Talladega 500 Why Some Say Its Nascars Most

It’s the biggest, it’s the fastest, it’s the most challenging track on the NASCAR circuit. An adrenaline rush for drivers and spectators alike. Talladega superspeedway holds 143,231 seats, yet they hardly serve any purpose as very few NASCAR fans are sitting down at this track. Who can remain seated as 43 cars came thundering down the straightaway and fly past at an average speed of 188 mph? Over a distance of 2.66 miles, with a front stretch of 4,300 feet, a back stretch of 4,000 feet, and a 33 degrees banking, cars and their drivers could go faster than 188 mph (Bill Elliott set the record at 212 mph), but since the use of the restrictor plate was implemented, cars can no longer exceed the 200 mph limit. A restrictor plate is a plate that is fitted on the engine, restricting air flow and as such forcing the car to perform less than it is capable of. The use of this plate cannot dampen the spirit of Talladega though. From the moment the drivers have been given the green flag, they put foot down and give it their all, often racing side by side in rows of three or four cars. The possibility of an accident at Talladega is extremely high. Should a driver hit the wall, or collide with another car and spin out, there is the likelihood of a pile-up with fifteen or more cars involved. This is known as ‘the Big One’. Although NASCAR drivers are rarely hurt in accidents, thanks to the ‘Hans Device’ (Head and Neck Support) and other safety measures, Talladega has claimed some lives. Some say that the racetrack, build on top of an ancient Indian burial ground is cursed. Larry Smith died on lap 14; Bobby Isaac claims to have heard voices and called it quits on lap 90. Twenty years later, Bobby’s son died in the infield of Talladega in a helicopter crash. It is safe to say that Talladega is not for the faint of heart, but there are those who have tamed the beast. Jeff Gordon has won five races at this superspeedway, so did Dale Earnhard, as did his son Dale Earnhard Jr. Tony Stewart only won once, but finished second six other times. Millions of NASCAR fans look forward to this race, perhaps even more so than to Daytona. If you only see one race this year, make it Talladega. In the heart of Alabama, excitement like no other awaits you. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society