Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Talladega Superspeedway’s most recent winner, has been named the first driver scheduled to take part in the track’s Pre-Race Fan Question & Answer Session at the start-finish line on Sunday, Oct. 25, prior to the start of the Alabama 500.
Race fans will get to ask NASCAR’S Most Popular Driver questions in advance of the most anticipated race of the season where the field of 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders will be trimmed to eight at the checkered flag of the Alabama 500.
Fans that purchase Talladega’s “Pit Pass Upgrade” can have access to this special session, which is tentatively scheduled from 10:00-11:20 AM (CDT). Not only can they get an up-close look at NASCAR’s finest with the Pit Pass Upgrade, but they can also take in all the festive activities at the pre-race stage, including Driver Introductions. Additional drivers/personalities that will be part of the fan Q&A line-up will be announced in the near future.
Earnhardt, Jr., who pilots the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, won at Talladega in May in convincing fashion, leading a race-high 67 laps of the 188-lap event. It marked his sixth triumph at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track, tying fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon for second on the all-time win list at the 2.66-mile, 33-degree banked venue. He is the only driver in history to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the biggest, baddest track on the planet. His triumph here in May also locked him into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
With a victory in the Alabama 500, Earnhardt, Jr. could join some elite company. Since Talladega Superspeedway was constructed in 1969, only two drivers have been able to win three of the four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races held in a single season at NASCAR’s “Super” tracks – Talladega and Daytona International Speedway. Pete Hamilton was the first in 1970, sweeping both events at Talladega while adding a triumph in the Daytona 500. Dale Earnhardt, Sr., pulled off the feat in 1990, sweeping both Talladega events as well as the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. Earnhardt, Jr. captured the GEICO 500 in May then followed it up with a triumph at Daytona in July.
In addition to the Driver Q&A, pre-race festivities at the Driver Introduction stage will include introductions of special guests and VIPs, as well as the Honorary Starter and Grand Marshal of the Alabama 500, which is set for a 1 PM (CDT) start. The “Pit Pass Upgrade” is $75, but also includes more opportunities for up-close access on race day.
The “Pit Pass Upgrade” allows fans to enjoy a crew member’s perspective on race morning. Fans can stroll down Pit Road where the cars will be placed in position to start the race, and have the opportunity to see the crews set up each pit stall. It also allows access to The Red Carpet Entry into the Drivers Meeting. Fans will see drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, celebrities and NASCAR officials walk the red carpet into the meeting, where race procedures and protocol will be explained.
The Pit Pass Upgrade will be in effect on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of Driver Introductions. To purchase, simply visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.
After walking Pit Road, fans will get to experience Talladega’s roomy and comfortable 21- and 22-inch wide chair back grandstand seats. The five large Sprint Vision HD video boards, two that are 40-feet x 80-feet, will be back and placed along the frontstretch to provide unbelievable views of action on the track from every seat in the house. The video boards are an initiative that will be implemented at all ISC tracks in the future.
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