TALLADEGA, Ala. — Need an incentive to get a COVID vaccine or test? How about the chance to take a couple of laps at Talladega?
Alabama Dept. of Public Health, the CDC Foundation, and Talladega Superspeedway announced a special event on May 15. Get your free COVID-19 test and/or vaccine and then take a spin around the world-famous Talladega Superspeedway. At this drive-through event, COVID-19 testing and vaccination will be offered at no charge from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The track is offering people age 16 and older who choose to be tested and/or vaccinated the thrill of driving their car or truck on the 2.66-mile track. Drivers and their riders will take two laps behind a pace car at highway speed, including the 33-degree-high banks.
Preregistration is encouraged but not required for COVID-19 testing. Walk-ups are welcome. No registration is needed for vaccination. Vaccine will be administered by members of the Alabama National Guard, with a public health nurse present. After receiving the vaccine, people will wait 15-minutes to be observed for any rare allergic reactions.
At the drive-through event, all participants will be asked to review educational material about COVID-19 vaccine and sign a consent form. There will also be a consent waiver to participate in taking the laps around the track. Participants must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver's license, car registration in their name, and vehicle insurance. Participants 16 to 18 years old with a valid driver's license must have a parent or legal guardian in the vehicle to sign a minor release form. Links to the consent waivers are below. No motorcycles allowed.
- Consent Waiver for ages 19 and older: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/assets/talladega-consent.pdf
- Consent Waiver for minors 16 to 18: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/assets/talladega-minor-consent.pdf
Talladega Superspeedway is located just off I-20 at 3366 Speedway Blvd., Lincoln, AL. The track’s main entrance off of Speedway Blvd will be utilized before going through the Turn Four Tunnel (look for the giant American flag) to get to the infield. Noticeable signage will be used throughout to make it easy for those attending. There will be no public restrooms available.