Talladega Superspeedway will oversee day-to-day operations of the nearby International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch announced today.
“Talladega Superspeedway has historically maintained a close relationship with the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and we obviously are familiar with the actual facility considering our offices formerly were housed there. These are just two reasons why our management will be the best possible steward of this prestigious Hall of Fame. We are very excited about the many opportunities that will result from this enhanced relationship,” Lynch said.
Lynch said the management transition is effective Feb. 1, 2007. A manager will be hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Hall of Fame and Museum and will report to Talladega Superspeedway Vice President and General Manager Rick Humphrey, whose present duties will expand to include serving as the Hall of Fame’s executive director.
“This new transition in management speaks volumes about the future of this unique facility and the giant strides the speedway will make in securing its historic value,” said Don Naman, interim Executive Director of International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Opened in April 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of motorsports history. Since then induction into the Hall has become one of the highest honors in motorsports. Plans are in the works for a spectacular 2007 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony set for Thursday, April 26 on-site at the Speed Channel Dome. This year’s inductees are Junie Donlavey, Ray Hendrick, Jack Ingram, Warren Johnson, Wayne Rainey and Bruton Smith. Also to be honored during the evening is 2006 Driver of the Year and reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, as well as eight-time ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion Frank Kimmel.
The black-tie event consisting of a reception, banquet and awards ceremony is always a must-attend occasion, and therefore tables are limited. Call (256) 362-5002 to reserve tickets and/or tables.
The 2007 racing season at Talladega Superspeedway kicks off with Aaron’s Dream Weekend set for April 27-29, featuring the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice and The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR Busch Series on Friday, April 27, The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, April 28, and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, April 29. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com, or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday – Friday. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge on Friday and Saturday of race weekend.