Then and now: Talladega’s past, present and future

By | Published: October 10, 2019 19

Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

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Talladega Superspeedway and International Speedway Corp. announced a $50 million redevelopment project in July of 2018 that will transform the superspeedway's infield for this fall's race weekend, with an emphasis on a Garage Fan Zone Experience. It's the latest enhancement at a track that has captivated the imagination since construction began in the 1960s. Scroll through to see all of Talladega -- past, present and future.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

A model of the project for Talladega Superspeedway, first named Alabama International Motor Speedway, including the tri-oval layout to mimic sister track Daytona International Speedway. The venue first hosted NASCAR events in September 1969.

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Ground was broken for Talladega on May 23, 1968. The first race would be held Sept. 14, 1969.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. was among the dignitaries on hand at the groundbreaking for the Talladega track.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

Pit road and the outline of the tri-oval layout start to take shape here, and the enormous scope of the construction project is already coming into view.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

The banking was so steep that track officials and the crew used any and all means necessary.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

The outside retaining wall hadn't been put up at this point in the project.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

A little Sunday drive, perhaps.

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Here, Bill France Sr. makes his remarks on the opening of the superspeedway.

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Richard Brickhouse won the first premier series race at Talladega in 1969, one that is widely considered one of NASCAR's greatest upsets.

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Fans flocked to see the racing at the track early on -- and still do. They sit wherever they can find space.

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Workers move a section of roof in place on the new garage at Talladega more than 30 years ago. The new structure, at that time, was 150 feet long and 50 feet wide. It was part of a $400,000 improvement project.

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An early look at the Talladega Superspeedway garage.

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Victory Lane is due for an overhaul with better views and access, but in 1971 -- when Donnie Allison and the Wood Brothers paid a visit after winning the Winston 500 -- the celebrations merely took place on a fenced-off patch of asphalt with Victory Lane signage.

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Joey Logano scored the spring 2018 victory and visited Victory Lane -- one much improved from the early '70s, but still getting an update.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

An artist's rendering shows the overview for the new-look infield layout, which will include updated Monster Energy Series garages, an open-air club, a renovated Victory Lane, additional RV parking and a new vehicle tunnel among the new amenities.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

The new Garage Fan Zone Experience will allow fans closer to the activity in the Monster Energy Series garage, with viewing walkways on either side of the central hub.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

New lounge areas will offer a place to relax, stop for concessions and catch any on-track activity on the big screen.

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Courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

The viewing walkways are a key feature to Talladega's transformation, providing an up-close experience as teams prep for the track's two NASCAR weekends each season.