Originally known as Alabama International Speedway, the Talladega Superspeedway opened in 1969. The layout was designed by engineer Charles Moneypenny who also designed Daytona International Speedway. The concept was one step beyond DIS. The track was longer at 2.66 miles (compared to 2.5) and higher-banked at 33 degrees in the turns (compared to 31 degrees).
Looking back at the some of the track's suggested highlights:
May 23, 1968: Construction begins
Sept. 14, 1969: The track holds its first NASCAR Sprint Cup event, the Talladega 500, won by Richard Brickhouse.
March 24, 1970: Buddy Baker becomes the first driver to post a test-run speed in excess of 200 mph in a stock car. His Dodge Daytona ran a lap at 200.447.
May 16, 1971: Brothers Donnie and Bobby Allison, charter members of the “Alabama Gang,” finish 1-2 in the Winston 500.
May 2, 1976: Buddy Baker takes a third consecutive Talladega win, a record that goes unbroken until 2003. (by Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
May 6, 1984: The Winston 500 features 75 lead changes — still a record for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
April 30, 1987: Bill Elliott sets a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying record at 212.809 mph. Due to the advent of carburetor restrictor plates at Talladega and Daytona, the record has never been broken.
May 10, 1997: Mark Martin’s victory in the Winston Select 500 comes in a race without a single caution flag. Martin sets a track and series record for fastest race average speed — 188.354 mph — which still stands today.
Oct. 25, 2000: Dale Earnhardt wins the final race of his career, coming from 18th place in the final laps.
April 6, 2003: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins his fourth consecutive race at Talladega, breaking Buddy Baker’s record of three straight.
Sept. 19, 2006: The track’s latest repaving project is completed, marking the fourth time the tri-oval has been repaved.
Oct. 5, 2008: The AMP Energy 500 has 28 different leaders — a Sprint Cup Series race record.
Are there any highlights you would like to add on the list?
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