Mike Raita, Executive Director

I would personally like to thank everyone who visited the International Motorsports Hall of Fame during race week for the GEICO 500. We received so many positive comments about the improvements we have made – the LED lighting in particular – and it’s so satisfying to know that our efforts have been noticed and that they are appreciated.

I met so many wonderful people this week from all over the United States. Visitors came from as far away as Washington state and California, North Dakota and Montana. We had visitors from up-state New York and south Florida. The Midwest was especially well-represented, especially the states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, and I’m sure the fans from Michigan enjoyed seeing their favorite son, Brad Keselowski, win the race!

The Earnhardt motor coach was a big draw and I appreciate all of those who made donations to assist in the upkeep of the coach. I want to thank Scott Willingham who was kind enough to bring the Smokey and the Bandit big rig, the Bandit car, the Jackie Gleason car and Sheriff Buford Pusser’s car from Walking Tall to the museum at no charge. Nemesis Lab graciously provided a simulator for fans to experience first-hand the thrill of driving the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway. Two Men and a Pig provided outstanding brisket, pork and chicken on Saturday and Tom Horn from Ohio won the Jeff Gordon autographed helmet.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the volunteers and staff who worked so hard to make every visitor’s experience the best that it could be – Cindy Bradford, Brenda Wesley, Kelli Hallmark, Bob Hastie, Mike Tweedy and the Alabama Racing Pioneers.

The next race weekend at Talladega is October 2nd and 3rd for the YellaWood 500. But don’t wait until then to come see us again!