bdl wrote:
Anybody ever flown into it on race day? I'm looking to make a trip for
the Oct 2nd Nextel Cup race. Based on the picture in airnav the field
is right next to the track.

Questions:

1. How hard is it to get in on race day? Should we fly in early,
late? I'm assuming an e-stmp program will be in effect, but I haven't
been able to find a copy of a NOTAM from previous races or anything
about special arrival/departure procedures. I'm instrument rated if
that makes any difference.

Fly in the day before and camp. The heavy iron parks on the hard
surfaces. GA gets to park on the grass closer to the track. If you get
there early, you can get a spot closer to the taxiway to get out and/or
camp next to the trees.
VFR is easier, unless the weather is actual IFR, especially departing
after the race. IFR's queue up at the departure end and VFR's are
slipped in between IFR releases. It actually works sort of like
AirVenture and SNF.
If you have the time, camp the night after the race. Enjoy a liesurely
dinner and have fun watching the departures. If you have to be to work
the next day, get up early and depart at sunrise.
It took us three hours to get from the grasss GA parking area to
position and release.
I had to startup to get to the hard surface road used as a taxiway in
the grass area. Then we pushed the aircraft 1/4-mile to the runway, then
half-way up the taxiway (1/2-mile) before climbing aboard and taxiing
for awhile until takeoff. We actually watched some aircraft ahead of us
keep their engine turning the entire time.
Order your fuel when you arrive and pay for it before you go to the
track. If you want to get out right after the race, you have to get out
of the track quickly, race to your plane, startup and taxi to the
taxiway as soon as you can. If you wait to pay for fuel after the race,
you will have a long wait (which is why it took us three hours).

2. Parking fees? Outrageous for my Piper Archer? I assume I'd get
shuffled off to some far off space in the grass and thats fine, but
just wondering about the procedures.

I don't remember if I paid one or not. If I did, it wasn't much.

3. How hard is it to get to the track?

Less than a mile to about three miles, depending upon what side of the
track your seats are on.
Sometimes someone will give you a ride if you are on the far side of the
track. Airport and aircraft parking are on the northeast side of the track.

4. How hard is it to get out? Our seats are going to be on the far
end from the airfield, and my party is not exactly a fast moving group.
I'm assuming we won't be the first to our plane for departure, so
given that, how long of a wait would be expected? If its only 2-3
hours we can kill that watching the end of race festivities, etc.

See above. Our seats were in the southwest tower. Sunset will be around
7pm. If you don't mind flying at night in the mountains in a
single-engine airplane, have at it. I don't do that anymore. If you want
VFR flight following, you are asked to wait until 25 nm from the
airport. As I wrote above, bring your camping gear and relax.

5. Our current plan is to fly into Birmingham the night before, fly
into KASN (Talladega) on race day, fly back to Birmingham that night,
then fly out the following morning (all weather permitting obviously).
Birmingham was basically the closest place we could find a hotel.
Anybody flown into Birmingham before? Did you use KBHM (Birmingham
Intl) or KEKY (Bessemer)? Any FBO tips at either of these locations
would be appreciated.

Watch the weather map for fog conditions.

6. Any other tips about the race? I've been to Busch series races at
Gateway Intl Speedway near St. Louis, but never to Talladega.

If you are in the lower portion of the tower, you will not see the cars
as they come by directly in front of you. You will hear them and you
will smell them, though. The way the track is banked in the corners, it
will be below your field of view. Another reason you will not see them
is because those around you will be standing for the first 10-20 laps.
Why? I have no idea.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

There was a story in FLYING a year or two ago written by someone who
flew in. Have fun. Talladega was my first NASCAR race... it was a hoot!
Another reason to spend the night camping is so you can inspect the
heavy iron used by NASCAR and it's sponsors. If you are in front of the
right aircraft at the right time you my even pick up some souvenirs! (sic).