At the Helm for More than 25 Years, Lynch Will Give Command to Start Engines; Set to Retire in November after completion of Transformation
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Grant Lynch, the leader of Talladega Superspeedway for more than half the track’s existence, has been a delight for years during pre-race ceremonies with his back-and-forth chatter with the fans via microphone on the public address system with that chant “This is More than a Race…..This is Talladega.”
Well, for the upcoming GEICO 500, set for Sunday, April 28, his responsibilities on the microphone just increased. Officials from GEICO announced today that the fan-friendly, likeable Lynch, who will retire this coming November, will serve as the race’s Grand Marshal and give the command, “Drivers, Start Your Engines.”
Lynch, the Speedway Chairman who joined the staff at the 2.66-mile venue in January of 1993, will depart after more than a quarter century of service to the track, the local community and the state of Alabama just weeks after the completion of Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project presented by Graybar.
Transformation, the approximate $50 million redevelopment (www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation) endeavor, is part of International Speedway Corporation’s long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes and is highlighted by the one-of-a-kind Talladega Garage Experience, which will allow fans to be immersed into the sport of NASCAR like never before. It will be completed in time for the track’s fall event weekend in October.
Lynch has overseen many changes and updates to make the mammoth track the best in NASCAR as well as the most fan-friendly such as the construction of new grandstands with comfortable fold-out chairs and the addition of the mammoth video boards. There’s also been a host of fan programming that has been introduced during his reign, including the “Big One on the Blvd.”, the traditional Saturday Night Infield Concert, Kids VIP Experience presented by Children’s of Alabama, Military Appreciation, First Responders presented by 1st Foundation offer and Teacher & Educator Appreciation.
Lynch started as the track General Manager in ’93 and was promoted to Vice President of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and President of Talladega Superspeedway in November of the same year. In July 2009, he became TSS Chairman.
Lynch came to Talladega after 11 years with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., where in his last post, he served as Senior Manager of Operations and Public Relations, managing the company’s involvement in NASCAR’s premier series. His career there spanned back to 1982 when he joined RJR Special Events as a show car driver.
The GEICO 500 gets the green flag on Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. CDT. For ticket information on it, as well as the Saturday (April 27) MoneyLion 300 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the General Tire 200 on Friday (April 26) for the ARCA Menards Series, call 855-518-RACE (7223) or log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.
About Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway – which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year – is the most competitive race track on the NASCAR schedule (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), the highest-banked (33 degrees) and the longest (2.66 miles) as well as the most fun and fan-friendly. Talladega offers something for everyone, including hundreds of acres of free camping, amazing kids tickets and college student prices, along with special offers for military members, first responders, teachers and educators. The historic venue, which opened in 1969, is deemed NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield, the traditional Saturday Night Infield Concert on event weekends and renowned Talladega Blvd., home of the “Big One on the Blvd.” party. It’s the site of the most comfortable seats in motorsports, large ISM Vision HD video boards lining the frontstretch and numerous pre-race activities for fans on race day, including special Kids VIP opportunities. For ticket information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE (7223).
The track, along with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation, announced last year Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project presented by Graybar. The approximate $50 million redevelopment endeavor is part of ISC’s long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes. The project, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind Talladega Garage Experience, will feature “up-close” access, interactive attractions and enhanced amenities for fans, sponsors, teams and stakeholders in the iconic Talladega infield. Full completion of the modernized project is scheduled for October 2019. Fans can learn more about the project and view the progress 24/7 via the construction cam by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation.
