The final concrete pour to complete the flooring of Talladega Superspeedway’s massive, new, one-of-a-kind Open Air Social Club that will debut October 11-13, took place this week, and the track’s future President decided to assist construction crews by getting down in the muddy material with rake in hand.
Brian Crichton, Talladega Superspeedway’s current Vice President, Marketing and Sales, who will oversee the 2.66-mile venue’s day-to-day operations once longtime Speedway Chairman Grant Lynch retires in November, suited up in his rubber boots, and went to work. After watching the process for a few minutes from atop a concrete truck, he then became a concrete finisher in an instant, jumping in the wet cement madness with his concrete placer to help the construction crew spread the final sections.
Just how much concrete was poured for the 35,000 square-foot building? Approximately 550 cubic yards. That’s more than 111,000 gallons. The Open Air Social Club will be the centerpiece of the brand-new Talladega Garage Experience, the major part of Phase II ofTransformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project presented by Graybar.
Fans who purchase a Garage Experience admission will receive access inside the Open Air Social Club, where they will be just a few steps away from the two garages that will line both sides of the building that will house the top 22 drivers (11 in each) in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. In the garage bays via the fan viewing walkway, fans will receive “up-close” access and be under the same roof where the race cars are being prepped by the race teams.
In addition to the Social Club, work continues to show with the advancement of a host of other buildings, including the Pit Road Club, concession and restroom complexes, two other garages (not affixed to the Open Air Social Club), and Guest Services. In addition, all concrete has been laid out for the new Gatorade Victory Lane where fans will get the chance to witness the victors’ celebration after each race in Celebration Plaza. Exterior skin has been applied to the Race Operations building that sits high above the Tri-Oval and will house NASCAR Race Control, LIVE Network Television and Radio, as well as public address announcers.
The Talladega Garage Experience will stretch from the center of the Tri-Oval down near the start-finish line and will also have FREE Wi-Fi presented by Xtreme Concepts, Inc. It will be ready at the world’s greatest race track during October’s 1000Bulbs.com 500 (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series) and Sugarlands Shine 250 (Gander Outdoors Truck Series). Other items fans can enjoy include incredible $4 or less Value-Priced Concessions (except for the $9 Big One Meatball), an entertainment stage for local music, Driver Q&A’s and other interviews, and social areas. Guests with a Talladega Garage Experience pass will also have access to Sunday’s pre-race ceremonies and Driver Introductions at the Start-Finish line!
The Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar is part of International Speedway Corporation’s (Talladega’s parent company) long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes. DLR Group is the architect of the entire project while Hoar Construction continues to spearhead Phase II. GT Grandstands (Plant City, FL) is constructing the Race Operations tower, as well as the Pit Road Club Suites that will house 600 guests who will get a birds-eye view of team pit stops from behind pit road, along with food and beverages.
Fans can learn more about the project and view the progress 24/7 via the construction cam by visitingwww.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation. For ticket information on the track’s NASCAR doubleheader playoffs weekend, and all things on Transformation and the Talladega Garage Experience, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-7223 (RACE).
TSS PR
