Dirt here, dirt there, dirt EVERYWHERE! Convoys of excavators, diggers and dump trucks have invaded Talladega Superspeedway as crews are working on a major part of the Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar – the Alabama Gang Superstretch RV area. It will be ready for fans’ arrival for the upcoming doubleheader NASCAR Playoffs weekend (Oct. 11-13) featuring the 1000Bulbs.com 500 and the Sugarlands Shine 250.
Along the majority of the length of the Alabama Gang Superstrech construction workers are using heavy machinery to dig, level and then add gravel to the all-new RV area, which will add nearly 200 reserved camping spots and offer fans an incredible view of the wild backstretch racing, plus electrical and water hookups.
On the opposite side of the mammoth infield, much of the detailed work is being done throughout the Talladega Garage Experience, the focal point of the Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar. It will allow fans to be immersed into the sport like never before at the famous 2.66-mile venue that is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
Inside the Talladega Garage Experience’s centerpiece – the Open Air Social Club – work continues on the 74-foot Sugarlands Shine Bar that stretches across the backside of the massive 35,000 square foot building and is an added attraction for fans. Another bonus for fans will be a huge 41-foot diagonal video screen high above the bar that will feature the on-track action as well as other visuals for fans to see.
The Open Air Social Club will offer an array of comfortable seating and will be lined on both sides by two garages that will house the top 22 drivers (11 in each) in the premier series. Fans who purchase a Garage Experience admission will receive “up-close” access inside each garage bay via the fan viewing walkway where they will be just feet away from where the race cars are being prepped by the race teams.
Earlier in the week, NASCAR Hall of Famer and team owner Richard Childress seemed to be in his natural element when he hopped in a Caterpillar front end loader and helped bring in some dirt to one of the many landscaped areas throughout the 140,000 square foot Garage Experience social space. While he was here, Childress and track officials announced that prior to the 1000Bulbs.com 500, Childress will lead the field to the green flag in the authentic black No. 3 Chevrolet that carried Dale Earnhardt to his final career win in 2000.
Railing is also going up around the new “old-school” style winner’s circle, where fans will get an up-close view of all the victor’s celebrations in Gatorade Victory Lane in Celebration Plaza. A lot of pressure washing and cleaning the exterior of the buildings are also taking place.
Other buildings showing advancement include the Pit Road Club, concession and restroom complexes, two other garages (not affixed to the Open Air Social Club), and Guest Services. Work is also progressing on the Race Operations building that sits high above the Tri-Oval that 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. Other items fans can enjoy include incredible $4 or less Value-Priced Concessions, an entertainment stage for local music, Driver Q&A’s and other interviews, and social areas including a Watch Zone, Kids Zone and the Clyde May’s Courtyard. 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 leads Phase II. GT Grandstands (Plant City, FL) is constructing the Race Operations tower, as well as the Pit Road Club 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 visiting www.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
