Talladega Gran Prix Raceway Hosting WERA National Series this Weekend
OXFORD, Ala. The WERA/Michelin National Challenge Series and Bridgestone National Endurance Series arrive in Alabama this weekend for round seven at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway.
Last year’s event was interrupted on the eve of the endurance race by tornadoes, but the only challenge from the weather this year should be the extreme heat that has been plaguing the south recently.
Friday, August 17 will include practice and qualifying, and the racing begins on Saturday with the Bridgestone National Endurance Series. The four-hour race begins at 12:45 p.m., followed by the WERA Mini races.
Vesrah Suzuki has gone virtually unchallenged all year, losing only one round so far, and the Heavyweight Superbike team has a precedent of victory at Talladega. The team won there last year by four laps, though Heavyweight Superstock points leader Team Moe’s/TVR got the overall victory at Tally two years ago.
Another team that has been producing good results this year is Brand X. Team riders Ben Walters and Brett Champagne have been on the endurance podium at Talladega before, taking second overall there a year ago.
On Sunday, the Michelin National Challenge Series gets the first green flag at noon. The same riders who have been accruing top points at recent rounds also performed well at Talladega last season. In the expert ranks, Robert Jensen, Lee Acree and Tray Batey are among the top riders. Local ace Opie Caylor can also be expected to earn top results.
In the championship standings, 600 Superstock is one of the closest battles. Robert Jensen leads Lee Acree in that class by just three points. In 750 Superbike, Jimmy Wood leads Lyles Sanders by only four points.
There are 11 National Challenge races on Sunday, and each will be ten laps long. The WERA minis will again be competing.
Tickets for the WERA National Series weekend at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway will be $30 for all three days, $20 for Saturday and Sunday, and $15 for Sunday only. Driving directions to Talladega can be found online at www.tgprace.com.
More information about WERA can be found online at www.WERA.com.