Talladega Celebrates 40 Years of Racing

Talladega will mark 40 years of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing this weekend. Beginning in 1969, the Alabama track has been making history with each passing race. A few highlights:

• April 29, 1982 – Benny Parsons becomes the first Sprint Cup Series driver to break the 200 mph mark in qualifying with a speed of 200.176 mph.

• July 31, 1983 – Dale Earnhardt posts his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Talladega.  He would become the winningest driver in track history with 10 wins.

• May 6, 1984 – The Winston 500 establishes Talladega Superspeedway as NASCAR’s Most Competitive track when it sets a NASCAR record for lead changes with 75.  The record stands today.

• May 1, 1987 – Bill Elliott sets the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying record at a blazing 212.809 mph.  The record stands today.

• Oct. 5, 2008 – A NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record 28 drivers swap the lead at Talladega Superspeedway.  Tony Stewart earns his first Sprint Cup Series win at Talladega.