Race: Sunday, April 25, 2010 in Talladega, AL

Title Sponsor: Aaron's

Scheduled Green Flag (approx): 1:19pm/et

NASCAR Pre-race: FOX - 12:00pm/et

Television Race Coverage: FOX, 1:00pm/et

In the Booth: Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds

Pit Reporters: Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum, Krista Voda

Hollywood Hotel: Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond

SPEED's NASCAR Raceday Pre-Race Show: 10:00am/et with John Roberts, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace

Scheduled Race Re-Air Dates/Times:
Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00pm/et on SPEED

TV Listings, Links and Info:
Jayski's TV Listings Page
NASCAR on TV
Race Fan TV

This Week - Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite Radio

• motorracingnetwork.com

• sirius.com

• Co-Anchors: Mark Garrow, Doug Rice

• Garage/Pit Reporters: Steve Richards, Brett McMillan

• Turn Announcers: Chuck Carland, Rob Albright, Brad Gillie

• Practices:
  Friday, April 23, 2:00 - 2:45 pm/et, TV-SPEED

• Happy Hour 'Final' practice: Friday, April 23, 3:30 - 4:30pm/et, TV-SPEED

• Qualifying Draw: Friday, April 23, 1:00pm/et

• Qualifying: 2 laps for positions 1-42, Saturday, April 24 at 11:35am/et, TV-SPEED, re-air scheduled at 8:00pm/et;
  AND live via radio at MRN Radio only on NASCAR.com.

• Harvick wins wild race at Talladega: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway taking the lead on the third Green-White-Checkered with a few feet to go over #1-Jamie McMurray, winning the race by .011 seconds, the 8th closest finish [since electronic scoring in 1993]. McMurray had led when the last caution came out before lap 188 [the end of the regular length of the race] and led at the start of each of the three green-white-checkered flags. It is Harvick's first win in 115 races [Daytona 500 in 2007], his fist win at Talladega, Richard Childress Racing 90th win and 1st win at Talladega since Dale Earnhardt won his 76th and final race in Oct. 2000. It is Harvick's 12th career win which puts him alone in 31st on the all-time win list. McMurray held on to 2nd place, followed by #42-Montoya, #11-Hamlin, #5-Martin, #6-Ragan, #33-Bowyer, #2-Busch, #18-Busch and #09-Bliss. #48-Johnson wrecked late and finished 31st out of the race. #24-Gordon got involved in a lte wreck, but finished 22nd. #7-Gordon finished 20th and is back in the top 35 in owners points in 34th. The #37 Front Row Motorsports team fell out of the top 35. There were a series and track record 29 leaders with a series and track record 88 lead changes. There were 8 cautions for 32 yellow flag laps.
  See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Race Results/Awards page.(4-25-2010)

• Talladega Facts and Notes:
  • Kevin Harvick won the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. It was his 12th series victory in his 331st career start. His previous win came at Daytona, 116 races ago, in February 2007. It was Harvick's sixth top-10 finish in nine races in 2010 and his first Cup victory at Talladega in 19 races. He had finished 20th or worse in the five previous races there.
  • Harvick led just two laps Sunday.
  • Harvick extended a 19-race streak of running at the finish, the longest current streak by a driver with no Talladega DNFs.
  • Harvick scored his second victory in 37 races on restrictor-plate tracks.
  • Richard Childress Racing posted its 90th series victory and 10th at Talladega, tying Hendrick Motorsports for first all time. It was RCR's first victory in nine races in 2010.
  • Robby Gordon finished 20th in his 350th career Cup race.
  • Jimmie Johnson finished 31st in his 300th career Cup race.
  • Kasey Kahne finished 21st in his 225th career Cup race.
  • Denny Hamlin (fourth) posted his 50th career top-5 finish.
  • The 29 leaders Sunday and 88 lead changes are NASCAR records.
  • The .011-second margin of victory was the second-closest at Talladega.
  • Jeff Burton led five times for 28 laps, the most in the race.
  • Jamie McMurray (second) has finished first or second in the past three restrictor-plate races.
  • Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his fourth top-10 in 2010; he has scored top-10 finishes in three of the past four restrictor-plate races.
  • Hamlin scored his third top-10 finish in nine Talladega races, all top-5s.
  • Mark Martin (fifth) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 2010. It marked his first top-5 finish in his past 14 races at Talladega.
  • Kyle Busch (ninth) has scored four straight restrictor-plate top-15 finishes.
  • Carl Edwards (11th) has scored four straight restrictor-plate top-15 finishes.
  • Elliott Sadler has led at least one lap in the past 15 Talladega races, the longest current streak.
  • Jeff Gordon (22nd), who leads all drivers with 12 restrictor-plate victories, has not scored a top-10 finish in his past 10 nine restrictor-plate races.
  • Johnson (31st) posted his seventh DNF at Talladega -- more than double his DNF total on all other tracks.
  • This marked the sixth green-white-checkered finish at Talladega and fifth in nine races in 2010.(ESPN)(4-26-2010)

• Race Fast Facts - Talladega Superspeedway:
  #29-Kevin Harvick won the Aaron's 499 (41st Running), his 12th victory in 331 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
  There were a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record 88 lead changes. The previous record was 75 (5/6/1984).
  There were a series record 29 different leaders. The previous record was 28 (10/5/2008).
  This is Harvick's first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2010.
  This is Harvick's first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 19 races at Talladega Superspeedway.
  #1-Jamie McMurray (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 16 races at Talladega Superspeedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2010.
  #42-Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his second top-10 finish in seven races at Talladega Superspeedway.
  (NASCAR Statistics)(4-25-2010)

• 2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings:
  [after Talladega, race 9 of 36]:
  rank, car#, driver, points, behind
  1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins] 1323
  2) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 1297, -26
  3) #16-Greg Biffle, 1237, -86
  4) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1224, -99
  5) #18-Kyle Busch, 1163, -160
  6) #5-Mark Martin, 1154, -169
  7) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 1146, -177
  8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1142, -181
  9) #11-Denny Hamlin [2 wins], 1138, -185
  10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1130, -193
  11) #33-Clint Bowyer, 1086, -237
  12) #31-Jeff Burton, 1082, -241
  Chase for the Sprint Cup - Contenders:
  13) #99-Carl Edwards, 1067, 15 points out of the chase
  14) #14-Tony Stewart, 1061, -21
  15) #56-Martin Truex Jr, 1045, -37
  2009 Chase Drivers not in top 15
  18) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 995, 87 points out of the chase
  20) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 959, -126
  23) #9-Kasey Kahne, 926, -156
  25) #83-Brian Vickers, 916, -166
  See standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(4-25-2010)

• Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Richmond:
  Changes: #7-Gordon finished 20th at Talladega and is 34th and has a guaranteed spot at Richmond, #37-Gilliland drops to 36th, 2 points behind 35th, now #38-Conway
  32) #78-Smith/Furniture Row: 680, +67
  33) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 617, +4
  34) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 628, +15
  35) #38-Conway/Front Row: 614, 1 point ahead of 36th
  these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:
  36) #37-Gilliland/Front Row: 613, 1 point out of 35th
  37) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 457, -157
  38) #36-TBA/Baldwin: 445, -169
  The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
  For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(4-25-2010)

• Penalty Report - Talladega:
  Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty
  #37, 65, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru
  #12, 77, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #55, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #17, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #19, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #98, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #26, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #71, 85, Crewmember(s) over the wall too soon, Tail End
  #71, 102, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #7, 146, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru
  #2, 146, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru
  #71, 176, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #82, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #24, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #83, 189, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  #71, 189, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
  (NASCAR Statistics)(4-25-2010)

• Lucky Dogs - Who got a lap back on each caution at Talladega: (and their finish)
  Caution 1: #37-Richardson Jr., 26th
  Caution 2: #26-Stremme, 27th
  Caution 3: #12-Keselowski, 34th
  Caution 4: #47-Ambrose, 37th
  Caution 5: #9-Kahne, 21st
  Caution 6: #2-Busch, 8th
  Caution 7: #7-Gordon, 20th,
  Caution 8: #24-Gordon, 22nd
  (4-25-2010)

• Start and Parks? Which teams parked their cars early in the race at Talladega (or seemed to)?
  43rd: #66-Blaney, 33 laps ran
  42nd: #87-Nemechek, 47 laps
  with NASCAR's new rule of the first non-crashed car out of the race to be inspected, it would be the #66 this week
  (only count a team with a history of start and park, not a wreck or engine blow and only if 25% or less of race completed)(4-25-2010)

• Pit Stall Selections - Talladega: The selections of pit stalls for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway have been made. Pole sitter [due to rain] #48-Johnson chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
  Outside pole sitter #17-Kenseth took pit stall 29, the second with an opening in front of it.
  #16-Biffle, who starts 3rd took the 17th pit stall, the first stall with an opening in front of it.
  The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #47-Ambrodose who starts 28th.
  To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Talladega Pit Stall Selection chart.(4-25-2010)

• Race Coverage of the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2010.
  Television (TV): FOX at 1:00 pm/et; pre-race show at 12:00 pm/et; green flag approx 1:19pm/et
  Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 128
  Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
  SPEED, Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00pm/et

• Lowest-finishing, non-wrecked car to be inspected: NASCAR has instituted a new postrace inspection policy for Sprint Cup races in which the first car out of the race that is not involved in an accident will be held for teardown, much like the cars that currently finish in the top five. That meant that Aric Almirola’s #09 Phoenix Racing’s Chevy was thoroughly inspected after the Las Vegas Motor Speedway race. His engine was taken to be torn down later this week at the NASCAR R&D; center in Concord, NC. The policy is expected to impact the start-and-park teams – teams that typically bring a car but don’t have funding to run the entire event. These teams often are not in the top 35 in owner points, so they are required to qualify on speed. The new policy means it is likely that one of the cars that qualify on speed for every race will end up getting torn down. NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Sunday the move was not to discourage start-and-park teams. “We’re just expanding our inspection process and making sure that everybody feels like everybody is on the same playing field, that’s all,” Pemberton said. “It’s all about making sure that the guys who get beat that don’t make the race understand that the guys who get in the race, for the most part, are doing everything right.” The move could cost these teams money, as they will have to pay for an engine rebuild that they might not have needed if they didn’t run many laps. Pemberton said the engine might not be torn down weekly but acknowledged it could cost teams $30,000 for a rebuild. That could lead to those teams racing more instead of risking the cost of a rebuild. Or it could lead to those teams not showing up if they can’t afford to have the motor rebuilt.(SceneDaily)(3-1-2010)

• NASCAR Revises Green-White-Checkered Race Procedure: NASCAR announced a revision to one of its race procedures, allowing a maximum of three restart attempts prior to the White Flag under NASCAR's Green-White-Checkered flag finish. If the leader has taken the White Flag and the caution flag is displayed, the field is frozen and the race will not be restarted. Previously, there was only one restart attempt. The new procedure will be implemented beginning with today's running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Gatorade Duel at Daytona and will apply to all three national series. NASCAR officials met with drivers and teams Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway to discuss the change and get their input. The announcement was made during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' drivers and crew chiefs meeting Thursday morning. "We want to do all we can to finish our races under green flag conditions – the fans want to see that and so do the competitors," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "We felt that putting a cap at three attempts to finish the race under green is the way to go. It gives the fans what they want and it also gives the teams a better opportunity to prepare for their end of race strategy." The change amends procedure 9-14C of the 2010 NASCAR rulebook.(NASCAR), see rules and notes on my Green-White-Checker rule page.(2-11-2010)

• NASCAR tweaks wave-around rule: NASCAR has tweaked its rule on wave-around cars under caution. The new rule now dictates that cars under penalty at the time of the caution are ineligible for the wave around. The change began last week with the Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway after a situation came up in the Nationwide Series race that was new to the double-file restart system instituted in June. In the Nationwide race, Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards was penalized for speeding under green, and then the caution came out. He stayed out and didn't pit and then was among those cars on the end of the lead lap. He then got the "wave around" the caution car (along with the rest of the cars that had stayed out and were on the end of the lead lap) to get to the rear of the line of lead-lap cars. Edwards then went to the end of the line to serve his penalty. That move would not be allowed anymore. The driver would not get the wave around and would start a lap down at the rear of the field on the restart, the penalty for a driver who had a speeding penalty under green but never served it before the caution came out. The new rule in general is any driver under penalty is no longer eligible for the wave around.(SceneDaily)(10-11-2009)

• Jayski's - 2010 Sprint Cup Race Results Page and from last season: Jayski's - 2009 Sprint Cup Race Results Page
  (pole and race winner with speed and starting/finishing position, links to race results, drivers & owners points, pit stall selections, qualifying results/starting lineup, practice speeds and chase stats as well as link to race track and race information page for each race)

• Texas Pit Stall Selections

• Sprint Cup qualifying & Nationwide race canceled for Saturday: “In the interest of fan safety, all activities scheduled at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday have been postponed due to the significant threat of extended periods of severe weather. This decision was made based on advice from the National Weather Service and the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency. Fans are strongly encouraged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, especially those guests camping on speedway property.
  The Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race scheduled for Saturday will now be held Sunday following the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race. Any ticket for the Aaron’s 312 or Aaron’s 499 will be honored at the gate on Sunday. All Aaron’s 499 ticket holders have priority seating and should proceed to their assigned ticket area. Aaron’s 312 ticket holders will be directed to open seating by speedway staff.
  Gates open at 8:00pm/ct and the Aaron’s 499 will begin at 12noon/ct as originally scheduled. Fans who want to witness more than 800 miles of back-to-back, high-speed action at Talladega but who have not yet purchased their tickets can still do so by calling 877-Go2-DEGA or visiting one of our ticket booths on property.(Talladega Superspeedway), so the two drivers who will miss the race are #46-Terry Cook and #35-Aric Almirola.
  LINEUP: so the starting lineup for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway was set by the rules book with the top-35 in owners points starting 1-35. So #48-Johnson will start 1st [not awarded the pole or award] followed by #17-Kenseth, #16-Biffle, #29-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #18-Busch, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #31-Burton, #2-Busch and #5-Martin. #26-Stremme and #09-Bliss make the race due to past car owner wins in 2009 and start 36th and 37th. Then the field is set by race attempts [all with 8], so #7-Gordon, #36-Sauter, #13-Papis, #87-Nemechek, #66-Blaney & #55-Waltrip. Missing the race were #46-Cook and #35-Almirola.
  See my Talladega Starting Lineup page.(4-24-2010)

• Weather Watch for Friday night and Saturday: from the folks at AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com reports the same system that sparked tornadoes over the southernRacing Plains Thursday evening will produce waves of dangerous thunderstorms and heavy rain at Talladega Superspeedway this evening through Saturday evening. Rather than just being one line of storms or heavy rain for a several-hour period, it now appears that as many as several rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms will roll through east-central Alabama. The thunderstorms will bring the risk of damaging wind gusts, flash flooding, large hail, and even a tornado. Lightning will pose the greatest danger, as many people will be outdoors in unprotected areas. Remember tents, pavilions and grandstands do not offer adequate protection from lightning. During strong thunderstorm winds, tents, tarps and canopies can be tossed about and destroyed, with debris potentially causing serious injuries. While the odds of a tornado striking the immediate Superspeedway area are relatively small, there will be multiple opportuniDangerous stormsties for severe weather conditions and tornadoes. The first round of thunderstorms with locally strong winds is expected to roll through Friday evening. Fans hanging around for activities following Sprint Cup practice and Nationwide Series qualifying Friday could get soaked. Repetitive drenching showers and locally strong thunderstorms are expected late tonight into Saturday morning. Any brightening that occurs Saturday midday may only entice another round of nasty thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. The Nationwide Series race and Sprint Cup qualifying -scheduled for 11:40am/et] could be rained out. The good news is that fans, drivers and officials should get a break from Mother Nature Sunday. Crews could be working to dry off the track in time for the start of the Sprint Cup race at 1:00pm/et p.m. While the chance of rain is not zero for Sunday, the vast majority of the time will be rain-free. There is a slight chance for a passing shower. With the wild and, at times, dangerous weather expected this weekend, NASCAR fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the weather, while keeping the other on their favorite pastime.(AccuWeather.com), see other weather links on my Talladega Race Info page - weather links section.(4-23-2010)

• Coverage of Qualifying for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 11:35am/et.
  Television (TV): SPEED 11:30am/et
  Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) only on NASCAR.com
  Qualifying Re-Air: on SPEED at 8:00pm/et

• Qualifying Order for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is posted. 45 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.
  The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #98-Menard.
  The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #16-Biffle.
  The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #36-Sauter with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #13-Papis.
  See the full qualifying order on the Talladega Qualifying Page.(4-23-2010)

• 1st Friday practice for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes of practice, some speeds and notes:
  #00-Reutimann 198.470
  #78-Smith 198.466
  #24-Gordon 196.201
  #31-Burton 196.109
  #47-Ambrose 194.943
  slowest: #35-Almirola 180.383 & #26-Stremme 180.905
  Note: teams are running in packs, so the top speeds are drafting speeds, not one car runs. #99-Edwards reported a vibration and the team is looking at the engine.
  For fastest speeds, laps run, see my Talladega Practice Speeds Page.(4-23-2010)

• Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:
  if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:
  #7-Robby Gordon, 28th fastest
  #09-Mike Bliss, 37th
  #36-Johnny Sauter, 38th
  #13-Max Papis, 39th
  #87-Joe Nemechek, 40th
  #46-Terry Cook, 41st
  #55-Michael Waltrip, 42nd
  #66-Dave Blaney, 43rd
  these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:
  #26-David Stremme, 44th
  #35-Aric Almirola, 45th/last.(4-23-2010)

• The Entry List for the Aaron's 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
  Not in top 35 of owners points for the first five races in 2010:
  #09-Mike Bliss (2009 race winner as owner, Talladega 11/2009)(46/8)
  #7-Robby Gordon (36/8)
  #13-Max Papis (37/8)
  #26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner. Talladega 4/2009)(38/8)
  #35-Aric Almirola (48/3)
  #36-Johnny Sauter (39/8)
  #46-Terry Cook (45/8)
  #55-Michael Waltrip (42/8)
  #66-Dave Blaney (41/8)
  #87-Joe Nemechek (40/8)
  withdrew from the event:
  #97-Jeff Fuller (56/1)
  In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:
  the eight who would make it [8]: #'s 26,09,7,13,36,87,66,55
  missing the race would be [2]: #'s 46,35
  See the full entry list at my Jayski's Talladega Entry List.(4-19-2010)

• Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Talladega:
  Changes: #34-Kvapil finished 24th at Texas and is 34th and has a guaranteed spot at Talladega, #37-Gilliland drops to 35th, 1 points ahead of #7-Gordon, who finished 26th and dropped to 36th and will have to qualify by speed
  31) #78-Smith/Furniture Row: 680, +67
  32) #71-Labonte/Buckler: 680, +67
  33) #38-Conway/Front Row: 628, +15
  34) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 617, +4
  35) #37-Gilliland/Front Row: 614, 1 point ahead of 36th
  these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:
  36) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 613, 1 point out of 35th
  37) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 457, -157
  38) #36-Sauter/Baldwin: 445, -169
  39) #13-Papis/Germain: 408, -206
  The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
  For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(4-19/21-2010)

• 2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings:
  [after Texas, race 8 of 36]:
  rank, car#, driver, points, behind
  1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, [3 wins] 1248
  2) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1140, -108
  3) #16-Greg Biffle, 1120, -128
  4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 1107, -141
  5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1028, -220
  6) #18-Kyle Busch, 1020, -228
  7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1013, -235
  8) #31-Jeff Burton, 1005, -243
  9) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 999, -249
  10) #5-Mark Martin, 994, -254
  11) #11-Denny Hamlin [2 wins], 973, -275
  12) #99-Carl Edwards, 942, - 306
  Chase for the Sprint Cup - Contenders:
  13) #20-Joey Logano, 941, 1 point out of the chase
  14) #14-Tony Stewart, 941, -1
  15) #33-Clint Bowyer, 940, -2
  2009 Chaser Drivers not in top 15
  16) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 932, -11
  19) #83-Brian Vickers, 835, -107
  22) #9-Kasey Kahne, 821, -121
  24) #42-Juan Montoya, 789, -153
  See standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(4-19-2010)

• What happens if qualifying gets canceled/rained out?
  After the 5th race of the season, the current season OWNERS points are used:
  #1) - First 35 by current Owner Points [position 1-35][top 35 teams do NOT need to attempt ALL the races]
  #2) - Last Years Sprint Cup Champ or the Event Champion if not already in the field
  #3) - Car Owners whose team has won in the previous and current season not already in the field
  #4) - Drivers who have won in the previous and current season not already in the field
  #5) - ALL Past Sprint Cup Champions not in by 1 thru 4 [is NOT charged against the 6 past champ provisionals]
  #6) - Qualifying Attempts [not starts] with Owners points as the tie breaker, if still tied then by best finish
  #7) - Qualifying Order Position
  (all above apply as long as the team was entered by the entry deadline - usually 7-13 days before the race)

  -->

• Qualifying Rules/Notes/News page

• Go or Go Home Drivers to Qualify Together: Teams outside the top 35 in owners points will qualify together at the end of the qualifying session. The thought is that nobody would have an advantage in track conditions.

• How to Calculate Track Speeds: use the formula Speed = Distance divided by Time. Distance is Track Length, and Lap Time into Hours. Once hour is 3600 seconds, so the calculation for a 48 second lap at Daytona(2.5 miles) would be: Speed = 2.5 x (3600/48), = 2.5 x 75 = 187.500mph. For a 19 second lap at Bristol(.533 miles): Speed = .533 x (3600/19), = .533 x 189.474 = a speed of 100.990mph

• How to break a tie during qualifying? (same speed/time) When drivers are tied for a starting spot during qualifying, it is broken by owners points standings (not drivers points).

• Determining Race Line-Ups - Top 35 Guarantee: At the start of the 2005 season, NASCAR instituted a new procedure for establishing the starting race field in the Sprint Cup Series [NSCS]. NASCAR revamped the system by simplifying the procedure with teams no longer accruing provisionals throughout the season to gain entry into the starting fields. While starting positions one through 42 in the NSCS still will be determined by qualifying speed, the new system will assure the highest-ranked 35 positions of the NSCS OWNER [not Driver] championship points that have entered the event prior to the entry deadline [usually 13 days before the day of the race] one of those starting positions in the field, providing they have made an attempt to qualify [which usually means the team at least practiced and made an effort to qualify].
  The remaining seven positions [36-42] will be assigned to those drivers with the fastest qualifying speeds whose car owners are not among the top 35. The final starting position [43rd] – the champion’s provisional – can be utilized by a car owner whose driver is a current or past Sprint Cup champion who participated as a driver during the current of previous season and was entered in the event for that owner in that car prior to the entry deadline.
  If there is more than one series champion vying for the position, it will be given to the most recent series champion. If the final provisional starting position – 43rd in the Sprint Cup – is not filled by a current or past series champion, it will be assigned to the next eligible car owner according to qualifying results.
  Through the first five races of the season for the Sprint Cup, the top 35 in the NSCS of the previous owner championship points entered in the event prior to the entry deadline will be assured one of the 42 starting positions in the field, provided they have made an attempt to qualify. From the sixth race on, the current owner championship points will be used to determine the top 35 each race week. In the event that conditions prevent qualifying from being run, starting positions will be assigned according to the respective series’ current Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)
  Simple: so the field is set by speed to where the 7th fastest non-top 35 driver is on speed. The any drivers in the top 35 of OWNERS [not drivers points] are placed to the 42nd spot. The 43rd spot is used for the most recent past Sprint Cup champion NOT already in the field from being in the top-35 in owners points or one of the seven no top-35. If their is not past champ for the 43rd spot, it goes to the next fastest [8th fastest driver]

• Past Champions Limited To 6 Provisional Berths in Sprint Cup: See my 2010 Past Champions Provisional Page for more

• A Record Fit for a King: Richard "The King" Petty won twice in 46 Talladega starts. But his two wins managed to set an unusual record. The first win came on August 11, 1974. The second came on May 1, 1983, setting the mark for longest stretch between wins at the 2.66-mile oval.(10-2-2004)

• Slowest Cup race ever at Talladega 2004: A track record 11 caution periods over 55 laps caused the average speed to be 129.396mph, the slowest in a NASCAR Winston/Nextel Cup race at Talladega. The record (130.892) was set in 1975 in a race won by Buddy Baker.(4-27-2004)

• October 2009 Pole Sitter: none, due to inclement weather

• April 2009 Pole Sitter: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 188.171mph, finished 20th

• Track/Event Qualifying Record (no restrictor plate): Bill Elliott, April 1987, 212.809mph

• Track/Event Qualifying Record (Restrictor Plate): Bill Elliott, May 1990, 199.388 (15/16th inch plate)

• Oldest Pole Winner: Ricky Rudd, 47 years, 7 months, 13 days, 4/25/2004

• Youngest Pole Winner: Jimmie Johnson, 26 years, 7 months, 4 days, 4/21/2002

• October 2009 Race Winner: #26-Jamie McMurray, 157.213mph, started 22nd

• April 2009 Race Winner: #09-Brad Keselowski, 147.565mph, started 9th

• Track Race Record: Mark Martin, May 1997, 188.354mph

• Slowest Race Record: Jeff Gordon, April 25, 2004, 129.396mph

• Worst Starting Spot to Win: Jeff Gordon, April 2000, started 36th

• Oldest Race Winner: Harry Gant, 52 years, 3 months, 26 days, May 1991

• Youngest Race Winner: Bobby Hillin Jr., 22 years, 1 months, 22 days, July 1986

• Most Wins: 10 - Dale Earnhardt

• Most Wins - Active Driver: 6 - Jeff Gordon; 5 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

• Most Poles - All Time: 8, Bill Elliott

• Most Poles - Active Driver: 4, Joe Nemechek

• Most Top 5s - All Time: 23 - Dale Earnhardt

• Most Top 5s - Active Driver : 13 - Jeff Gordon

• Most Top 10s - All Time: 27 - Dale Earnhardt

• Most Top 10s - Active Driver: 22 - Mark Martin

• Most Lead Changes: 74 - 5/6/1984

• Fewest Lead Changes: 13 - 5/6/1973

• Most Leaders: 28 - 10/6/2008

• Fewest Leaders: 4 - 5/6/1973

• Most Laps Led by a Leader: Pete Hamilton, August 1970, 153 laps

• Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: Jeff Gordon, 10/7/2007 and Brad Keselowski, 4/26/2009, 1 lap led

• Most Cautions: 11, 4/25/2004

• Most Caution Laps: 62, 5/7/1972

• Fewest Cautions: 0 - three times, most recent 10/6/2002

• Fewest Caution Laps: 0 - three times, most recent 10/6/2002

• Most on the Lead Lap: 29 - 4/22/2001

• Fewest on the Lead Lap: 1 - two times, most recent 7/27/1986

• Most Running at the Finish: 40 - 4/22/2001

• Fewest Running at the Finish: 14 - 7/27/1986

• Most Wins by Manufacturer: 35 - Chevy

• Races won from starting pos 1: 13 [of 81] 16.049%
  
• Races won from starting pos 2: 18
  
• Races won from starting pos 3: 6
  
• Races won from starting pos 4: 6
  
• Races won from starting pos 5: 4
  
• Races won from starting pos 6: 3
  
• Races won from starting pos 7: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 8: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 9: 3
  
• Races won from starting pos 10: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 11: 3
  
• Races won from starting pos 12: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 13: 3
  
• Races won from starting pos 14: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 15: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 16: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 17: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 18: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 20: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 22: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 24: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 27: 1
  
• Races won from starting pos 34: 2
  
• Races won from starting pos 36: 1
  
• Races won from the top 5: 47 of 81 - 58.025%
  
• Races won from the top 10: 58 of 81 - 71.605%
  
  

  At Talladega Superspeedway:
  · Construction began on what was then known as the Alabama International Motor Speedway on May 23, 1968.
  · The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on Sept. 14, 1969.
  · The name changed to Talladega Superspeedway in 1989.
  · Fourth repaving completed on Sept. 19, 2006.
  · There have been 81 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Talladega Superspeedway since the track opened in 1969; two a year every year except the inaugural season, which had just one.
  · Richard Brickhouse won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
  · Bobby Isaac won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole in September 1969. Isaac won the first three poles there.
  · 35 different drivers have won poles. Juan Pablo Montoya won the pole for last season’s spring race, his first career pole.
  · Bill Elliott leads all drivers with eight poles.
  · 39 different drivers have posted victories, led by Dale Earnhardt Sr. (10). Eighteen drivers have won more than once. Brad Keselowski became a first-time NASCAR Sprint Cup winner last season.
  · Jeff Gordon leads all other active drivers in victories, with six.
  · Hendrick Motorsports has won 10 races, more than any other organization. Richard Childress Racing, with nine wins, can match that mark this weekend.
  · 31 of 81 races have been won from a top-two starting position, including 13 from the pole; 23 have been won from a starting position outside the top 10. The most recent driver to win from the pole was Jeff Gordon in 2007 (spring).
  · The furthest back in the field a race winner started was 36th, by Jeff Gordon in 2000.
  · Mark Martin’s pace in the 1997 spring race set an all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup record for the fastest race ever. He won the caution-free race with an average speed of 188.354 mph and covered the 500-mile distance in two hours, 39 minutes and 18 seconds.
  · Dale Earnhardt Jr. had four consecutive victories (October 2001 through April 2003), the most ever by a driver there. Buddy Baker (three – May 1975 through May 1976) is the only other driver to win more than two consecutive races there.
  · Since the inception of electronic scoring in 1993, every race that has ended under green has had a margin of victory under half a second.
  * There have been 100 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Alabama.
  * 65 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series (all-time) have their home state recorded as Alabama.(NASCAR)(4-20-2010)

---

PAINT SCHEME NEWS

---

Car#/Driver	Sponsor/Scheme/Promo	Image Link
#00-David Reutimann	Aaron's - University of Alabama famed crimson	#00 Team Schemes Page
#5-Mark Martin	GoDaddy.com	#5 Team Schemes Page
#14-Tony Stewart	Old Spice Matterhorn	#14 Team Schemes Page
#16-Greg Biffle	3M / CGA / Call811	#16 Team Schemes Page
#17-Matt Kenseth	Valvoline	#17 Team Schemes Page
#18-Kyle Busch	Pedigree Dog Food	#18 Team Schemes Page
#19-Elliott Sadler	Stanley Tools - Bostitch	#19 Team Schemes Page
#33-Clint Bowyer	BB&T;	#33 Team Schemes Page
#39-Ryan Newman	Haas Automation / Office Depot	none...yet
#42-Juan Pablo Montoya	TUMS	#42 Team Schemes Page
#43-A.J. Allmendinger	Insignia / Best Buy	#43 Team Schemes Page
#47-Marcos Ambrose	Bush's Baked Beans	#47 Team Schemes Page
#55-Michael Waltrip	Aaron's 50th Anniversary	#55 Team Schemes Page
#77-Stan Hornish Jr.	Penske Trucking - AAA	none...yet
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr	National Guard	#88 Team Schemes Page

• Different look for the #19 at Talladega: This weekend, the familiar yellow and black of Elliott Sadler #19 Ford at Talladega will be replaced by the gold and black colors of Bostitch. The paint scheme celebrates a new line of Bostitch hand tools, now available at Lowe's Home Improvement. Bostitch hand tools tout a host of breakthrough features that solve problems on the jobsite and help make pros more productive. Backed by a 100 year warranty, the new line of Bostitch hand tools is designed to withstand the use and abuse on the jobsite. Check out www.bostitch.com for more info.(Stanley Tools Facebook), see an image of the scheme on my #19 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2010)

• Special scheme for Stewart at Talladega: #14-Tony Stewart's Old Spice/Office Depot Chevy will carry the colors of Old Spice’s Fresh Collection at Talladega – specifically, its Matterhorn scent, which according to the scent experts at Procter & Gamble, smells like ice, wind and freedom and carries a graphic of a Matterhorn-esque mountain range rising halfway up the sides of Stewart’s red Chevy.(Tony Stewart site), see an image of the scheme on my #14 Team Schemes page.(4-22-2010)

• Valvoline to sponsor Kenseth UPDATE: hearing and seeing that Valvoline will sponsor #17-Matt Kenseth in a few 2010 Sprint Cup races. Supposedly for three races. See an image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(12-12-2009)
  UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing announced that Valvoline, the leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will sponsor the #17 entry and driver Matt Kenseth for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during the 2010 season. The #17 Valvoline Ford Fusion will debut this weekend at:
  Atlanta Motor Speedway and then will also serve as the primary sponsor for:
  April’s Talladega race weekend as well as the:
  November Cup Series race in Phoenix [11/21]. Valvoline first teamed up with Roush Fenway Racing in 1990, and together the duo has brought home 44 wins in the Sprint Cup series [many with #6-Mark Martin]. Valvoline is the official motor oil at Roush Fenway Racing, and has been providing Americans with the best motor oil and automotive products longer than any other motor oil company.(RFR), see images of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(3-3-2010)

• Special scheme for Biffle at Talladgea: CGA [Common Ground Alliance] Member 3M will promote the 811 logo on the #16 3M/Greg Biffle race car at the Talladega Superspeedway on 4/25/2010. “3M’s commitment to underground damage prevention will be showcased during National Safe Digging Month at one of America’s premier sporting events,” stated Bob Kipp, CGA President, “we encourage all CGA members to tune in and watch the race supporting 3M, Biffle and 811!”(CGA), see images of the scheme on my #16 Team Schemes page.(2-1-2010)

• Alabama scheme for #00 at 'Dega: Aaron's proudly announced it will honor the new BCS National Champion University of Alabama with a commemorative Crimson Tide-themed NASCAR paint scheme. The Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) #00 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota, to be driven by David Reutimann, will make its on-track debut April 25 in the Aaron's 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway. As a corporate sponsor of Alabama and the University of Texas, Aaron's supports both teams and wanted to celebrate the winner no matter who it turned out to be. With Alabama's win, the racecar is sure to be a fan favorite as it will feature the school's trademark Crimson and the official national championship logo when competing at the school's home racetrack. "Aaron's couldn't be more proud that two of its partner universities were represented in this year's national championship game," said Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron's, Inc. "While Alabama clinched the title, Texas put up a tough fight making the game one of the most outstanding in BCS history. We are honored and excited to take Alabama's triumph a step further with the opportunity to put this commemorative racecar in victory lane at our race in Talladega." The program will kick off at the University of Alabama A-Day game scheduled for April 17 where the racecar will be unveiled and displayed prior to the football game. The car will then move on to Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron's Dream Weekend, before starting a tour throughout the state making stops at select Aaron's stores. Fans and collectors can pre-order limited edition 1/24-scale collectable die cast replicas of the racecar at Aaron's stores nationwide starting January 22. Quantities are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The replicas are expected to arrive in stores by the middle of May. For more information, details about how to pre-order and Aaron's store locations, visit www.shopaarons.com. Register to WIN a trip to the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.(Aaron's), see an image of the car on my #00 Team Schemes page.(1-12-2010)

• Aaron’s to Celebrate BCS National Championship Winning Team with Paint Scheme - it'll be Alabama: Aaron’s is already a winner when it comes to this year’s BCS National Championship football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas. As a corporate sponsor of both universities’ athletic programs, Aaron’s is guaranteed a victory no matter which team wins tonight’s game and will create a celebratory race program for the winning school that incorporates Aaron’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race team.
  Aaron’s plans to produce a special National Championship paint scheme that will be featured on their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar driven by David Reutimann. If the University of Texas wins, the Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) #00 Sprint Cup Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota will sport the UT burnt orange and official national championship logo at Texas Motor Speedway April 18. If the University of Alabama collects the victory, the car will feature ‘Bama’s famed crimson along with the championship logo in the Aaron’s 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway April 25 [Note: Alabama won the game].
  “Aaron’s is in a unique position to be able to commemorate the achievements of this year’s national football champion with our racecar program,” stated Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron’s, Inc. “We look forward to unveiling this racecar during a celebration on campus just before it goes to the racetrack to compete. We can’t think of a better way to honor the winning team’s achievements.”
  “This paint scheme is going to be a huge hit with fans, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to drive this car,” said driver David Reutimann. “But the pressure is going to be on me to win. Aaron’s is in a ‘no-lose’ situation with these two great football teams, so I am going to have to get this car to victory lane to keep the winning going.”
  The racecar program will be supported with a traveling showcar that will make appearances at Aaron’s stores throughout the winning state weeks before and after the race. Aaron’s is also making available a limited edition line of collectable merchandise that will include a 1/24-scale die cast replica of the racecar and a racing t-shirt. The merchandise will be available exclusively at Aaron’s stores in the winning state, the winning university’s bookstores, the MWR trackside merchandise trailer and at www.shopaarons.com.(Aaron’s PR)(1-8-2010)

• More Paint Scheme news can be found on Paint Schemes Gallery

• Track Specifications:
  Track/Race Length: 2.66 mile quad oval, 188 laps, 500.08 miles
  Superspeedway: 2.66-mile trioval 48 feet wide (12-foot apron)
  Turns: Banking: 33° Length: 3,750 feet Radius: 1,100 feet
  Trioval: Banking: 18°
  Frontstretch: Chute length: 2,150 feet (from turn to middle of trioval) Total length: 4,300 feet Banking: 16.5°
  Backstretch: Length: 4,000 feet Banking: 2°
  Pit Road: Length: 3,000 feet; Width: 48 feet
  Pit Road Speed: 55mph
  Pace Car Speed: 70mph
  Grandstand Seating: 143,231
  Track last paved: Summer 2006
  Opened: 1969

• Race Festivities/Officials:
  Grand Marshal: Mal Moore, Director of Athletics for the University of Alabama
  Command to start engines: Mal Moore
  Honorary Starter/Wave Green Flag: The winner of the Aaron’s PT Rodeo - TBA
  Invocation: Pastor Mark Stokes, Alabama Raceway Ministries, Camellia Baptist Church
  National Anthem: Nashville Recording Artist Brittini Black
  Military Flyover: 4 F-15C Eagles, 95th Fighter Wing, Tydall AFB, FL
  

  Reverend Mark Stokes, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and Pastor of Camellia Baptist Church in Prattville

• For the season race officials by track, see my Race Officials page

• Track Websites:
  Talladega SuperSpeedway
  ISC Motorsports
  ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide
  Talladega SuperSpeedway - Facebook
  Talladega SuperSpeedway - Twitter
  Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame
  International Motorsports Hall of Fame(Talladega)

• April 2009: see my Talladega Race Info page

• November 2009: see my Talladega Race Info page

  ---

• Why didn't Miss America sing National Anthem?: Miss America Caressa Cameron was overcome by heat and unable to sing the national anthem Sunday before the NASCAR races at Talladega Superspeedway. The Miss America Organization says Cameron was taken to the track's medical care center, evaluated and quickly released. She is feeling better and resting comfortably.(Associated Press)(4-26-2010)

• Traffic Improvements for Talladega Race Weekend: Talladega Superspeedway will enact several procedural changes during the Aaron’s Dream Weekend that should help speed ingress and egress from the track. Most noticeable, is the installation of a new “express lane” that has been created to speed the exit of Allison Grandstand customers.
  Changes by day:
  Saturday
  · North parking lots 2N & 3N (located directly across from the main entrance to Talladega Superspeedway) will remain closed on Saturday only. Race fans should make plans to park in lots nearest the track, lots 1E - 4E and 1W – 9W.
  · West parking lots 10W & 11W (located off New Jackson Trace) will remain closed on Saturday only. If entering the facility from New Jackson Trace, lot 9W will be open for race fans.
  · Allison Grandstand customers will now have a new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.
  Sunday
  · North Park Free Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.
  · Reserved Family Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.
  · Allison Grandstand customers will again be able to use the new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.
  REMINDER: Talladega Superspeedway has enough FREE day parking within easy walking distance of the track for all race fans. Free tram services are also provided throughout the facility. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-22-2010)

• Talladega Race Dignitaries:< Talladega Superspeedway announced that Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, will perform the national anthem prior the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. Additionally, Nashville Recording Artist Brittini Black will perform the national anthem prior the Aaron’s 312 on April 24. Other Aaron’s Dream Weekend dignitaries:
  Invocation Jeff Sauls, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and the Talladega Superspeedway Emergency Services Chaplain, will lead the invocation prior to the ARCA Racing Series 250 on Friday, April 23. Dr. Bart Owen, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and the Talladega Superspeedway Security Services Chaplain, will lead the invocation prior to the Aaron’s 312. Reverend Mark Stokes, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and Pastor of Camellia Baptist Church in Prattville, will lead the invocation prior to the Aaron’s 499.
  Grand Marshal Thomas Green, Todd Schroeder and Andrew Coughlan of the Wounded Warrior Project will serve as Grand Marshal’s for the Aaron’s 312. Mal Moore, Director of Athletics for the University of Alabama, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Aaron’s 499.
  Honorary Starter
  Gerard Claseman, winner of the Aaron’s Weekend of Your Dreams sweepstakes, will serve as honorary starter for the Aaron’s 312.
  The winner of the Aaron’s PT Rodeo, a competition for select Aaron’s employees, will serve as honorary starter for the Aaron’s 499.
  For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-22-2010)

• Get The VIP Treatment At Talladega In The Trackside Fan Suite: Talladega Superspeedway has a special offer for the race fan that demands the ultimate in comfort and luxury…. the Trackside Fan Suite hospitality package.
  The Trackside Fan Suite Package includes:
  · Pass into the Trackside Fan Suite Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  · 1 Suite/Hospitality parking pass per two Suite passes
  · Pre-Race pit passes (Saturday and Sunday only) allowing guests access to pit road until 1 hour prior to track activity
  · Event souvenirs Friday and Saturday
  · Sunday souvenir race program
  Inside the luxury suite, guests will find:
  · Closed-circuit televisions
  · Private restrooms
  · Catering for breakfast, buffet lunch and beverages (water, soda, wine and beer)
  · Cash bar available
  Each Individual Suite Package is $700 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(TSS)(4-5-2010)

• The No-Hassle ‘DEGA Infield Experience: Race fans that want the experience of the Talladega Superspeedway Infield without the hassle of renting or bringing an RV for the weekend are in luck. Talladega Superspeedway introduced an all-inclusive premium RV package. Race fans that purchase the package will have their very own luxury motorhome awaiting them on Wednesday of race weekend. The motorhome will be stationed in the conveniently located Turn 4 Motorhome Park and includes everything four people need to enjoy a weekend at ‘DEGA.
  The package includes:
  · Delivery/removal and setup of one luxury motorhome for entertainment and lodging use at Talladega Superspeedway, Wednesday – Sunday.
  · Reserved 25x50 RV space in the Turn 4 Motorhome Park
  · Early infield entry on Wednesday.
  · Four (4) infield passes for infield access Wednesday – Sunday.
  · Two (2) infield vehicle access/parking passes
  · Four (4) pre-race pit passes for Sunday’s Aaron’s 499
  · Four (4) souvenir race programs
  · Daily water and pumping service
  · On-site concierge service
  · On-site mechanical service personnel
  “A demand has been building at Talladega Superspeedway for a turnkey camping package,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We are excited to offer a convenient solution for our fans that want a carefree weekend at Talladega.” Pricing for the premium RV package is $5,800 and requires a $1,000 refundable deposit. For more information, contact Motacha Blackerby in the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 256-761-4747. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-1-2010)

• Talladega Superspeedway Takes the Headache Out of Tailgating: Race fans can leave the table and chairs at home when they attend the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 23-25. Talladega Superspeedway is taking care of it all in the Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone. The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone is an all-inclusive package for race fans featuring:
  · A reserved tailgate area that includes the use of a 10x10 tent, table and chairs
  · A premium parking pass
  · Use of a portable generator provided by Honda Generators
  · Four reserved grandstand tickets to the Aaron’s 499 on Sunday, April 25
  The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone will also feature tailgate activities and contests with prizes from Pepsi Max and other participating partners. The area is located directly behind the Gadsden Grandstands, just steps away from all the action. The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone package is $299 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visiting the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS)(3-22-2010)

• Humphrey Named ISC Managing Director of Business Operations: International Speedway Corporation announced it has named Rick Humphrey as Managing Director of Business Operations. Humphrey accepts the role from his most recent position as president of Talladega Superspeedway. W. Grant Lynch Jr., Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway and Vice President of Strategic Projects for ISC, will assume the responsibilities for day to day operation of the facility. Humphrey, 41, is a 16-year veteran in the motorsports industry, serving most recently as president of Talladega Superspeedway since July 2007. As president, he worked closely with the facility's more than 50 employees to secure, maintain and operate the 2.66-mile, 3,000-plus acre complex, and presided over a significant number of upgrades and enhancements to the legendary race track. In his new role, Humphrey will be primarily responsible for driving operational excellence across all ISC racetracks through benchmarking, innovation and best practice sharing. In addition, he will provide leadership for ISC's Green initiatives. (Talladega PR)(3-11-2010)

• Workers Progressing on Installation of 18,000 New Seats at Talladega: Workers have begun installing the first of over 18,000 new seats at Talladega Superspeedway in anticipation of the April 23-25 Aaron’s Dream Weekend. Crews continue to pour concrete and lay the foundations for the new seats, while other crews put the finishing touches on completed portions. It’s a coordinated effort that has proved successful since the beginning of the project last November. Once complete, the entire grandstand project will have used enough concrete to pour the foundations for over 300 single-family homes. There is approximately 24,000 feet of caulked joints in the job. That’s over 4.5 miles of caulking, or enough to lay a ½ -inch strip around the track 1.5 times. There are over 42 miles of reinforcing steel embedded in the concrete foundations. There will be nearly a mile of handrails in the new grandstands. Tickets in the freshly renovated frontstretch grandstands start at just $60 for the April 25 Aaron’s 499. Several tower sections have seen their ticket prices reduced to $95, while the Allison grandstands offer the most affordable admission with a $49 two-day ticket. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(2-11-2010)

• Gossage Dons University Of Alabama Hat While Raising Talladega Flag At TMS: Less than 12 hours after the University of Texas’ 37-21 loss to the University of Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage was feeling the sting of the defeat once again. Despite freezing temperatures in the teens and high winds, Gossage settled his bet with Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey on Friday morning as he personally raised the Alabama speedway’s flag in front of the Texas Motor Speedway administration building. Gossage, donning a University of Alabama ball cap, was hoisted up on a scissor lift to the top of the 25-foot flag pole, where he hung the Talladega Superspeedway flag alongside the flags of the United States, state of Texas and Texas Motor Speedway. As part of the bet, the Talladega flag will fly throughout the weekend. Gossage also had a small, wooden University of Alabama gnome on hand to serve as a stand-in for Humphrey, who was not in attendance for the “ceremony.”
  In keeping with the tradition of state versus state bets and offering up a special fare from the loser’s locale, Gossage also will be sending Humphrey and his staff Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse beef brisket next week to celebrate the victory. “I’m very excited to know that the Talladega Superspeedway flag is flying over Texas Motor Speedway,” Humphrey said. “But more importantly, I’m excited for the University of Alabama and the pride that a national championship brings to our state. I love Talladega Speedway and I love the Alabama Crimson Tide. Today is a great day for both of us.” See images and a video at the texasmotorspeedway.com website. Tickets can be purchased for TMS races online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or by calling (817) 215-8500 and for Talladega visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TMS/TSS)(1-8-2010)

• University of Alabama vs. University of Texas Has Trackside Implications: A friendly wager between Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey and Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage hinges on the outcome of the BCS Championship Game between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Texas Longhorns [Thursday, Jan. 7th on ABC at 8:00pm/et]. Up for grabs? A weekend’s worth of bragging rights as the winning track’s flag flies over the loser’s track and a tasty meal for the victorious track. (Talladega is supplying Dreamland Ribs in the unlikely event of a Longhorns victory, while Texas is offering a shipment of Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse beef brisket). The loser not only will have to swallow his pride but also proudly fly the flag of the winning speedway on their property beginning Friday morning and throughout the weekend. The losing track president also will have to don a golf shirt and hat of the winning team.
  “I look forward to seeing photos of the Talladega Superspeedway flag flying over Texas Motor Speedway after the Tide rolls over the Longhorns,” said Humphrey. “I may even have to call Eddie on Friday morning and play the ‘Bama fight song for him as he hoists our flag wearing an Alabama shirt and hat. Our staff is looking forward to dining on some delicious Texas beef for lunch next week while we revel in another national championship for the University of Alabama. This has all the makings of a very good week.”
  “I’m always up for a good bet,” Gossage said. “I think Rick will look great in burnt orange and the Texas Motor Speedway flag will look great flying over Talladega Superspeedway. As his former boss, I think he owes me a good meal and those Dreamland ribs will be perfect.”(Talladega SuperSpeedway PR / Texas Motor Speedway PR)(1-7-2010)

• Phase-one Demolition of Talladega Grandstands Complete: Phase-one demolition of Talladega Superspeedway’s frontstretch grandstands is now complete. Crews have already begun preparations to pour the concrete foundations for new seats and wider aisles. More than half of the stadium’s grandstand will be replaced in time for the April 25, 2010 Aaron’s 499.
  Talladega Superspeedway officials joined the staff of WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM to raise $13,700 during the thirteenth annual Bake A Christmas fundraiser Friday, Dec. 11. That number is expected to increase slightly as donations and last minute purchases continue to trickle into the station. The money raised will be used to provide Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the track’s surrounding region. Members of the Talladega Superspeedway and Thunder 92.7 staff encouraged listeners and race fans to bid on one-of-a-kind race packages on-air, while donations of baked goods, racing memorabilia and other items such as gift certificates from local merchants, flowed in throughout the day.
  For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(12-18-2009)

• Demolition of Talladega Grandstands Steadily Progressing: Crews are steadily progressing on the demolition of Talladega Superspeedway’s frontstretch grandstands as part of a two-phase $13-million grandstand renovation project. More than half of the stadium’s grandstand will be replaced with larger seats and wider aisles in time for the April 25, 2010 Aaron’s 499. The remaining seats will be replaced in time for the Oct. 31, 2010 AMP Energy 500. The demolition process is completed in four steps, with crews working simultaneously to cut out the old seats, remove any old hardware, break up the concrete and finally remove the debris. Soon crews will follow behind the current demolition crew and begin laying forms and pouring new concrete for the aisles and seat platforms. The old seats will be sold as a set of 4 for $99 and come with a certificate of authenticity. Only 1,000 sets will be sold. Purchases can be made at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/My1969DegaSeats. All sets are sold as-is and must be picked up. No seats will be shipped. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(11-24-2009)

• Talladega announces renovations; new ticket prices: Immediately following the AMP Energy 500, construction crews will descend on Talladega Superspeedway and begin work on a two-phase $13-million grandstand renovation project. More than half of the stadium’s grandstand will be replaced with larger seats and wider aisles in time for the April 25, 2010 Aaron’s 499. The remaining seats will be replaced in time for the Oct. 31, 2010 AMP Energy 500. Accompanying the renovations is a new pricing structure for many Talladega seat locations. Single-day seats in the Gadsden, Lincoln, Anniston and Talladega Towers have been reduced to $95 from $120. Two-day tickets in the Allison Grandstands, one of the best values in all of motorsports, have been further reduced to $49 from $60. Race fans will also find new lower prices on certain infield camping locations. Phase One of the renovation project will span from the Gadsden grandstands in Turn Four through section C of the OV Hill South grandstands in the Tri-oval. New 21-inch seats with armrests and cupholders will replace the current 17-inch seats and seat aisles will also be widened to 48 inches from 36. Grandstand renovations also include the building of new premium level seats and additional ADA seating at the top of various sections. New semi-ambulatory seats will also be spread throughout the stadium to accommodate fans.(TSS PR)(11-1-2009)

• Racing for Wildlife preserves Talladega mountain ridge: Racing for Wildlife, a organization spearheaded by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman to preserve land for hunting, fishing and other outdoors activities, announced its first property acquisition this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The 1,100 acres along the eight-mile ridge of Rebecca Mountain in the Talladega National Forest will allow the U.S. Forest Service to complete a portion of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Rebecca Mountain to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. The property will be available for hiking, camping and recreation.(Alabama Live)(11-1-2009)

• Emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)

• Past track news: posted in the past at Jayski's Past Track News/Rumors - Talladega SuperSpeedway

Tire: Goodyear Eagle Superspeedway Radials

Number of Tires:
Sprint Cup: Left-side – 1,000, Right-side – 1,000;
Nationwide: Left-side -- 575, Right-side -- 575

Tire Codes: Left-side -- D-4138; Right-side -- D-4224

Tire Circumference: Left-side -- 87.9 in.; Right-side -- 88.3 in.

Technical Inspection Inflation
Left Front -- 30 psi; Left Rear -- 30 psi;
Right Front -- 55 psi; Right Rear -- 50 psi

Minimum Recommended Inflation:
Left Front -- 27 psi; Left Rear -- 27 psi;
Right Front -- 50 psi; Right Rear -- 50 psi

Estimated Pit Window: Every 35-37 laps, based on fuel mileage (Sprint Cup).

Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires at Talladega this weekend . . . this is the same tire set-up that teams in these two series ran at Talladega last season . . . this is the only track at which either of these two tire codes will be run in 2010 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Talladega . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.

• Waltrip to drive #55 at Talladega: In celebration of its 55th year, Aaron's, Inc. will sponsor PRISM Motorsports' #55 with driver Michael Waltrip in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway April 25. Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion and former winner at Talladega, will return to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing with a long-time sponsor in Aaron's and a long-time friend in PRISM co-owner Phil Parsons.(Aarons PR), see an image of the car on the #55 team paint schemes page.(3-10-2010)

• See the Sprint Cup Series Team / Driver Chart, which has links to past news for each team and info on each team.