Talladega's October race to be Amp Energy 500
Talladega Superspeedway officials announced Friday that the Oct. 5 Sprint Cup race at the 2.66-mile track will be called the Amp Energy 500 under terms of a new sponsorship agreement.
The energy drink had previously announced its move into NASCAR as the sponsor of of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for this season.
"Talladega Superspeedway is a popular, historic track that attracts some of the most devoted NASCAR fans in the country, and it was our only choice for Amp Energy's first race entitlement," said Ralph Santana, VP of sports, media and interactive marketing, Pepsi-Cola North America. "We're looking forward to a big year for Amp Energy in racing, and we plan to make the Amp Energy 500 a fun and exciting experience that will be an event the fans will not want to miss."
Earnhardt Jr. has won five Cup races at Talladega, all with Dale Earnhardt Inc. He is moving to Hendrick this season.
"Talladega Superspeedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are a winning combination," Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey said. "I believe Amp Energy has made a brilliant move sponsoring both NASCAR's most popular driver and the track that he and his father are famous for dominating. I can't wait to welcome fans back for the Amp Energy 500 event weekend and display this great product to the thousands of loyal Talladega fans."
Financial terms of the sponsorship were not disclosed.
