Its white-knuckle racing all the way at Talladega Superspeedway! The speeds that used to be possible at Talladega are no more. It is one of two tracks on the NASCAR circuit that forces teams to run a restrictor plate to limit the engine horsepower, which in turn limits the top speed of the cars. Built in 1969, this challenging tri-oval course is a little over 2.5 miles and the banking degrees sure take some talent! The first winner of a NASCAR race at Talladega was Richard Brickhouse in 1969. Speed records have been recorded at Talladega Superspeedway and it is known as the biggest and fastest motorsports facility in the World. If NASCAR thrills are what you seek, then Talladega is the place you oughta be! The Aaron's 499 is a NASCAR Nextel Cup stock car race held at Talladega. The race is 500 miles (188 laps) and has always been held in early May or late April. The Aaron's 499 is also one of four races currently run with restrictor plates. The others are the UAW Ford 500, the Pepsi 400, and the Daytona 500. The 1997 Aarons 499 race, won by Mark Martin, was the fastest NASCAR race to date ever run, at an average speed of 188.354 mph (303.126 km/h). Past Aaron's 499 Winners: 2005 Jeff Gordon - 194 laps / 516.04 miles (green-white-checkered)
2004 Jeff Gordon
2003 Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
2002 Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
2001 Bobby Hamilton
2000 Jeff Gordon
1999 Dale Earnhardt
1998 Bobby Labonte
1997 Mark Martin (race postponed two weeks due to rain)
1996 Sterling Marlin
1995 Mark Martin
1994 Dale Earnhardt
1993 Ernie Irvan
1992 Davey Allison
1991 Harry Gant (race postponed from Sunday to Monday due to rain)
1990 Dale Earnhardt
1989 Davey Allison
1988 Phil Parsons
1987 Davey Allison - 178 laps / 473.48 miles (darkness - caused by long delay caused by repairs to repair damaged catchfencing in a Lap 22 crash)
1986 Bobby Allison
1985 Bill Elliott
1984 Cale Yarborough
1983 Richard Petty
1982 Darrell Waltrip
1981 Bobby Allison
1980 Buddy Baker
1979 Bobby Allison
1978 Cale Yarborough
1977 Darrell Waltrip
1976 Buddy Baker
1975 Buddy Baker
1974 David Pearson - 170 laps - 452.2 miles (energy crisis)
1973 David Pearson
1972 David Pearson
1971 Donnie Allison
1970 Pete Hamilton If you are ever in Eastaboga, Alabama, Talladega Superspeedway is a must see. The Aaron's 499 is the most well-known race held at Talladega, and it's become well known throughout the NASCAR racing circuit. |
