to make up for a pair of tough-luck performances in the first two races of the Eliminator Round. He was leading the opener at Kansas for 45 laps until he hit the wall on the 122nd go-around, causing him to finish 39th. In the second event at Charlotte, Earnhardt could not overcome an issue with his shifter as he took 20th-place.

A rejuvenated Earnhardt has notched three victories this year, as many as he has accumulated in his last eight seasons combined. His highest Chase finish was a third-place result in 2003.

 

 

FOR SOME OF NASCAR’S BIG NAMES, TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY ALREADY PRODUCING A PRESSURE-AND STRESS-FILLED WEEK

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Anything Short of a Win Won’t Advance Many of Pre-Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Favorites

TALLADEGA, AL – October 15, 2014 – Since NASCAR announced its revamped Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup nine months ago, the one race that fans marked on their calendar with the highest of anticipation was Talladega Superspeedway’s GEICO 500. Well, the wait is over – it’s race week at NASCAR’s Most Competitive and unpredictable track, and the emotional drama that awaits is an open-ended script that no one knows the ending.

With the GEICO 500, set for Sunday at 1 pm CT, being the final race of the Contender Round of the Chase in which four of the 12 drivers will be eliminated for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) title, there’s plenty of storylines. The top headline, however, is that four of the favorites for the title are at the bottom of the standings, and possibly the only way for any of the quartet to move on to the next round will be by a victory in the GEICO 500 – which is an automatic birth into the Eliminator Round of eight.

To say there is a tremendous sense of urgency and pressure in the Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski camps, along with that of Matt Kenseth, is an understatement. Between the foursome, they have 10 triumphs at Talladega, and will need one more trophy on the mantle to guarantee their chance for a Sprint Cup Championship. What makes it even more interesting is that these drivers are not the only ones who are in danger of not making it. In fact, only two drivers are safe – Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, who both have wins in the Contender Round. That leaves 10 desperate drivers needing a solid finish – some of whom are in more trouble than others and will demand nothing short of a triumph. One of those is Earnhardt, Jr.

Jimmie Johnson

“Go out there and win it,” says Earnhardt, Jr., on the GEICO 500, who, along with Johnson, trails eighth-place Kasey Kahne by 26 points. “We have won there a lot of times. I know what we need to do. We will just have to build a fast car and hope that we don’t have any gremlins and try to go out there and win it,” added the five-time Talladega winner.

Johnson meanwhile, is in the same exact position as his teammate. A record-tying seventh NSCS title could be out of reach unless he and his team can figure out the right TSS strategy.

“You just can’t predict what’s going to happen at Talladega,” admits Johnson, a two-time Talladega Superspeedway (TSS) winner. “It’s risk versus reward. If you don’t have much to lose, you can try to race all day long and try to stay at the head of the pack and out of trouble. I always knew Talladega was out there. It has always been lurking. It’s just hiding out there waiting for us.”

Keselowski, who had on-track run-ins with Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart, as well as scuffle with Kenseth afterwards in the garage area, this past weekend at Charlotte, is 19 points out of the automatic transfer spot. Kenseth is on the borderline, too, trailing Kahne by a single point. Keselowski says “it’s going to be a sight to be seen and a spectacle.”

Perhaps Harvick says it best. After his Charlotte win Saturday night, he joked about watching the race differently from his normal view behind the wheel. “I’d park it (his race car) because it’ll be one heck of a race to watch. That’s what I’d do. I’m parking it and watching it.  It’s going to be fun to watch.  It’s going to be crazy, offensive racing.”

While Harvick won’t be able to watch the race from a grandstand seat, fans can. Who will make the Chase and who won’t? Find out this weekend. Get your tickets today for both the GEICO 500 as well as the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. For more information, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Below is information to assist you in your coverage – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup driver standings, along with pertinent information on each driver as it relates to their past performances at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

ENGINEER EXPERTISE FROM THE GARAGE AREA – ALBA COLON, PROGRAM MANAGER, NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES – CHEVROLET RACING / TALLADEGA

Alba Colon

October 15, 2014 – “Congratulations to Kevin Harvick, Rodney Childers, Gene Haas, Tony Stewart and the entire No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet SS team for their great performance and win at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Also, congratulations to Jeff Gordon and Jamie McMurray for their second and third place finishes.  Team Chevy loves to ‘sweep the winner’s podium’.

“This weekend we head to Talladega Superspeedway, which is what many consider one of the most, if not the most, important race during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.  It is the fourth and final restrictor plate race of the year.   All the drivers, especially the Chase contenders, fear this race the most.  There is a lot of anticipation and stress at the same time.  This race can make or break the chasers’ hopes to pass to the ‘Eliminator’ round in the new championship playoff format.

“The right combination of aerodynamics and speed is the recipe for success at this 2.66-mile superspeedway.  Additionally, the drivers need the right drafting partner, a lot of luck, trouble-free racing, and to mainly avoid the ‘Big One’.  All those elements, combined with the right drivers, will create the winning combination. And we think Team Chevy is up to the challenge.

“The racing at Talladega promises to be filled with excitement, and I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold on Sunday afternoon.”

TEAM CHEVY FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT – CHASE CONTENDERS:

KEVIN HARVICK, NO. 4 BUDWEISER CHEVROLET SS – 3RD IN STANDINGS

“It’s going to be an absolutely phenomenal race. It’s going to be fun to watch. It’s going to be crazy, offensive racing. Talladega is always crazy, but I mean, it’s going to be so crazy with everybody in the offensive frame of mind.”

RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR CHEVROLET SS – 4TH IN STANDINGS

Jeff Gordon

“I don’t think there is more pressure, I think there are more questions. We saw some guys at Kansas and Charlotte who had some misfortune that are guys who don’t usually have issues like the 88, the 2 and the 48. Those guys have their work cut out for them. Talladega is left and you have three guys in trouble. There is going to be some different approaches no doubt at Talladega, but I don’t see it as added pressure. I still take the same approach to the first Talladega as I do the second Talladega. You’re still racing for points and positions, and obviously a win to keep yourself in the Chase and on to the next bracket.”

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS – 6TH IN STANDINGS

“Staying out of the ‘big one,’ the crash that takes out so many cars, is crucial to having success at Talladega. So many strategies – like staying in front or staying in the back – can be used during the race, however, there’s no perfect strategy to run this race. You just have to hope your car is in one piece at the end of the race.

“The big one could lead to a big swing in the points.”

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 FARMER’S INSURANCE CHEVROLET SS – 8TH IN STANDINGS

“Well we have good, fast cars for these types of tracks. Results are kind of all over the board, but I would say that is for a lot of people. Sometimes you are in other people’s wrecks there and things like that. I think Talladega is a track I have always liked and look forward to. Sometimes you can’t control everything and that is something that will be the same for all of us at Talladega. It will be interesting how it all works out. It will be a lot of pressure on everyone. It will change throughout the entire race all the way to the checkered flag.

“We are in a spot where we can definitely make it and advance to the next (Eliminator) round if we don’t wreck, which is the same as a lot of guys. Talladega will be interesting. I think there will probably be a lot of strategies that go on throughout the first three quarters of the race and then there are going to be a lot of guys who just have to race at the end. If you wreck, you won’t make the next round. If you don’t wreck, you will advance.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET SS – 11TH IN STANDINGS

“We definitely didn’t get the finish we needed in Charlotte and its forced us into the position of having to win this weekend in Talladega. Our speedway program at Hendrick Motorsports is top-notch and I’ll have the equipment I need to make a run at it. I can’t control the rest of the field though and we are just going to need some luck heading into this weekend. If anyone can pull it off, this No. 48 Lowe’s team can.”

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 DIET MOUNTAIN DEW CHEVROLET SS – 12TH IN STANDINGS

“Go out there and win it (Talladega). We can do it; we have won there a lot of time. I know what we need to do. We will just have to build a fast car and hope that we don’t have any gremlins and try to go out there and win it.”

TEAM CHEVY FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT – NON-CHASE CONTENDERS:

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 47 CHEVROLET SS – 13TH IN STANDINGS

“There’s going to be huge amounts of pressure for the Chase drivers. I wish we were feeling it. To barely miss it, it was disappointing. As we speak right now (quote before the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway), look at the guys that are on outside the top-eight and that’s six-time (Jimmie Johnson), Dale Jr., and Brad Keselowski. They are three of the guys that have been some of the fastest all year. If it stays like that, there’s going to be a lot of pressure for them.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 ENERGIZER CHEVROLET SS – 17TH IN STANDINGS

“Last time at Talladega I was trying to race, but you are three-wide the whole time and it’s hard to move forward.  Then people get greedy and try to move forward and then you pass them.  By that time I just got to the bottom and rode around the bottom the rest of the race and ended up eighth.  Hopefully, we can use that same strategy, but finish a little better this time with the Energizer Chevrolet.”

JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 CESSNA CHEVROLET SS – 18TH IN STANDINGS

“Well, like always, going to Talladega and being successful requires a considerable amount of luck.  I have been fortunate enough on a couple of occasions, including last year, to be lucky enough to capture a victory at Talladega.  Our cars have been really good lately and I think that is important everywhere that we race, but on superspeedways you have to be in the right place at the right time on the final lap to get to victory lane.  I hope that we can continue our string of good runs and be in position to get lucky this weekend at Talladega and collect another  win in the Cessna Chevrolet”.

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 DOW CHEVROLET SS – 19TH IN STANDINGS

“I feel like you can’t be conservative. You have to stay up front, you have to know what the car needs to stay up front. It’s all about being there for the white flag so you can try and win the race. I’m really looking forward to Talladega.”

PAUL MENARD, NO. 27 MOEN/MENARDS CHEVROLET SS – 21ST IN STANDINGS

“There aren’t many drivers who enjoy Talladega, but it’s a necessary evil. You just can’t really do anything. You’re stuck in a box riding around with 42 other drivers that, for the most part, you trust but you’re willing them to not make a mistake and willing yourself to not make a mistake and take out half the field. It’s definitely stressful and very hard to make a plan and stick to it because the flow of the race changes so often.”

MARTIN TRUEX, JR., NO. 78 FURNITURE ROW CHEVROLET SS – 23RD IN STANDINGS

“There’s been a lot of talk about Talladega recently, but the bottom line is that we’ve all been there before and know what that track is capable of doing. There’s not much more that can be said about Talladega that already hasn’t been said. ‘Dega is ‘Dega — nothing to my knowledge has changed there. It can be a clean race on Sunday or it can be a major wreck fest. Being in the right place at the right time at the end is key to having success at Talladega. A lot easier said than done. We were disappointed with our result at Charlotte (14th), but the past five races have been encouraging for our Furniture Row team. We’re making progress, and with some luck we can continue our success at Talladega. I am confident that our Furniture Row Chevrolet will have the speed to tackle Talladega’s big track.”

CASEY MEARS, NO. 13 GEICO CHEVROLET SS – 26TH IN STANDINGS

“Everyone on this Germain Racing team is excited to get to Talladega for the GEICO 500. It’s a big weekend for our sponsor and all the guys take pride in seeing GEICO’s name everywhere at the track.  It’s great that we have a sponsor that cares about the sport and engages it on nearly every level.  The No. 13 GEICO Chevrolet SS has always been strong on restrictor-plate tracks and we’ve had good fortune at each of them this year. Obviously, we’d like that to continue this weekend at Talladega in the GEICO 500.”

DANICA PATRICK, NO. 10 GODADDY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CHEVROLET SS – 28TH IN STANDINGS

“The fans really make that place. The campgrounds – all that stuff makes it one, big party. You see how much fun the fans are having and that makes it fun for us as drivers. It’s just a unique place. The sheer size of the facility is amazing. I liked it from the first time I went there and, hopefully, we can have a good run and a good finish. The cool thing about superspeedways is that anybody can win. It’s a toss-up, what’s going to happen. So, that’s why it’s fun for me because somebody like me has a chance. On top of that, SHR’s superspeedway cars are really good.”

JUSTIN ALLGAIER, NO. 51 BRANDT PROFESSIONAL AGRICULTURE CHEVROLET SS – 29TH IN STANDINGS

“We are coming off of a good weekend at Charlotte [Motor Speedway]. I’m hoping we can carry the momentum into Talladega [Superspeedway] this weekend. The guys at HScott Motorsports have prepared a great car and we just need luck to be on our side to miss the wrecks. It should be great race nonetheless.”

MICHAEL ANNETT, NO. 7 GOLDEN CORRAL CHEVROLET SS – 31ST IN STANDINGS

“A 16th-place finish our first time out at Talladega, even after getting caught in the big one, was a good first attempt. It’s a crazy race and it takes a lot of focus. For us, as long as we can get the car comfortable in the draft and find track position towards the end, we’ll be fine. The TBR guys do a great job in these plate races and ‘Bono’ [Manion, crew chief] put one in the winner’s circle last year.”

 

 

CHEVROLET LOOKS TO LOCK MORE SS RACE CARS IN THE ‘ELIMINATOR’ ROUND OF THE CHASE AT TREACHEROUS TALLADEGA

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Race three of the ‘Contender’ round will whittle the Chase field from 12 drivers to eight

DETROIT – October 15, 2014 – The final race in the ‘Contender’ round portion of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will take place this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, the sixth race in the final 10-race run for the series title. The 188-lap contest at the 2.66-mile track, the longest on the NASCAR tour, is famous for its unique nature, its close racing quarters and uncertainties of the draft.  This weekend’s race could be the most intense one yet in this season’s new NASCAR Sprint Cup series playoff format.

Chevrolet has a long history of success at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Bowtie brand has won 40 of 91 Cup races.   The key to victory here will not only be in avoiding the elusive ‘Big One’, but in being in the right place at the right time in the draft during the final laps of the race.

Last weekend, Chevrolet SS driver Kevin Harvick locked himself into the ‘Eliminator’ round with a victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway.   Team Chevy is hopeful that this weekend the remaining five of six current Chevrolet Chasers can avoid potential mayhem, navigate the nuances of the draft, and remain in the hunt for the 2014 championship.

Along with Harvick, Team Chevy Chase contenders Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Jimmie Johnson are no strangers to Victory Lane in Alabama. Gordon only needs to finish 16th or better to move on to the next round in the Chase. Earnhardt, Jr. and Johnson are both in a ‘must win situation’ and need to rekindle the magic of past years and claim victory at Talladega. Kasey Kahne also needs to control his own destiny with a win this weekend; while Ryan Newman must finish 19th or better in order to advance.

Jimmie Johnson

At Talladega the 43-car field will be led to the green flag by a Pink Chevrolet SS pace car. This year, Chevrolet has again partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) initiative to help raise awareness. Since 2011, Chevrolet has contributed over $3 million to the cause. Each lap the Chevrolet SS pace car leads under caution during the 188-lap race, a donation will be made to the campaign.  The Pink Chevy SS pace car program kicked-off three weeks ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where a total of $14,000 was raised during that event.  The effort will continue at next weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway.

While fans await all the breath-taking on-track exploits, they can take a trip through the Team Chevy display located in the midway area of the superspeedway.  Fans can get an up-close look at a wide array of production Chevrolet vehicles and ask questions of product specialist on site.  Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Cruze, Malibu and the all-new Chevrolet Colorado are just a few of the many vehicles fans can learn more about while on site.  There will also be numerous opportunities for spectators to see and ask questions of their favorite Team Chevy drivers.  Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Weller, Paul Menard, Joey Coulter, Spencer Gallagher, Reed Sorenson, Danica Patrick, Ryan Newman, Michael Annett, Martin Truex, Jr. and Kasey Kahne will all make appearances at the Team Chevy stage throughout the race weekend at Talladega.

The GEICO 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race is scheduled to begin Sunday October 19th at 2:00 p.m. ET. Live coverage will be available on ESPN, MRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio Channel 90 and NASCAR.com.

 

NASCAR CHASE GRID TRIMMED TO 12 DRIVERS

Dale Earnhardt Jr. currently holds the track record for most consecutive wins

Talk Already Buzzing about Elimination Race of Contender Round -Talladega Superspeedway’s GEICO 500

TALLADEGA, AL – September 30, 2014 – It’s now down to 12 Contenders in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but the talk has already begun about the most anticipated and unpredictable race – Talladega Superspeedway’s GEICO 500 on October 19.

Talladega will be filled with high intensity, pressure and anguish like never before as the field of eligible drivers for the title will dwindle to eight at the conclusion of the GEICO 500. There will be a sense of urgency that is unlike any other to get to the front and avoid the “Big One”, and the drivers’ thinking is in fast-forward.

“That place is going to be a crazy”, said Brad Keselowski of Talladega Superspeedway, site of his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) triumph in 2009. “There’s going to be a lot of guys on the bubble, and it’s probably all going to change on the last lap of the last corner.”

After Sunday’s race at Dover International Speedway, the final event of the Challenger Round, Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon (winner at Dover) advanced to the round of 12, along with Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin and Kasey Kahne. Kurt Busch, A.J. Allmendinger, Greg Biffle, and Aric Almirola were eliminated.

Johnson, who won one of Talladega’s closest races in history by .002 second in 2011, says he hopes to be comfortably high in the standings when he returns for the GEICO 500.

“Talladega is definitely the wild card,” admits the two-time ‘Dega winner. “If I am one of the guys that wins at Charlotte or Kansas (first two races of the Contender Round), it’s sure going to make the race at Talladega fun. Otherwise, you’re just going to be on pins and needles and stressing like crazy. That’s the strategy; really try to win one of those first two so you can go to Talladega, pull them (belts) tight and let it rip.”

In addition to Keselowski and Johnson, six of the remaining 12 Chase Contenders have seen victories at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track. The other four, however, have had solid finishes at Talladega’s 2.66 mile oval. Below, in order of the Chase Standings, are their highlights at Talladega Superspeedway:

Keselowski got his first taste of success in NASCAR with his first career triumph at Talladega Superspeedway in 2009 and added his second win in 2012. Keselowski also has NASCAR a Nationwide win and three NSCS top-five finishes.

While he hasn’t won a NSCS race at TSS, Joey Logano has one NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) victory, five NNS top-five finishes and two NSCS top-five finishes. In May, he led the Aaron’s 499 four times for 25 laps.

Kevin Harvick has one NSCS win, six top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes.

Johnson has two wins, six top-five finishes, 10 top-10 finishes, one pole and an average finish of 17.2 in 25 starts.

Jeff Gordon, active win leader at TSS, has a total of six victories at Talladega including a sweep in 2007. He has earned 15 top-five finishes.

Kyle Busch has one NSCS victory at Talladega Superspeedway, in April 2008. He has four top-five NSCS finishes, as well as triumphs in two fred’s 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) races, and has gone to Gatorade Victory Lane once in the NASCAR NNS.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. currently holds the track record for most consecutive wins, going to Gatorade Victory Lane four straight races from 2001-2003. Talladega Superspeedway is his best Chase Track, with five total wins, 10 top-five finishes, 14 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 15.0 in 29 starts.

Matt Kenseth has one win at Talladega, in October 2012. He has four top-five finishes and 9 top-10 finishes.

Ryan Newman has four top-five finishes, nine top-10 finishes and an average finish of 21.5 in 25 starts.

Carl Edwards hasn’t won at Talladega but has been close on several occasions. He has two top-five finishes, five top-10 finishes and an average finish of 21.0 in 20 starts.

Denny Hamlin won May’s Aaron’s 499 and also has three top-five finishes.

Kasey Kahne has a pair of runner-up finishes (2006, 2009), along with four top-10 results.

Talladega Superspeedway 2014 Race Schedule (Central Time)

Friday, October 17th:
8:00 AM GATES OPEN
8:30 AM -10:30 AM NCWTS fred’s 250 Powered By Coca-Cola Final Practice
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM NSCS GEICO 500 Practice
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM NCWTS Camping World Truck Series Autograph Session
3:30 PM – 4:20 PM NSCS GEICO Final Practice
4:45 PM NCWTS fred’s 250 Powered By Coca-Cola Final Practice Qualifying

Saturday, October 18th:
8:00 AM GATES OPEN
12:00 PM NCWTS fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (94 Laps, 250.04 Miles)
3:40 PM NSCS Food Land/ Food Giant Qualifying for GEICO 500

Sunday, October 19th:
8:00 AM GATES OPEN
1:00 PM NSCS GEICO 500 Race (188 Laps, 500.08 Miles)

 

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY FAN FAVORITE BILL ELLIOTT AMONG FIVE LEGENDS NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS 2015 NASCAR HALL OF FAME CLASS

TALLADEGA, AL – May 21, 2014 – The NASCAR Hall of Fame named five new inductees to its 2015 Class Wednesday, including the fastest man on the planet – Bill Elliott – who owns the all-time official qualifying record of 212.809 mph, set in 1987 at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, Talladega Superspeedway.

Bill Elliott

In addition to Elliott, the sixth NASCAR Hall of Fame Class includes two drivers who also competed at Talladega – Fred Lorenzen and Wendell Scott. Joe Weatherly and Rex White, who never took to the track’s 33-degree banking, were also named. All but Elliott, who isn’t yet eligible, are enshrined in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega.

Elliott, the 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, won two races at Talladega Superspeedway (1985 and 1987). In his 1985 triumph, after spending time on pit road to repair a broken oil fitting, he amazingly made up an incredible two laps under green flag conditions. The victory put him in position to win a $1 Million bonus later in the year, become known as “Million Dollar Bill” and then grace the front cover of Sports Illustrated.

Elliott is Talladega’s all-time pole winner with eight, including six straight from 1985-87 in which he swept the top starting spot for both of the track’s NASCAR Sprint Cup event weekends. He started second five times. In addition to his two wins, he recorded 10 top-five results (including four runner-up finishes) and 22 top-10s. His son Chase Elliott, who is leading this year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series championship battle as an 18-year-old rookie, made his Talladega debut on May 3 in the Aaron’s 312 and finished 19th.

Lorenzen, one of NASCAR’s first true superstars who won 26 career races, competed at Talladega five times, during the twilight of his career rom 1970-72. He claimed two fourth-place efforts and one fifth-place finish.

Scott was the first African-American to race full-time in NASCAR’s premier series, as well as the first to win a NASCAR premier race (1963 Jacksonville, FL). He, too, was in the twilight of his career when he ran at Talladega – from 1970-73. His best effort was 19th in 1971. Last year, Mobile, AL native Bubba Wallace become the first African-American driver since Scott to win a NASCAR national series race when he was victorious in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville.

The new inductees came from a group of 20 nominees that included in addition to the five inductees chosen:

Buddy Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Jerry Cook, Ray Fox, Rick Hendrick, Bobby Isaac, Terry Labonte, Raymond Parks, Benny Parsons, Larry Phillips, O. Bruton Smith, Mike Stefanik, Curtis Turner and Robert Yates.

Also on Wednesday, NASCAR announced that Anne B. France won the inaugural Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Next year’s Induction Day is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, broadcast on NBC Sports Network from Charlotte, N.C.

Class of 2015 Inductees:

Bill Elliott

In a 37-year driving career, Elliott compiled a list of accolades that put him near the top of a number of NASCAR’s all-time lists. His 44 wins rank 16th all-time and his 55 poles rank eighth. But his most prestigious accomplishment came in 1988 when he won the NASCAR premier series championship with six wins, 15 top fives and 22 top 10s in 29 races. In addition, he won a record 16 Most Popular Driver Awards, in part because of his excellence on the big stage; he won the Daytona 500 twice, the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway three times, and Talladega Superspeedway twice.

Fred Lorenzen

Lorenzen was really a “part-time” driver, never running more than 29 of the season’s 50-plus races. He got his start in NASCAR as a mechanic with the famed Holman-Moody team in 1960, but was elevated to lead driver by the end of the year. Lorenzen won three races in only 15 starts the following season. Lorenzen’s best overall season came in 1963 as he finished with six wins, 21 top fives and 23 top 10s in 29 starts. Despite missing 26 races that season, he finished third in the standings. In 1965, he won two of NASCAR’s major events – the Daytona 500 and the World 600.

Wendell Scott

One of NASCAR’s true trailblazers, Scott was the first African-American to race fulltime in NASCAR’s premier series, as well as the first to win a NASCAR premier series race. Scott posted a remarkable 147 top 10s and 495 starts during his 13-year premier series career. He won more than 100 races at local tracks before making his premier series debut, including 22 races at Southside Speedway in Richmond, Virginia, in 1959 en route to capturing both the Sportsman Division and NASCAR Virginia Sportsman championships. Part of Scott’s NASCAR legacy extends to present day with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, the leading youth development initiative for multicultural and female drivers across the motorsport industry since 2004.

Joe Weatherly

Bill Elliott poses after his record setting qualifying run at Talladega Superspeedway in 1987, where he won the pole with a speed of 212.809 mph.

Weatherly won two championships (1962-63) and 25 races in NASCAR’s premier series. But that’s only part of his story, which is long on versatility. A decade earlier in 1952-53, he won 101 races in the NASCAR Modified division, capturing that championship in 1953. He even tried his hand in NASCAR’s short-lived Convertible Division from 1956-59 winning 12 times. When he won his first NASCAR premier series championship, in 1962, he drove for legendary owner Bud Moore. When he repeated as champion a year later, he drove for nine different teams.

Rex White

Consistency was the hallmark of White’s NASCAR career. He finished among the top five in nearly a half of his 233 races and outside the top 10 only 30 percent of the time. White was a short-track specialist in an era in which those tracks dominated the schedule. Of his 28 career wins in NASCAR’s premier series, only two came on tracks longer than a mile in length. Driving his own equipment, White won six times during his 1960 championship season, posting 35 top 10s in 40 starts. He finished in the top 10 six of his nine years in the series including a runner-up finish in 1961.

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

Anne Bledsoe France

France, paired with her husband, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who built Talladega Superspeedway, would create what today is one of the largest and most popular sports in the world. Anne played a huge role in the family business. “Big Bill” organized and promoted races; she took care of the financial end of the business. She first served as secretary and treasurer of NASCAR, and when Daytona International Speedway opened in 1959, served in the same roles for the

International Speedway Corporation. She also managed the speedway’s ticket office. France remained active in family and business life until her passing in 1992.

NASCAR speeds back into Talladega Superspeedway October 17-19 for the GEICO 500 Sprint Cup Series race and fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola Camping World Truck Series event. NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), with the circuit’s steepest banking (33 degrees) and longest distance (2.66 miles), is also the most fun and fan-friendly, offering up hundreds of acres of free camping, amazing kids ticket prices and special offers for military members and college students. Talladega Superspeedway is also NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield and world renowned Talladega Blvd. The historic venue has always worked hard to enhance the fan experience in every way and now features the most comfortable seats in motorsports, large video viewing boards (a new initiative planned for future implementation at all ISC tracks) lining the frontstretch and endless activities for fans throughout its events weekends. Log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 877-Go2-DEGA for more information. This is more than a race, this is Talladega!

 

 

TALLADEGA’S TRIBUTE: “THE ALABAMA GANG SUPERSTRETCH” UNVEILED

The Gang’s All Here – And Will Be a Permanent Fixture at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track

TALLADEGA, AL – May 01, 2014 – The Alabama Gang and Talladega Superspeedway have always been linked together. Now, it’s official – The Gang’s All Here!

(From Left) Donnie Allison, Red Farmer and Bobby Allison pose at the unveiling of the new “Alabama Gang Superstretch” today at Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR’s Biggest, Baddest and Most Competitive track on the planet announced today that the back straightaway will forever be known as “The Alabama Gang Superstretch”, paying tribute to the original members – racing legends Bobby and Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer, all of whom have played a significant role in the track’s history and are today huge supporters of the 2.66-mile venue.

For this weekend’s Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega, The Alabama Gang Superstretch name will be displayed in huge, block lettering midway down the outside retaining wall of the backstretch, which measures over 4,000 feet. The monumental, new addition to the track will “stretch” more than 200 feet.

The trio will serve in “official” capacities during what will be a busy and exciting Saturday at the track. The Allisons will serve as the Grand Marshal’s for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 200 ARCA race, while Farmer will be the Honorary Starter from atop the flag stand. The ARCA race kicks off a full day of activity which also includes the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series all-new Coors Light “Knockout” group qualifying for the Aaron’s 499, plus the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series event.

Dale Earnhardt

“No honor is too big for The Alabama Gang,” says Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “What we are doing in naming The Alabama Gang Superstretch is unprecedented in our sport. During our events, from TV cameras and still photography, fans will be able to see this accolade for some of our favorite people in the world. The gang has meant so much to NASCAR, Talladega Superspeedway and the state of Alabama, and this is just a small token of our appreciation.”

“This place is special,” said Bobby of the speedway. “We (The Alabama Gang) have always felt like we were a part of it.”

“When you won Talladega, there was something extra special about it,” added Donnie. “It was a huge deal to us, our family and friends.”

“We made each other the best we could be since we raced against each other in the early years,” quipped Farmer of he and the Allisons. “We liked racing against each other, and Talladega was the ultimate place to race.”

Hailing from Florida, Farmer and the Allison brothers saw opportunities in Alabama, so they settled in Hueytown, AL. In the early 1960s, they gained notoriety through success on short tracks in cities like Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery. Naturally, when William H.G. France built the biggest and fastest speedway in the country in nearby Talladega, the hometown boys were going to take to the track. And as a result, devoted local fans turned out.

The legendary trio galvanized the local race fans in the 1960s and 70s, giving many a primary reason to devotedly attend races at Talladega—just to lend their cheers of support for their hometown heroes as they defended their turf. Their world eventually grew to include another Alabama racer Neil Bonnett, and years later, Bobby’s sons Davey and Clifford.

Hearing loud cheers from the stands, The Alabama Gang didn’t disappoint. While having success in NASCAR’s top division with 10 career triumphs, Donnie collected two victories at Talladega. Bobby, the 1983 Sprint Cup Series Champion and winner of 84 career races, would visit Talladega’s Victory Lane on four occasions. Bonnett, an 18-time Cup winner, was a one-time victor at Talladega. Farmer, a mainstay in the ARCA Series, claimed two wins at Talladega. Clifford posted a top-10 ARCA finish in 1992, and Davey ranks second only to Dale Earnhardt Sr. in total Talladega wins with eight. They include three NASCAR Sprint Cup (of his career total 19 Cup wins), four ARCA and one IROC triumph. Davey is one of only eight drivers to post their first career Sprint Cup win at Talladega.

The Alabama Gang is also represented atop The Alabama Gang Superstretch. From the exit of turn two to the entrance of turn three, fans now have additional RV options from which to view all races at Talladega Superspeedway. They include Allison Motorhome Ridge, Farmer Motorhome Overlook and Bonnett Corporate Motorhome Summit. For information on options, fans can call the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office at 1-877-Go2-Dega.

The Alabama Gang continues to live on today with a new generation of racers. The torch of the Allison legacy is passed from Donnie and Bobby to their grandsons Justin and Robbie. Justin Allison, with the help from his grandfather Donnie, has recently emerged on the racing scene in the ARCA Racing Series. Justin competed in the season-opening event at Daytona and was in the top-10 before being involved in an accident that broke out in front of him. He will compete in this weekend’s International Motorsports Hall of Fame ARCA race at Talladega. Robbie Allison, grandson of Bobby and son of Davey, now lives in Mooresville, NC and is competing in Legends and Late Model cars, as well as Pro Champion Karts. Both Justin and Robbie have high aspirations.

Another Alabama native, Grant Enfinger from Fairhope, has dominated the ARCA Series thus far in 2014, becoming only the second driver in series history to capture the checkered flag in the first three races of the season.

Interestingly enough, since Talladega Superspeedway opened in 1969, there have been more than 50 drivers from the state of Alabama to compete at the most competitive facility in the world, and all can say they are a part of “The Alabama Gang.”

Some of the Alabama drivers that tasted success in either ARCA or NASCAR include: Darrell Wallace Jr. (first African-American driver to win a race in one of NASCAR’s premier divisions); Steve Grissom (1993 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champ and winner of 11 NNS races), Rick Crawford (5-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner), Cale Gale (1-time NCWTS/1-time ARCA winner), Gary Bradberry (3-time ARCA winner), Mickey Gibbs (3-time ARCA winner), Billy Thomas (5-time ARCA winner) and Dave Mader III (1-time ARCA winner). Hut Stricklin, Donnie Allison’s son-in-law, enjoyed success as well with a career best runner up finish in Darlington Raceway’s 1996 Southern 500. Johnny Ray, who lives down the street from the track, competed in three ARCA races and one Cup race at Talladega, but is best known for giving Dale Earnhardt Sr. one of his early rides in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The track was also excited to have former crew chief Larry McReynolds, a Birmingham native, who helped Davey Allison to several wins, on hand at today’s event. Bonnett’s widow Susan Bonnett Northcutt and Liz Allison Hackett and Krista Allison, widow and daughter of Davey Allison, respectively, joined in on Wednesday’s ceremonies, as well. The Gang is all here…..and lives on through the drivers of today and The Alabama Gang Superstretch at Talladega Superspeedway!

For a variety of ticket packages for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. NASCAR returns to Talladega Superspeedway in 2014 with the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, which is set for May 2-4. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA Racing Series will take to the track on Saturday, May 3 while NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series machines take the green flag on Sunday, May 4.

 

CHEVROLET SS TEAMS AND DRIVERS PREPARE FOR UNPREDICTABLE TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

DETROIT – April 30, 2014 – With nine races complete in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Chevrolet SS teams and drivers prepare to compete at the longest track on the circuit.  Talladega Superspeedway’s 2.66-mile length is ominous enough, throw in knockout style qualifying and the unpredictability of the draft, and results at the end of the race are anything but foreseeable.

Thus far in 2014, Chevrolet SS drivers have collected four (4) victories in nine (9) races.  Chevrolet leads the Manufacturers’ Cup point standings by 14 markers over Ford.  The Bowtie Brigade heads to Talladega Superspeedway as the most successful manufacturer at the track with 39 victories.

A Chevrolet driver has gone to Victory Lane at Talladega five (5) times in the last eight (8) races.  Jeff Gordon leads all Team Chevy drivers with six (6) wins there. Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has five (5) victories to his credit at Talladega.  Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has collected two trophies from the 2.66-mile track, while Chip Ganassi Racing’s Jamie McMurray also has two victories; the most recent coming at last fall’s event at Talladega.  Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick also has one (1) win at Talladega.

Chevrolet’s trip to Talladega will be highlighted by events at the Team Chevy display located in the midway area; which will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Fans can stop by to see a plethora of performance parts and accessories their personal Chevrolet vehicles.

Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson highlight a list of Chevrolet drivers making appearances at the Team Chevy stage throughout the weekend.  Fans can also enjoy an up-close and personal look at six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet SS show car, and explore a wide variety of Chevrolet’s 2014 production car line-up.

 

 

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY STAFF TEACHES IN BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS AS PART OF LOCAL JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

TALLADEGA, AL – March 13, 2014 – Several Talladega Superspeedway staff members entered Birmingham area elementary schools last week to teach students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Talladega Superspeedway pace car sits out front of Vestavia Hills Elementary School in Birmingham, AL.

The staff members will be in front of their classes for the next couple of weeks teaching from lessons provided by Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, a non-profit group that allows volunteers from the business community to deliver a curriculum while sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills with students.

Talladega Superspeedway is providing volunteers at Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights and Vincent Elementary School, reaching a total of 645 students in 34 classrooms. As volunteers, Talladega staff are helping students make the connection between what they are learning in school and what they will need to succeed in work and life.

“Our staff has had a wonderful time teaching important lessons to our country’s future leaders,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “It’s crucial for these students to hear firsthand knowledge of the way business works in their community, and we’re happy to be there to give them guidance.”

To promote Talladega’s family-friendly atmosphere, the track has unveiled historic frontstretch ticket prices in 2014 for kids 12 and under. Kids can sit for free in some areas of the grandstands and receive $50 off regular pricing for all other areas of the grandstands.

NASCAR returns to Talladega Superspeedway in 2014 with the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, which is set for May 2-4. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA Racing Series will take to the track on Saturday, May 3 while NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series machines take the green flag on Sunday, May 4. For ticket information, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

 

 

AARON’S AND MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING ANNOUNCE FULL-SEASON NASCAR SPRINT CUP SPONSORSHIP

Brian Vickers to Pilot the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine for All 36 Sprint Cup Races in 2014

Owner Michael Waltrip, driver Brian Vickers, Aaron’s CEO Ronald W. Allen and Aaron’s VP of Marketing Andrea Freeman unveil the new 2014 No. 55 Toyota Camry Aaron’s Dream Machine on August 13, 2013 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. Aaron’s and Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Vickers will pilot the car for all 36 Sprint Cup races in 2014.

ATLANTA Aug. 13, 2013 – Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) announced today it has reached a multi-year agreement to sponsor Brian Vickers in Michael Waltrip Racing’s (MWR) No. 55 Toyota Camry in every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“We at Aaron’s are thrilled about this partnership.  We’re building a championship organization – and we know that Brian Vickers and the No. 55 team, under Michael Waltrip’s tradition of winning, are focused on building a championship caliber team,” said Ronald W. Allen, Aaron’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “So many of our customers are enthusiastic and loyal NASCAR fans and we are proud to be a part of a sport they are passionate about. We are looking forward to continued success with Brian Vickers both on and off the track.”

Vickers has raced the No. 55 on a part-time basis the last two seasons for MWR posting several impressive performances including his third career victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14.

Beginning in 2014, he’ll pilot the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine with a fresh new paint scheme, unveiled today at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. in every race.

“I can’t put into words how this makes me feel,” said 29-year-old Vickers. “I’ve really found my home at MWR over the past few years, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Aaron’s associates and customers. I am honored that Aaron’s is welcoming me into their family full-time. Knowing that I have a top-notch team and a dedicated sponsor for a full season is a really great feeling every driver dreams about, and like everyone else, I want to win races and win a championship. Michael and co-owner Rob Kauffman are really building something special at MWR and are giving me the tools to accomplish those goals.”

“Aaron’s is a cornerstone to MWR’s success.  This is a big announcement today because it shows a tremendous vote of confidence in the sport of NASCAR and the entire Michael Waltrip Racing organization,” said Michael Waltrip, founder and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing.

“The relationship with Aaron’s is very personal to me because they helped place Michael Waltrip Racing on the map in 2000 when I was running a half dozen Nationwide Series races from a small garage in my backyard. Now they are enabling MWR to continue its growth as we will have three drivers racing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2014 and beyond. So much of this confidence comes from the NASCAR fans who continue to support the sponsors of our teams. I want to sincerely thank the NASCAR fans who are Aaron’s customers because you make this all happen,” said Waltrip.

Aaron’s support of NASCAR goes beyond its support of MWR. In 2002, the company became a title sponsor of Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, with the Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.