Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway (2.66 miles, Super Speedway tri-oval) in Talladega, Alabama

At the Talladega Superspeedway two of the four "restrictor-plate" races are held, in which the engine power is reduced with air restrictors, to keep speeds under 200 mph (320 km / h). The high speeds are only due to the thickness of such tracks like Daytona and Talladega just possible, with the track in Alabama is even the larger of the two: 2.66 miles (4.28 km) is a spin on the Superspeedway long and the curves are inflated with 33 °. Come to this otherwise insane banking approach only Daytona (31 °) and the Bristol Motor Speedway (28-30 °). Rusty Wallace has confirmed in 2004 clearly show the consequences of these dimensions: In a test with no air restrictors, it reached a top speed of 228 mph (367 km / h) on the back straight, what a round average of 221 mph (355 km / h) with the result. But this is not the official course record because he was not prepared during a race weekend.

Holds the record for the eternity that is Bill Elliott with his pole lap from the year 1987, when he with a speed of 212.809 mph (342.482 km / h) moved his Ford Thunderbird around the oval - on average, mind you! During the actual race a day later then lost Bobby Allison after a puncture his Buick and took off in a row a spin. Allison's car hit his rear into the catch fence. Similar to Carl Edwards' crash in the spring of 2009 with also some spectators were injured by flying debris. The difference between the two accidents: Edwards Ford "surfed" with the roof ahead of the catch fence along the back threw him finally get back on the track, while Allison an entire portion of the fence completely aroused the. "Roof flaps", ie the moving flaps on the roof of the car, its up to prevent lifting, were introduced only in 1994. While they could have prevented Allison's strike, they were in Edwards' accident powerless. The # 99 was already on the way to the ground after the "flaps" a further upgrade to the Dreher prevented, but was unlucky hit by Ryan Newman, who carried the Ford back into the air.

The events in 1987, then had the introduction of the "restrictor plates" made in, while the recent crash of an increase in the catch fences from 14 to 22 feet (4.26 m to 6.71 m). Applies in addition to the super speedways the "impound" procedure, which has been introduced for reasons of cost. After two free practice sessions on Friday followed by qualifying on Saturday. After that no more major changes may be made to the car. Because of the "restrictor plates" would go a hundred percent qualifying setup and expensive special parts a lot more speed. This procedure should prevent the large financially strong teams here have an advantage because they could rebuild their desired car. NASCAR wants all cars on the track are only possible way in race trim, so cost and time savings.