TALLADEGA, Ala. – Talladega Superspeedway and the American Red Cross invite donors to join the race to help save lives at the 13th Annual “Laps for Life” Blood Drive, Thursday, Aug. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. CDT in the FOX Sports 1 Dome, located at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame just outside the track.

Every presenting blood donor will receive an incredible array of items including: a custom “Laps for Life” T-shirt; two tickets to the Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoff race on Oct. 13; a self-guided tour of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame; and a delicious BBQ sandwich from Smoke-N-Hot BBQ, all while supplies last. 

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to ensure communities are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all patients. Blood is needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

“Our volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. “We appreciate the Talladega Superspeedway team for partnering with us to create this fun tradition of rolling up a sleeve at the speedway and helping to ensure a stable blood supply.”

For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: TALLADEGA, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The NASCAR Playoff doubleheader weekend returns to Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 12-14 for the 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race, the second event (of three) in the Round of 12 in the MENCS Playoffs, as well as the Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event. It will serve as the final race in the Round of 8 in the NCWTS Playoffs, where the field of eligible title contenders will be cut from eight to six at the checkered flag. For ticket information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE (7223).

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway is NASCAR’s most competitive (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), highest banked (33 degrees), and longest track (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 and first responders, and teachers and educators. The historic venue, built in 1969, is deemed NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield, which features the traditional Saturday Night Concert and the world-renowned Talladega Blvd., home of Friday night’s “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 endless 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, recently announced Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project. 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 Garage Fan Zone 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 of 2019. Fans can learn more about the project by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation. The iconic track, which opened in 1969, will also celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year.