Aaron’s Dream Weekend

Auto racing fans are no doubt looking forward with keen anticipation to the 2008 Aaron’s Dream Weekend to be held from 25 to 27 April 2008. This three-day action-packed annual event, which takes place at the popular Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama, USA, is a celebration of auto racing at its very best.

The program on Friday 25 April will include Sprint Cup Series practice sessions and exhibition runs, as well as the Birmingham News Qualifying for the Busch Series. The highlight of Saturday’s program is Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series. Named for the sponsor, Aaron’s, a leading lease-to-own retailer, the117-lap race covering a distance of 312 miles will start at 2:00 pm and promises fans nail-biting excitement.

Starting at 1:00 pm, Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the highlight of Sunday’s program. This 188-lap race is one of four stock car races which are currently run with restrictor plates, ensuring an equal level of competition, with winning being reliant on driver skill rather than car performance. The 1997 event, which was at that time known as the Winston 500, was won by Mark Martin who set an as yet unbroken record as the fastest NASCAR race ever run, with an average speed of 188.354 mph. The name of the race, which actually covers a distance of more than 500 miles, is a reference to the sponsor’s trend to offer deals “for $99” – therefore, Aaron’s 499.

Talladega Superspeedway is considered to be one of NASCAR’s biggest, fastest and most challenging tracks. Numerous speed and competition records have been set at Talladega. Seating is available for more than 143,000 visitors and thousands more can be accommodated in the 212-acre infield. The 48 feet wide track at the Talladega Superspeedway is a 2,66-mile tri-oval course with the north and south turns banked at 33 degrees and the grand-stands tri-oval banked at 16.5 degrees.

The Talladega Superspeedway and on-site camping facilities are located in a picturesque setting outside the town of Talladega. In addition to the promise of superb racing, the surrounding area offers visitors many places of interest to explore, including the Motorports Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Cheaha State Park. Auto racing enthusiasts certainly won’t want to miss the 2008 Aaron’s Dream Weekend.