It’s Talladega Time! Dale Jr. Set to Make Final GEICO 500 Start Sunday, Penske Drivers Go for Four

Talladega Superspeedway becomes the center of the universe this weekend with an incredible motorsports triple-header, filled with a multitude of storylines in all three series, led with the final start in the May 7 GEICO 500 by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr., who announced last week he would retire at the end of the 2017 season, is a six-time winner at Talladega, including the only driver to win four consecutive (2001-03) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) triumphs. His last victory at NASCAR’s Most Competitive venue – the biggest and baddest on the planet – came in the 2015 GEICO 500.

The GEICO 500 will be the weekend’s anchor event, and the winner will be all but guaranteed a spot in NASCAR’s season-ending playoff. The action kicks off Friday with practice for the GEICO 500 and the Sparks Energy 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) event, as well as the start of General Tire 200 at 5 p.m. CDT. Saturday’s slate consists of the Sparks Energy 300 at 12 Noon CDT with Coors Light qualifying for the GEICO 500 at 3 p.m. CDT.

“We are thrilled to welcome our friends from GEICO, Sparks Energy, and General Tire back in what promises to be a great springtime weekend,” said Grant Lynch, Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway. “They are incredible partners who love the greatest race track in the world. It’s going to be an action-packed week for sure.”

Some of the other major story lines for the much anticipated weekend include:

Penske Looks to Add to Recent Talladega Dominance:  Team Penske, with drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano piloting their Fords, are gunning for a fourth consecutive Talladega triumph. Keselowski is the GEICO 500 defending champ while Logano has a pair of Alabama 500 victories (2015-16) in the fall. Only two other teams in Talladega Superspeedway history have won four consecutive MENCS races – Hendrick Motorsports (2006-07), along with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., which actually claimed five straight (2001-03). Thus far in 2017, Keselowski has two victories while Logano is the MENCS most recent winner, taking the checkered flag this past weekend at Richmond. Kids 12-and-younger coming to the GEICO 500 receive $50 off all grandstand and tower seats for the event.

Elliott Sadler Goes for Third Win in Last Four Sparks Energy 300 Races: Sadler won the 2014 Sparks Energy 300, and then came back last year – on his birthday none the less – to capture his second NXS event at the 2.66-mile mammoth track. If Sadler – the current championship points leader – can win, he will join Martin Truex Jr., as the only drivers to have three NXS victories under their belt. Truex pulled off the feat in consecutive years (2004-06). Saturday’s Sparks Energy 300 marks the 25^th anniversary of the NXS at Talladega. It debuted in 1992 with Ernie Irvan as the winner. Kids 12-and-younger are admitted FREE in all grandstand and tower seats to the Sparks Energy 300.

Former Talladega Winners Looking for First Trip to Gatorade Victory Lane in 2017: A total of eight drivers who have won MENCS events at the 33-degree banked Talladega venue but have yet to win this year and punch their ticket into the season-ending playoff. They include: Dale Jr (6), Jamie McMurray (2), Clint Bowyer (2), Kevin Harvick (1), Kyle Busch (1), Denny Hamlin (1), Matt Kenseth (1) and David Ragan (1).  

Local Flavor in General Tire 200: Munford, AL, native Bret Holmes will make his second start at his hometown track of Talladega Superspeedway in Friday’s General Tire 200. The Auburn University student, who grew up 15 miles away from the track, finished ninth a year ago. He currently sits 5th in the ARCA Racing Series standings. Kids 12-and-under are admitted free to Friday’s track activities.

Action Both on and off the Track at Talladega
The action on the track is certainly the most heart-pounding part of the weekend, but the most competitive track on the planet also has plenty of off-track activities, and a variety of fan upgrades throughout the weekend.

Big One on the Boulevard: Friday night, May 5, in conjunction with Cinco-de-Mayo, Talladega Superspeedway’s infamous Big One on the Boulevard returns with an all-new lineup of games and fun. It’s Cinco de Mayo, ‘Dega style! The most exciting Mardi-Gras style parade in the south will kick off at 7:00 p.m. (CDT) and will feature top NASCAR drivers. They will oversee fan competitions that include the Gordo Cheese eating contest, Pin the Tail, Hat Dance and Stuff the Taco.

Traditional Saturday Infield Concert: The Charlie Daniels Band will headline Talladega Superspeedway’s traditional Saturday Night Infield Concert at the intersection of Talladega and Eastaboga Boulevards. The iconic Southern country rocker will perform several of his legendary hits, including “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Country artist Chris Shrader will open for Daniels, along with DJ Michaelis. The festivities are set to begin at 7:00 p.m. CDT and is FREE to anyone with an infield or GEICO 500 ticket.

Special Ticket Offers & Experiences
Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade: Fan who purchase a Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade for only $80 can get an exclusive look at pre-race festivities prior to the GEICO 500. Fans receive a chance to stand stage side at driver introductions, a special area by the red carpet at the entrance to the drivers meeting prior to the race, and a firsthand look at the cars lined up on pit road. Additionally, fans will be able to participate in a special Fan Q&A Session (tentatively scheduled for 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. CDT) on the start-finish line of the famed race track. Scheduled to appear are: Tony Gibson, Logano, points leader Kyle Larson, Danica Patrick, Chris Buescher and Bowyer. 

Chase University College Student Program: NASCAR’s Most Competitive track is again partnering with the driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Chase Elliott, for the special “Chase U” $24 college student ticket offer. As a part of the special program for college students, Elliott, last year’s GEICO 500 pole winner, is scheduled to visit the “Chase U” college zone, located in the North Park Campground, at 5:15 p.m. this Saturday, May 6. The second-generation driver and son of NASCAR Hall of Famer and two-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Bill Elliott will host a question and answer session and mingle with fans throughout the tailgate area.

Jimmie Johnson Ticket Package: Seven-time NASCAR champion and two-time Talladega Superspeedway victor, Jimmie Johnson, is set to again host an exclusive Kids Question & Answer Session on the morning of the GEICO 500. In addition to the Q&A, kids will participate in special hands-on activities during a special learning program, led by NASA’s trained educators. Tickets are $48 for adults, and $24 for children 12-and-younger. Seating is located in the Talladega Grandstand. Families also receive 10% off merchandise purchased at the Fanatics NASCAR Trackside Superstore located in the Fan Zone outside the track’s frontstretch. 

Racing Electronics: On Friday, May 6, for the General Tire 200 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards event, along with practice sessions for the Sparks Energy 300 and GEICO 500, everything rentable on Racing Electronics trailers is FREE. Fans are encouraged to stop by Saturday and Sunday to take care of all your headset needs for the Sparks Energy 300 and GEICO 500. Rent or Buy a scanner at any of their trailers throughout Talladega Superspeedway or visit www.racingelectronics.com

Kids VIP Experience: Back for Talladega Superspeedway’s spring race weekend is the Kids VIP Experience. Kids who possess a Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade (available for only $80, must also have a Sunday admission ticket) can sign up for one of the following special VIP experiences: Drivers Meeting Red Carpet Entrance (driver autographs), Garage Tours, HOT laps, Exit to Driver Intro Stage, and Gatorade Victory Lane photos.

Parents can sign their kids up at the Kids Station, which opens at 8:00 a.m. CDT Sunday morning, located behind pit road near the Goodyear Building. Please note, there is a limit of two kids per one adult.

Sunday VIP Experience: The Sunday VIP Experience is perfect for fans wanting to experience GEICO 500 race day as a VIP. The experience, led by MRN broadcaster Glenn Jarrett, gives fans a behind-the- scenes look at the intense pre-race preparation, where later in the day, 40 of the sport’s most talented drivers will try to tackle Talladega. Each guest must have a grandstand ticket to the GEICO 500.

Unrestricted VIP Experience: This incredible, limited quantity opportunity gives fans unprecedented access to Talladega Superspeedway all race weekend. It’s full of one-of-a-kind benefits, including:

• Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series Garages and Pit Access
• Hot Lap Around the 2.66-Mile, 33-Degree High Banks in an Official Race Grand Marshal Car
• Friday Night Infield Access to the “Big One on the Blvd.” Parade and Party
• Gatorade Victory Lane Photo Opportunity Prior to the Race
• Saturday Garage Tour
• Saturday NASCAR XFINITY Series Driver Introductions Prior to the Sparks Energy 300
• Access to VIP Area at the Saturday Night Infield Concert featuring The Charlie Daniels Band
• Reserved area Sunday by the Red Carpet to the Driver’s Meeting Entrance
• Reserved Stage-Front Area for Fan Q&A, and Driver Introductions Prior to the Running of the GEICO 500
• Weekend Parking Passes

Premium Options: Talladega Superspeedway offers several premium ticket options for all event goers. From suites and box seats to a spot on the new Busch Balcony or a seat in the Back 40 Beer Paddock Club located behind front road, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE.

Fanatics Superstore: Opening on Friday of race week, the Fanatics NASCAR Trackside Superstore will be located in the Fan Zone, outside the frontstretch near turn four. It’s your one-stop-shop for all things NASCAR. Browse an incredible array of items of your favorite driver in the huge footprint which contains t-shirts, tanks, cups and more across 70 drivers – and 10,000 hats in the New Era headwear shop alone. 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.

NASCAR XFINITY Series Autograph Session: Several NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers will sign autographs on Friday, May 5, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. in the Legends Village. Guests will need to pick up wristbands before the session at the main Guest Services Office located at the O.V. Hill South Grandstand Section L. Each guest who has a wristband will be guaranteed an autograph.

Military Flyover: Flying high over Talladega Superspeedway prior to the GEICO 500 will be a Lockheed C-130 Hercules from the United States Airforce. With an incredible wingspan of 98 feet and a top speed of nearly 400 mph, the flyover is sure to thrill fans prior to the on-track racing action.

National Anthem (Friday/Saturday): Birmingham resident Tia Berry will wow the crowd with her rendition of The Star Spangled Banner before the General Tire 200 ARCA race. Jason Warren, a senior trumpet player at Jacksonville State University who is a member of the university’s world famous “The Marching Southerners,” will perform the National Anthem prior to the Sparks Energy 300.

National Anthem (Sunday): Continuing the tradition of the past five Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events at the 2.66-mile venue, the 313^th United States Army Band from Birmingham will again play the song of our country before the start of the GEICO 500. The band is made up of citizen-soldiers who train and perform as a group of Army musicians. The group’s pure, instrumental version of the Nation Anthem has become a Sunday tradition at Talladega.

Invocations: Handling the invocation for each of the races this weekend are members of Alabama Raceway Ministries: Eddie Varnadore (General Tire 200), Kevin Norris (Sparks Energy 300) and Billy Irvin (GEICO 500).

Grandstands
Video Boards: International Speedway Corporation, parent company of Talladega Superspeedway, announced a multi-year, multi-track partnership with ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu®, the World’s Largest 360-degree Digital Engagement Venue Network earlier this year. The partnership allows new technology to be installed at Talladega Superspeedway, and ISM Vision Powered by BoldVu® will be fully integrated with each track’s and Motor Racing Network’s (MRN) mobile app allowing fans to see real-time traffic and weather alerts and event schedules.

Smoke Free: Behind the grandstands, designated areas will be available for fans wishing to smoke.

Chairback Seats: Fans coming to TSS will be able to watch the racing action comfortably from the roomy 21” and 22” seats that line the grandstands.

Camping
FREE Camping: Talladega Superspeedway is the only track on the NASCAR circuit to offer free camping to its customers.

Finish Line RV II Camping: Due to the high demand for infield camping options, Talladega Superspeedway announced the addition of the Finish Line RV II Lot, consisting of 19 spots located just past the start-finish line. 10 of the 19 spots will be on the front row directly facing the track and allowing fans a bird’s eye view of the on-track racing action.

Mobile Shower Houses: Complementary mobile shower houses, featuring 16 private stalls, are set to debut for campers in the following outside campgrounds: GEICO West Park A & Pecan Grove, as well as GEICO West Park B. The stalls contain an endless supply of hot water, and adjacent dressing rooms. Six sinks and mirrors are also located within the facility.

Parking and Transportation
New “Up-Close” Parking: Want to park closer during race weekend? Consider these new options:

• Preferred Regular Parking:
  • Pre-Purchase or Race Day (Cash Only) – Saturday Only: $10.00 / Sunday Only: $20.00
  • 2-Day Savings Package (Pre-Purchase Only) – $20 total

FREE Parking: Several Parking lots on Speedway property remain free of charge to Talladega Superspeedway fans.

TSS PR