Talladega Speedway and the Aero Car 40th Reunion

We spent two days at the Talladega Super Speedway during the 40th Aero Car Reunion in 2009. It was 40 years ago that these cars were making headlines as the fastest SOCK CARS ever. NASCAR actually ran race cars built from FACTORY built cars back then! Here are some photos and a video from our adventure on the high banks, sort of. Check out the video below and then look at the photos for more detail and descriptions.

These aero warriors make a breath taking site when they all gather together.

On Saturday we all gathered in the rain for a group picture.

It took all morning just to line these rare cars all together.

This should provide evidence that these cars are not trailer queens. The go out rain or shine! That’s are Talladega on the left.

We also had an opportunity to tour the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame Museum at the Speedway on Sunday and it is a must see for anyone in the area. You can check it out at our MUSEUM TOUR page.

Look at that line of wings!

Our Dega between two Daytona Winged monsters.

The photographer was stationed on top of this rigging with a special camera to do a panoramic photo.

On Sunday, race day, the sun came out but it was cool. The Aero Warriors gathered in bigger numbers than at the inaugural race in 1969.

There is our Dega lined up behind turn 3 at the Speedway. Check out the Charger 500 in green right next to it. Steve that’s your car! (He says I never get his car in the photos!)

Look at this line up and it was still very early and not everyone was there yet!

Say hi to Katrina! Steve there is your car again, looks good!

Since it was Sunday morning and there was no time to go to Church; the Church came to the track.

Thanks to our Chicago friends and Racers For Christ for a nice way to start our Sunday morning event.

Wow!

Ramo Stotts’ old number 7 was on the pole with his son at the wheel!

Katrina got in the spirit and tried to wave us off early! Should have used a green flag dear.

Katrina also about wore our Talladega banner out taking it around for photo opps.

The front row for our lap.

Our lap of the track was a parade speed which means you can’t get up on the banking. We were required to stay below the yellow line. The race cars are not allowed to go BELOW the yellow line. Look at this picture closely and notice how high the top of the turn is compared to the cars on the apron. They are sitting flat with the world. Look at the winged red Daytona on track, just left of center. Now look at how far up the outside wall is. Believe me it is a long ways.

Here is another look.

I drove up on the banking but below the yellow line and note the angle of the hood and dash compared to the Superbird in front of me still on the apron.

Another angle of the same shot.

We all collected in front of the stands for the start of the parade lap.

We all jumped out for photo opportunities.

We expected to sit at this location for sometime but it didn’t work out that way.

Someone yelled the pace car is pulling away and it looked like and old school Le Mans start. You know the ones where drivers stand on one side of the track and run to their cars when the green flag drops. We were all talking and taking pictures one minute and the next we were running to our cars and starting engines.

The approach to the flag stand found thousands of fans gathered on the track.

This was the best opportunity to get a little feel for the banking. This was right after I left half of our new BFGs on the front stretch after accelerating into the turn, way cool.

I am now on the banking, notice the difference?

The lap is done and we are back at the staging area.

Most of us began winding down and loading up. We wanted to beat the race traffic and be on our way. Hauling a trailer behind a large truck or motor home is not fun in heavy race traffic. Would you want to drive one of these slope nose monsters in bumper to bumper race traffic for several hours?

There was time for a few Ford folks to gather for Brand photos.

It was the end of a great weekend but a few brave race fans stayed for all or at least a part of the race before heading out.

Think these trailers are great. The trailer doors are closed! These are photos printed on the outside of the trailer door. That has to blow people away when you are driving down the interstate!

Sad to say goodby to a great weekend and terrific event. Thanks to Doug and DSAC for a tremendous Club event.