TALLADEGASUPERSPEEDWAY

In the late 1960s, Bill France Sr. had a vision: to build a track that would make Daytona look small. He chose a site in rural Alabama, near the town of Lincoln, and began construction on what would become NASCAR's most intimidating venue.

Talladega Superspeedway opened in 1969 as the largest and fastest oval track in the world. At 2.66 miles with 33-degree banking—steeper than Daytona—the track was designed to produce speeds never before seen in stock car racing.

The inaugural race was marred by controversy when most top drivers boycotted due to tire failures during practice. The Goodyear tires simply couldn't handle the unprecedented speeds. France brought in replacement drivers and the race went on, but it was clear that Talladega was unlike anything NASCAR had ever seen.

The track became synonymous with the "Alabama Gang"—a group of drivers from the Hueytown, Alabama area including Bobby and Donnie Allison, Red Farmer, and later Davey Allison and Neil Bonnett. These local heroes dominated at Talladega and brought passionate fans to the track.

After Bill Elliott's record 212.809 mph qualifying lap in 1987, NASCAR introduced restrictor plates to slow the cars. This created the pack racing that Talladega is now famous for—and the multi-car wrecks known as "The Big One" that can happen at any moment.