What a ride Joey Logano went for on Sunday at Dover. Fortunately, he escaped without injury but it sure did look horrible. When I saw it happen, it reminded me of a story that Jimmy Spencer shared with me one time about an accident he had at Talladega. I spent some time with Jimmy handling his media opportunities when he drove the McDonald’s car, so he provided me with a lot of funny stories . . . and made me a part of some of them.
I think it was back when Jimmy drove the No. 98 car for Travis Carter, he went for a similar journey like Logano did Sunday. Jimmy didn’t barrel roll, but his car became airborne down the backstretch and stood up on its nose. Jimmy said everything got real quiet and when he opened his eyes, he saw the frontstretch grandstand. He knew then it was time to hold on. As the story goes, the car landed back on its wheels and Jimmy drove it back around.
The incident probably had a bigger impact on Ken Schrader that day than Jimmy. Schrader thought he was seeing things because when he came back around under the caution, Jimmy had driven the car back to the pits. Schrader communicated to his crew that he knew he saw somebody up in the air the last time he was back there but now they were gone. According to Spencer, who has never let truth stand in the way of a good story, it took Schrader’s crew a few minutes to convince him he wasn’t seeing things.
Logano’s crash on Sunday is another testament to the cars that these teams build. Logano admitted it scared him, but what 19-year-old wouldn’t be shaken by such a violent crash?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25, 2009
Every day we get a little bit closer to the AMP Energy 500 weekend. In just a little more than a month from now, campers will be arriving at Talladega Superspeedway to get ready for the HALLOW-DEGA festivities. I always get asked what do you and the staff do the rest of the year, you only have two races? Well, I can assure you that we stay busy. For example, this week I have been in numerous meetings revolving around last-minute advertising , logistical discussions around the Zac Brown concert in the infield, as well as the 2010 Aaron’s Dream Weekend. With us opening the Zac Brown concert to all AMP Energy 500 ticket holders, this is creating an entire new element to our weekend and we’re excited. I also spent some time in Birmingham Thursday morning doing media for the race. Those activities never get old. I enjoy doing radio and television. It’s a lot of fun. We’re very fortunate around here that we have educated media that really asks the right questions and help you promote the race.
This weekend it’s off to Dover and race #2 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Dover is one of those tracks where drivers and teams who have had success there in the past usually do well. With that said, I think Jimmie Johnson will have a good weekend and I pick Martin Truex as a sleeper.
This weekend it’s off to Dover and race #2 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Dover is one of those tracks where drivers and teams who have had success there in the past usually do well. With that said, I think Jimmie Johnson will have a good weekend and I pick Martin Truex as a sleeper.
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 21, 2009
Yesterday was Fan Appreciation Day at Talladega Superspeedway and we enjoyed a tremendous turnout. What a success. We had close to 12,000 people here and nearly 3,000 personal vehicles went around the track as part of Fan Appreciation Day. We had planned to do track rides from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. but because of the crowd, we finished up our last rides at 6:45 p.m. What a day!
I personally enjoyed the day because I was able to interact with fans throughout the day. A typical race weekend doesn’t always afford me that opportunity, so yesterday was a great treat for me. Sterling Marlin, Dave Marcis and Richard Brickhouse also were on hand for Fan Appreciation Day and to listen to some of the stories they shared was quite a thrill as well.
Speaking of thrills, the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup was exciting yesterday. Mark Martin winning is certainly not surprising and he will very likely be a contender for the championship. What other sport can an athlete still be in contention for its top award at the age of 50? Sterling said yesterday that he was pulling for Mark to win the championship in hopes it will create a push for owners looking for 50-year-old drivers with some experience.
Our 40th Anniversary celebration continues as we gear up for the AMP Energy 500 weekend and our HALLOW-DEGA celebration, Oct. 30 –Nov. 1. And don’t forget, tickets start at $40 for the AMP Energy 500.
I personally enjoyed the day because I was able to interact with fans throughout the day. A typical race weekend doesn’t always afford me that opportunity, so yesterday was a great treat for me. Sterling Marlin, Dave Marcis and Richard Brickhouse also were on hand for Fan Appreciation Day and to listen to some of the stories they shared was quite a thrill as well.
Speaking of thrills, the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup was exciting yesterday. Mark Martin winning is certainly not surprising and he will very likely be a contender for the championship. What other sport can an athlete still be in contention for its top award at the age of 50? Sterling said yesterday that he was pulling for Mark to win the championship in hopes it will create a push for owners looking for 50-year-old drivers with some experience.
Our 40th Anniversary celebration continues as we gear up for the AMP Energy 500 weekend and our HALLOW-DEGA celebration, Oct. 30 –Nov. 1. And don’t forget, tickets start at $40 for the AMP Energy 500.
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 18, 2009
It’s been a busy week around the Speedway this week. On Monday, Talladega Superspeedway turned 40 years old. September 14, 1969, Richard Brickhouse drove into Victory Lane after winning the very first NASCAR race at what was then known as Alabama International Motor Speedway. To celebrate the day, I surprised about 15 fans in Gatorade Victory Lane Monday with lunch and a cake to commemorate the day. The fans were at the track that day taking the normal track tour and I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with them.
Speaking of Richard Brickhouse, he will be at the track Sunday for our Fan Appreciation Day. Brickhouse, Dave Marcis and Sterling Marlin will all be on hand to meet the fans and sign some autographs. We are also going to let 2009 ticket holders take their personal vehicles around the track . . . at legal interstate speed. The day gets started with the gates opening at 10 a.m. and activities at start at 11 a.m. We will wrap up the day with a concert by Darryl Worley that begins at 3 p.m. All of this is free and I hope you can join us. Remember, AMP Energy 500 weekend is just around the corner and tickets start at just $40.
Speaking of Richard Brickhouse, he will be at the track Sunday for our Fan Appreciation Day. Brickhouse, Dave Marcis and Sterling Marlin will all be on hand to meet the fans and sign some autographs. We are also going to let 2009 ticket holders take their personal vehicles around the track . . . at legal interstate speed. The day gets started with the gates opening at 10 a.m. and activities at start at 11 a.m. We will wrap up the day with a concert by Darryl Worley that begins at 3 p.m. All of this is free and I hope you can join us. Remember, AMP Energy 500 weekend is just around the corner and tickets start at just $40.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8, 2009
I would have to say this is what the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship is all about. After 25 races there are still three drivers outside of the top 12 who mathematically have a chance to make the Chase. Doug Fritz and his team at Richmond International Raceway must be excited to have it all come down to their race Saturday night.
Doug, who is my counterpart at Richmond, is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and as most of you are aware college football started last weekend. Doug’s alma mater played Alabama Saturday night and to get the season started off right, my communications team thought it would be neat to send Doug a care package. So we boxed up some Tide detergent and rolls of toilet paper with a nice little note that read “Roll Tide Roll.” Of course we took pictures of it and made sure everyone knew about it. Doug has already assured us he will get us back.
After Saturday night’s race, there could be some high-profile drivers who have had some victories in 2009 left out of the Chase. A reporter sent an email Monday asking about the importance of certain drivers making the Chase and what kind of effect Dale Jr. not making the Chase might have on us at TSS? I told him that obviously we would like to have everybody's favorite driver in the Chase, and Dale Jr. certainly has a huge following at Talladega. Fortunately, Talladega is one of those tracks in the Chase that what you've done the rest of the season doesn't always matter. The AMP Energy 500 can certainly make or break the Chase, but it can also make a season for some.
I expect the AMP Energy 500 to be an exciting race, as usual, no matter what 12 drivers are in the Chase.
Doug, who is my counterpart at Richmond, is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and as most of you are aware college football started last weekend. Doug’s alma mater played Alabama Saturday night and to get the season started off right, my communications team thought it would be neat to send Doug a care package. So we boxed up some Tide detergent and rolls of toilet paper with a nice little note that read “Roll Tide Roll.” Of course we took pictures of it and made sure everyone knew about it. Doug has already assured us he will get us back.
After Saturday night’s race, there could be some high-profile drivers who have had some victories in 2009 left out of the Chase. A reporter sent an email Monday asking about the importance of certain drivers making the Chase and what kind of effect Dale Jr. not making the Chase might have on us at TSS? I told him that obviously we would like to have everybody's favorite driver in the Chase, and Dale Jr. certainly has a huge following at Talladega. Fortunately, Talladega is one of those tracks in the Chase that what you've done the rest of the season doesn't always matter. The AMP Energy 500 can certainly make or break the Chase, but it can also make a season for some.
I expect the AMP Energy 500 to be an exciting race, as usual, no matter what 12 drivers are in the Chase.
Friday, September 4, 2009
September 4, 2009
Here's a funny press release we sent out earlier in the week. I hope you enjoy it.
Special Delivery For RIR President Doug Fritz
With the matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Virginia Tech Hokies looming, Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey sent a special delivery to Richmond International Raceway President, and avid Virginia Tech fan, Doug Fritz today.
The package consisted of several rolls of toilet paper and Tide laundry detergent, along with a personal note to Fritz.
“Just getting into the football spirit,” said Humphrey of his special gift. “I’ll be cheering on Alabama to roll over Virginia Tech this weekend. Roll Tide Roll.”
Race fans should make plans now to experience the AMP Energy 500 weekend, Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. This weekend features the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Race Number Seven in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the AMP Energy 500. For information on attending HALLOW-DEGA℠ Presented by Captain Morgan festivities, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.
The package consisted of several rolls of toilet paper and Tide laundry detergent, along with a personal note to Fritz.
“Just getting into the football spirit,” said Humphrey of his special gift. “I’ll be cheering on Alabama to roll over Virginia Tech this weekend. Roll Tide Roll.”
Race fans should make plans now to experience the AMP Energy 500 weekend, Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. This weekend features the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Race Number Seven in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the AMP Energy 500. For information on attending HALLOW-DEGA℠ Presented by Captain Morgan festivities, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 3, 2009
Anniversaries are such an exciting milestone, no matter what the year. At Talladega, we're wrapping up our 40th year with the AMP Energy 500 on Nov. 1. It's been an exciting year, especially when we look back at where we are and where we've been.
On Sept. 20 we will have our Fan Appreciation Day and some Talladega legends will be on hand. Talladega winners Richard Brickhouse, Dave Marcis and Sterling Marlin will join us Sept. 20. I hope you can join us as well.
There's also a personal milestone in 2009 for my family. I will spend the weekend with my parents as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Quite a remarkable feat.
On Sept. 20 we will have our Fan Appreciation Day and some Talladega legends will be on hand. Talladega winners Richard Brickhouse, Dave Marcis and Sterling Marlin will join us Sept. 20. I hope you can join us as well.
There's also a personal milestone in 2009 for my family. I will spend the weekend with my parents as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Quite a remarkable feat.
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