With the upcoming Geico 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway approaching us, this will be my 30th consecutive year attending events there. Yes, I said 30. I attended my first race there in July of 1989. Terry Labonte won that event. Looking at it, its been an absolute thrill to go there for all these years. I have personally watched that place evolve into a motorsports mecca.
I can remember the old awning that used to be over the tri oval lower level stands, and people used to fight over seats in the shade. Shaded seats were a premium for those July races which felt like you were in Death Valley, CA at times because the heat was so extreme. Now with the first phase of Transformation Talladega nearing 100% completion, it still amazes me to steadily see that place continue to evolve into a motorsports palace.
I used to dream as a kid to be able to compete in a race on those historic high banks, and I’ve been very fortunate to turn laps there in a driving experience car to be able to feel what 33 degrees of fury feels like.
Beginning in 2017, I was able to start being a part of the team there. That was an unexpected blessing. Having a mentor for broadcasting, like Steve has been for me, has been a blessing in disguise. I never knew, nor imagined I’d enjoy radio and broadcasting work as much as I have. That led me to be a part of the PA team there.
Wherever that road leads from here on out, so be it, but no matter what, its a dream come true for a kid that grew up in Southern Talladega County that goes to races religiously there to be able to say hes a part of the team at a place he adores. From sitting in Turn 2 in a truck bed in July 1989, to the Control Tower in 2019, and all points around and in between, Ive seen races from all points imaginable at the track, and what a thrill it has been. I still get a thrill turning into the main entrance on Speedway Boulevard on a race weekend.
Until the good Lord says its time to come home, I’ll still walk through those gates at Talladega Superspeedway, two weekends every year.
