On Friday, Talladega Superspeedway will kick off its second race weekend of 2018 with all the events leading up to NASCAR’s Monster Energy Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 series playoff race on Sunday.
With that event comes a substantial economic boon for the region, and one that isn’t necessarily coming from the pockets of Alabamians.
Since opening in 1969, the 2.66 trioval racetrack has been a destination for race fans all over the country, and in recent years that has had a quantifiable impact.
According to track chairman Grant Lynch, the Talladega Superspeedway conducted a study that showed a “more than $434 million total economic impact” on the state of Alabama.
“We did a study – the first study we did was 2004 to 2013 – 10-year study, then we had [Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Public Policy and Justice dean] Dr. Keivan Deravi do an update to it, and he did four years going to 2017,” Lynch said in an interview with Yellowhammer News on Tuesday.
“That showed more than $434 million total economic impact on the state created and $60 million in state and local taxes,” he added. “All of this is created by the people who come to the race – more importantly, from those who come from out of state, which is right at 71 percent. And then the final figure was about $25 million was created by the spending patterns of our guests for the education trust fund for the state.”
Earlier this year, track officials announced the speedway would be undergoing infield renovations set to begin immediately following the conclusion of Sunday’s race, which could mean positives for the state’s economy.
“I think it’s going to help,” Lynch said. “We’re going to spend up north of $50 million.”
Lynch said he expects a successful upcoming race weekend despite Hurricane Michael, which is forecasted to have left the area in time for when the track’s doubleheader NASCAR Playoff weekend kicks off on Friday. He added that given a cold front will pass through the area between now and then, weather should be pleasant.
On Friday, qualifying for the Talladega 250 begins at 4:35 p.m. CT. Saturday’s slate includes the running for the Talladega 250 at noon CT followed by Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying for the 1000Bulbs.com 500 at 3:35 p.m. CT.
The weekend’s feature event on Sunday will showcase some of the world’s best drivers dueling it out in the 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race, the second (of three) in the Round of 12, where the green flag will wave at 1 p.m. CT.
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and is the editor of Breitbart TV.
