Talladega Gran Prix Raceway (TGPR) was built in the fall of 1985 by two brothers, David and Mike Upchurch, as well as a third partner, Gerald Rhodes. The track was built at the site of an old cattle farm. David had been road racing in the area with several friends for awhile and became frustrated with the travel and expense of getting track time. So, the search was on to find an alternative. It started with the idea of just building a practice track and this led to a larger parcel of land which prompted the decision to go full bore and build a racing facility. With the help of family, numerous friends, racing buddies, and a little luck the track was completed.

In 2015, the ownership changed hands to Richard and Julie Harris. The focus will remain the same as we continue to provide great customer service and the overall Talladega Gran Prix Raceway experience. We appreciate everyone’s patience during the transition and look forward to seeing you all at the track soon.

The race track is the first of its kind in the United States. TGPR was originally designed by Ed Bargy as a motorcycle road race course. Typical race tracks are designed primarily for car racing with motorcyclists merely being an afterthought. TGPR was designed to avoid the use of metal or concrete barriers outside the corners, which for a motorcyclist could mean the difference between a major injury or death and just a scratched-up bike and set of leathers.

Talladega Gran Prix Raceway was also founded on another very important idea: to provide an affordable place for private and professional race teams as well as clubs and small groups to test, tune, and race their machinery. To this day, leasing rates are still some of the most affordable in the country. We routinely rent to professional race teams, major manufacturers, groups, clubs, and international professional race teams alike!

The track is nestled at the base of Cheaha Mountain, just minutes from the Cheaha State Park, and located next to Alabama Highway 21, only 15 miles south of Exit 185 on Interstate 20. Within a short drive of the track, you can visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame & Museum, and next door to the museum is what placed Talladega, Alabama on the racing map: Talladega Super Speedway. The “April in Talladega” pilgrimage annually welcomes visitors to its many antebellum and turn-of-the century homes.  Also plan to visit the Davey Allison Memorial, which honors the memory of the great NASCAR driver from nearby Hueytown, AL who was killed in a helicopter crash at the Super Speedway.

Just 20 minutes south of Talladega is historic Desoto Caverns, named after the Spanish explorer Ferdinand de Soto, who first discovered the caverns. North of the race track are the cities of Oxford and Anniston which offer fine dining, shopping malls, and a museum of natural history.

Its close proximity to Birmingham, AL (1 hour ) and Atlanta, GA (1.5 hours ), as well as its wealth of surrounding attractions, make Talladega Gran Prix Raceway one of the best places to race in the Eastern U.S.!

Interested parties are invited to email [email protected] to inquire about open dates and rental rates. The track is in operation 52 weeks a year and welcomes newcomers and veterans alike.