Aero Cars Return to Talladega Speedway
One of the reasons we started this site nearly ten years ago was to find ways to have more fun with our cars. Sure it is fun to have some friends over and work on a car or go to a car show and chat with new car folks. We even enjoy going out in the “man cave” turning on some vintage tunes and just gazing at the big boy toys. However, these toys are cars, machines met to be driven. They are also time machines that recall memories from the past. What they do best is to create NEW memories. They do this by taking you to new places, new experiences and meeting new friends.
That means, get your car out and drive it, go places! Where? When? Join a car club, not one whose purpose is to put on car shows. Find one or more clubs that like to drive their cars. Not just autocross/speed events (although those are great). Find club or group who like to drive and go places and see new things. Find a club that encourages your wife and kids to join in.
We belong to several such clubs/groups. One of the best isn’t even a club, although most participants are affiliated with related clubs. The event only happens once every five years but participants look forward to it for every year until it arrives.
What is the event? Can I go? Most of you will not be able to go but their are similar events you can attend. This year, the 50th Anniversary of the Talladega Super Speedway and the first NASCAR appearance of the 1969 Winged Dodge Daytona along with the similar Aero Cars from Ford and Mercury (1969 Ford Talladega and Mercury Spoiler II) will be celebrated at the Speedway.
Tim Wellborn and the Wellborn Muscle Car Museum in Alexander Alabama serve as the host for this gathering of the 1969 and 1970 Aero Cars. This year’s invitation only event is very special and is limited to only 150 cars and owners. There is a slim possibility that some non-Aero Cars and owners may be invited.
The event runs for four days beginning with hot laps at the Atlanta Speedway on Thursday October 10th, caravan to Alexander City AL; informal gathering and non-judged car show and other activities at the Wellbon estate on Friday; Saturday the 12th the activities move to the Museum with cars on display, guest speakers, silent auction, costume party and more; the final day, Sunday the 13th sees all participants caravan to the Talladega Super Speedway where cars and owners will meet in the infield to display all the gorgeous Aero Cars and mingle with race fans before and during the big NASCAR race.
Now that is having FUN with your car!
Here is a little more info if, just by chance you have and Aero Car and have not heard about this event.
Acceptance emails have gone out to those who have already submitted an application for the Tim Wellborn Aero Car 50th Anniversary at Talladega. If you received yours then complete the Registration process per the email link and password. If you have not yet applied or did not get an acceptance email you should contact the Wellborn Museum. They are still accepting applications BUT the total number of cars to be accepted has been reduced to 150!
Contact: http://www.wellbornmusclecarmuseum.com/aero-reunion
This is one of the very best events you can attend if you own an Aero Car.
This year, unlike previous reunions at the track, WE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE TALLADEGA TRACK for parade laps. For those of us who have done it in the past that is not too big of deal. It is something everybody should do once but since it is just a parade lap at very low speeds the real thrill is see and experiencing the banking. HOWEVER, there we will be doing something that we have never done there before. The cars will be on display in a fantastic location and we can watch the race from there. Here is what the acceptance email says about our Sunday visit to the Talladega Super Speedway:
“Sunday revs things up in a big way. Everyone will convoy their cars from Alexander City to Talladega Super Speedway. This year the Speedway is unveiling a brand new 50 million dollar infield and we will be the first to be inside front and center. This will be a great honor for all Aero Warriors. Here is a note from the track.
BE A PART OF TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 13! YOUR HISTORIC CAR WILL BE PARKED IN THE NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES GARAGE AND YOU CAN WITNESS THE CUP RACE JUST INSIDE THE TRACK WITH AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AS THE CARS COME OUT OF TURN 4. IN ADDITION, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BE A PART OF DEBUT OF THE ONE-OF-A-KIND TALLADEGA GARAGE EXPERIENCE, THE CENTER POINT OF THE TRACK’S “TRANSFORMATION” INFIELD PROJECT THAT WILL ALLOW FANS TO BE IMMERSED INTO THE SPORT OF NASCAR AND WILL FEATURE “UP-CLOSE” ACCESS, INTERACTIVE ATTRACTIONS AND ENHANCED AMENITIES FOR FANS. THE TGE WILL FEATURE AN OPEN-AIR CLUB WITH GARAGE VIEWING OF THE TEAMS PREPPING THE RACE CARS, NEW GATORADE VICTORY LANE, WI-FI, SOCIAL AREAS, ETC. YOUR CARS WILL BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED BY FANS FROM NOT ONLY THE STANDS, BUT ALSO FROM THOSE WHO HAVE TGE PASSES. THIS GARAGE IS THE ORIGINAL GARAGE FROM WHICH THE AERO CARS MADE THEIR DEBUT. INDEED A SPECIAL DAY AWAITS THE AERO WARRIORS.
I hope everyone gets their acceptance letter and can join us for a very memorable event!
