About the Venue
Talladega Superspeedway opened its gates in September 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway (until its name change in 1989). Talladega has surpassed every initial expectation in terms of sheer size, speed and ferocity of competition.
Talladega is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the world. It can hold more than 143,000-fans in the grandstands and thousands more in the infield.
The track itself is 2.66-miles long, four lanes wide and is banked 33 degrees on each end, with 18-degree banking in the tri-oval. This layout has produced some of the fastest and most competitive racing in history. The backstretch is nearly 4,000 feet long, and stock cars have reached speeds in excess of 220 miles per hour there in competition.
Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum.
City Guide
Talladega
The city of Talladega is located 20 miles south of I-20, the interstate between Birmingham and Atlanta. Talladega is approximately 75 miles east of Birmingham and 100 miles west of Atlanta; in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range in the East Central area of the state.
The South is known for the friendliness of the people and their gracious manners. This atmosphere is evident in Talladega.
Talladega is an Indian name meaning "Border Town" and was founded in January 1834 and incorporated in January 1885. At the center of the city stands the Courthouse with it's Doric columns on two sides, tall oak trees and benches to relax after shopping in the historic buildings that features Antique Talladega.
What to Do
Cheaha State Park (www.alapark.com)
At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat provides breathtaking scenery year-round. Information about Hiking the Trails at Cheaha State Park. For More Information Call 256-488-5115 or 256-488-5111.
DeSoto Caverns Park (www.desotocavernspark.com)
Resting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, DeSoto Caverns Park offers a unique destination for those seeking a fun and educational experience.
Motor Sports Hall of Fame (www.motorsportshalloffame.com)
One of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame's highlight features is the Motorsports Museum. Spanning three buildings and the enclosed courtyard, this collection of history making vehicles is priceless. The Hall of Fame is open extended hours during race weeks at Talladega Superspeedway. The MSHF is located adjacent to the Superspeedway and is open daily from 8:30-5pm; 256-362-5002.
Talladega Walk of Fame
The Davey Allison Memorial-Walk of Fame is a beautiful landscaped park that covers one full city block downtown Talladega, Alabama. Dedicated during the summer of 1994, the memorial is open everyday with free admission.
Ritz Theatre
Talladega's Ritz Theatre is considered one of the best surviving examples of the Art Deco mainstreet theatres of the 1930's. Restoration of the landmark's façade; comprised exclusively of opaque structural glass, a common construction material used lavishly during the Deco period - was completed in late 1997.