Race Facts: Aaron's 499

WHAT:

Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Race No. 9 of 36

WHERE:

Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala. 2.66-Mile High-Banked Paved oval Speedway

WHEN:

Sunday, April 21, 2002 2 p.m. ET

DISTANCE:

500 Miles / 188 Laps

POSTED AWARDS:

$4,347,026

FIELD:

Field consists of the fastest 36 cars through time trials. Also, seven provisional starting positions based on 2002 owner points, for maximum 43-car field. The 43rd position is reserved for a past NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, if needed. If unused, it will go to the next eligible owner.

SANCTION:

National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)

PROMOTER:

Talladega Superspeedway, LLC.

TV:

FOX (Live) Pre-race Show: 1:30 p.m. ET Pre-race Hosts: Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond Race coverage: 2 p.m. ET Announcers: Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds Pit Reporters: Dick Berggren, Matt Yocum and Steve Byrnes

RADIO:

MRN Radio (Live) Airtime: 1:30 p.m. ET Announcers: Barney Hall and Joe Moore Turn Reporters: Dave Moody, Mike Bagley and Eli Gold Pit Reporters: Jim Phillips, Winston Kelley and Adam Alexander

RECORDS:

Qualifying: Bill Elliott, Ford, 4/30/87, 212.809 mph, 44.998 seconds Race: Mark Martin, Ford, 5/10/97, 188.354 mph, 2 hours, 39 minutes, 18 seconds

THE RACE TRACK:

Talladega Superspeedway is a 2.66-mile high-banked trioval that is four lanes wide and is banked 33 degrees on each end, with 18-degree banking in the trioval. The two-degree backstretch is nearly 4,000 feet long, producing speeds in excess of 200 mph in competition. The frontstretch is 4,300 feet long. Talladega Superspeedway has hosted the Aaron’s 499 since 1970.