In just a few short weeks, Talladega Superspeedway fans can get ready to “gear up” at the re-imagined Fanatics NASCAR Trackside Superstore, set to make its return to NASCAR’s biggest and baddest track during Chase double elimination weekend, Oct. 21-23, featuring the Alabama 500 and fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola.
The Fanatics Superstore, which will be located in the Fan Zone, outside the frontstretch near turn four, is an incredible one-stop-shop with the largest selection of in-store NASCAR memorabilia in the world – bar none. And, what a weekend to be at Talladega. The Sunday (Oct. 23) Alabama 500 will see only eight of 12 drivers eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup advance at the checkered flag while six of eight drivers will move on in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Chase at the conclusion of the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola.
New improved selections offer an array of choices for fans including t-shirts, tanks, cups and more across 70 drivers, and 10,000 hats in the New Era headwear shop alone. The superstore houses even more fan favorites than before, with 50% more NASCAR Camping World Truck and NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers apparel to compliment a vast selection of items for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitors. With 60 checkout stations, less than four minutes of time will be spent in line, allowing shopping to last as long as needed and still get back inside to catch all the racing action.
NASCAR fans take pride in flying their colors of their favorite drivers, and after the one-year anniversary this past summer, the first-half merchandise sales results were officially tallied. The top three drivers are no surprise with Talladega’s winningest active driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (six triumphs) leading the rankings, followed by six-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and defending champion Kyle Busch.
While he won’t be competing in the Alabama 500, Earnhardt Jr., will be a part of the Fan Driver Question & Answer session on Sunday morning, and two-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Johnson will host a special Kids Question & Answer Session as part of a Family Ticket Package prior to the Alabama 500. For information on how to be a part of both of these opportunities, with Talladega winners, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
With rising stars like Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano and Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney, there are currently five drivers in the top-20 list who are 26 years of age or younger. Elliott’s sales have nearly quadrupled in his rookie year, making Elliott, son of two-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Bill Elliott, the youngest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history to rank among the top-five in trackside merchandise sales. College students will have the opportunity to meet Chase Elliott on Sunday as part of Chase University when he is scheduled to take a stroll through Talladega Superspeedway’s special “Chase U College Zone” in the North Park Campground to mix and mingle (and hand out special TSS & Chase U goodies).
Also up from last season in sales is Blaney, who is now a top-20 selling full-time driver and has more demand than ever, racing in the iconic No. 21 for the Wood Brothers team, which has won at Talladega five times. “There is nothing like seeing someone wearing your shirt or your hat and knowing they bought that because they are a fan,” said Blaney. “The Trackside Superstore makes it an easy, one-stop shop for everyone to find your gear. It’s been a great addition to our sport.”
The ultimate shopping experience – just look for the huge white tent, and once you enter, there will be large photos of your favorite driver to show you where their collectibles are located. Come and enjoy the Talladega Experience.
Talladega Superspeedway’s action-packed weekend kicks off on Friday (Oct. 21) with practice sessions for both the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola and the Alabama 500. Saturday’s schedule includes Foodland/Food Giant qualifying for both NCWTS (9:30 a.m. CDT) and NSCS (3:00 p.m. CDT) while the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola gets the green flag at 12 Noon CDT. The Alabama 500 is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. CDT.
For all ticket information – including Chase University tickets, the Jimmie Johnson Family Package and the pre-race Fan Q&A session featuring Earnhardt Jr.- for Talladega Superspeedway events, log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.
TSS PR
