HISTORY OF THE TALLAGEDA SUPERSPEEDWAY

Talladega Superspeedway is a 2.66-mile tri-oval located in Lincoln, Alabama. Built on a former Air Force base, the track opened in 1969 under the International Speedway Corporation and quickly became one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues. Known for its steep 33-degree banking and wide racing surface, it remains the longest oval on the Cup Series calendar.

From the very beginning, Talladega made its mark with record-setting speeds and unpredictable racing. Richard Brickhouse won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event in 1969, and since then, the speedway has produced countless legendary moments – from massive pack battles to the multi-car crashes fans call “the Big One.”

Talladega traditionally hosts two Cup Series races each year. The spring event is held in April, while the fall race, the YellaWood 500, is part of the NASCAR Playoffs and often plays a decisive role in the championship. The track also welcomes the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series, creating full race weekends filled with action.

Over the decades, Talladega has been the site of some of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. Notable winners include Dale Earnhardt Sr., who scored ten Cup victories here, Brad Keselowski with six wins, and more recent stars like Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, and Bubba Wallace. The speedway’s combination of draft-heavy racing and unpredictable outcomes keeps it among the most anticipated stops on the schedule.

Beyond the track, Talladega is equally famous for its fan culture. The infield party scene is unmatched, and the pre-race driver introductions are some of the wildest in the sport. For many fans, a trip to Talladega isn’t just about watching a race – it’s about experiencing the spectacle and atmosphere that only NASCAR’s biggest track can deliver.