By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
Officials at Talladega Superspeedway and International Speedway Corporation announced on Thursday that the 2.66-mile facility will be the next track in line for capital improvement projects.
Talladega will become the fifth track under ISC’s leadership in the last five years to receive funding to help enhance the fan experience. Daytona International Speedway, ISM Raceway, Richmond Raceway, and Darlington Raceway have all been upgraded or in the process of being upgraded.
The project known as Transformation will cost approximately $50 million. The project is highlighted by a one-of-a-kind Fan Zone Experience with “up-close” access and interactive attractions and amenities for fans, sponsors, teams, and stakeholders.
Fans will be able to get closer to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage via a fan walkway underneath the same roof of the car bays. A 35,000 square foot covered Open Air Club will provide ample seating, a bar, and a 41-foot video screen. A Paddock Club will be located near the end of pit road. Victory Lane will also be moved closer to the garage clubs and to the fans in the grandstands.
Additional enhancements consist of: a two-lane, oversized vehicle tunnel at the end of the backstretch; a tram route that will deliver fans to the garage fan zone; infield premium parking opportunities; new infield shower options in Turns 1 & 2; expanded drivers meeting location; renovated media center; and a race operations building erected high atop the tri-oval.
Approximately 300 new RV spaces–complete with water and electricity hookups– will be in two main areas of the track, a view of the Alabama Gang Superstretch and an area near the start/finish line. All current RV areas will remain the same.
“Since 1969, no other track in NASCAR has lived its brand better than Talladega Superspeedway. Big, bold and one-of-a-kind best describe this legendary facility and the larger-than-life visionary who created it, my grandfather Bill France Sr.,” said ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy in a press release.
“Today’s announcement, Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project, is a world-class extension of his vision offering many new amenities and conveniences. It’s a great day for the track, ISC and the state of Alabama. This is a special place to our family and so many race fans all over the world, and its future is incredibly bright.”
“We have had nearly 50 years of incredible history in motorsports and have been a tourist destination for so many,” said Grant Lynch, Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway. “The investment that we are making shows a commitment today, tomorrow and beyond. Fans, both current and future, have a lot to look forward to in the next 50 years. There’s only one Talladega.”
The new garage viewing walkway is just one of a variety of new attractions for the fans as part of the Garage Fan Zone Experience, which will have over 140,000 square feet of social and engagement areas, complete with Wi-Fi, along with two new concession stands, restrooms complexes, a Guest Services Center and a fan First Aid facility”
As a result of the changes at Talladega, the current garage area for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will now host the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series (as it will be called in 2019).
Hoar Construction, based in Birmingham, Al, is the preconstruction contractor while DLR Group will spearhead the architect for the project. The project will begin after the October Playoff race and is expected to be completed in one year.
That amazing. It’s going to be really cool for the fans and what about the media center upgrade? That’s huge!!!! Russell sure knows how to make Talladega great again. Thanks Russell and Grant. It’s greatly appreciated but does it affect parking? LOL
What kind of parking? It appears according to renderings that the media parking will move to the infield road course.