The 1970s Were Fast Times For NASCAR Greats At Talladega Superspeedway

By Talladega Superspeedway

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a six-part series chronicling the creation and history of Talladega Superspeedway, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, featuring highlights from springtime racing events through the decades.

Just a few months after the grand opening of Talladega Superspeedway in the fall of 1969, the decade of the 1970s for the world’s largest Superspeedway started with a historical event that changed racing forever and is a major part of the track’s 50th anniversary lore.

On March 24, 1970, Buddy Baker became the first driver to officially eclipse the 200-mph mark on a closed course while testing at what was then called the Alabama International Motor Speedway. Baker, who stood 6 feet, 6 inches tall and was known as “Leadfoot” because he loved to go fast, took his blue No. 88 winged Dodge Daytona Charger around the 2.66-mile, 33-degree banking at a speed of 200.447 mph.Mission accomplished for what William H.G. “Big Bill” France had set out to do — build a palace of speed. Baker’s record run would set the tone for the next 10 Talladega spring premier series races with high speeds, incredible competition and victories by some of NASCAR’s greatest names as well as a journeyman.

Please visit Alabama News Center for the Full Article

Tags: exp8

Category: ALL POSTS, Partner News Stories