TALLADEGA, Ala. – Talladega Superspeedway’s Freedom Trophy has been a staple at the historic venue, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, since 2014. The patriotic trophy will be presented to the winner of the April 28 GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race by a warrior of the Wounded Warrior Project – U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant Donald Jones.
This distinctive piece of hardware, a part of the track’s Military Appreciation ticket program that offers excellent savings to military members, proudly displays the five branches of the United States military. It features five-sided silver aluminum panels, each engraved with a military member and logo from one of our nation’s five military branches, centered around a waterjet cut star. It has been presented to Talladega Superspeedway’s winners in NASCAR’s premier series by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
The Wounded Warrior Project, established in 2003, is a nonprofit organization that is committed to helping wounded veterans achieve their highest ambition. A warrior is a veteran and service member who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. Warriors volunteer countless hours serving their local communities through multiple youth organizations, food banks, scholarship fundraising, fishing mentorship, and Widows of Veterans.
Staff Sergeant Jones has dedicated 25 years of service to his country. He will also be recognized in the official Drivers Meeting the morning of the GEICO 500, as well as be introduced to the fans as part of the pre-race festivities.
In addition to the Military Appreciation ticket program, Talladega Superspeedway is also proud to offer a special ticket program to first responders and their families as part of the First Responders presented by 1st Foundation offer. For more information or questions about Military & First Responders tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/military.
For more information on the highly-anticipated tripleheader weekend, featuring the General Tire 200 for the ARCA Menards Series (April 26), the MoneyLion 300 (April 27) for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and GEICO 500, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE (7223).
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.
