The 5 Top Speedways in NASCAR

There is bound to be some thrilling competition ahead for the 2009 NASCAR drivers. Some speedways on the NASCAR circuit are more challenging for the drivers due to the length and design of the course. It takes untold skill and fortitude for the drivers to successfully navigate the tracks. This list is a compilation of five of the top NASCAR tracks and some interesting facts about them.

Talladega Superspeedway is located on approximately 3,000 acres in Talladega, Alabama. The tri-oval shaped course covers a distance of 2.66 miles. There is seating in the grandstands for 143,231 fans and thousands more can view the race from the 212 acre infield. This track is regarded as the largest and most competitive superspeedway in the world. In 1987, Bill Elliott set the fastest stock car record at Talladega. He posted a speed of 212.809 mph when qualifying for the Aaron's 499.

Lowe's Motor Speedway is situated on 2,000 plus acres in Concord, North Carolina. The quad oval track is 1.5 miles in length. There is space for 165,000 fans. This speedway hosts the annual all-star race. They installed a special lighting system in 1992 and were the first contemporary superspeedway to host night racing. This year the speedway will celebrate 50 years of racing. On May 24, 2009 Lowe's Motor Speedway plans to set a Guinness World Record. The speedway staff intends to give the first 50,000 fans an Adidas commemorative bag. The sport bag features the 50^th Coca-Cola 600 logo and contains coupons, merchandise and prizes. The grand total for the giveaways is valued at 2.5 million.

Daytona International Speedway is situated on 480 acres at Daytona Beach, Florida. The tri-oval superspeedway covers 2.5 miles. It seats 168,000 fans. The Daytona International currently leads off the NASCAR season. It is referred to as the home of "The Great American Race." The winning driver of the Daytona 500 receives lots of publicity. The winner goes on a media tour with stops in New York City and Los Angeles. The winning car is on display at the Daytona 500 Experience facility for a year. At the Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame the driver's autograph, hands and right foot are immortalized in cement.

Michigan International Speedway is nestled on 1,400 plus acres in Brooklyn, Michigan. The D-shaped oval track covers a span of 2 miles. There is seating capacity for 137,243 fans. It is considered one of the finest facilities on the racing circuit. This year they plan to have a new sound system and some improved turn one seating. MIS is the largest sports arena in Michigan due to the growth of motor sports.

Darlington Raceway is located near Darlington, South Carolina. The track has a unique egg-shaped design and spans 1.366 miles. There is seating for 63,000 fans. Darlington was home to the first superspeedway. This raceway is recognized as the toughest track in NASCAR. This year the superspeedway known by drivers and fans as "The Lady In Black" and "Too Tough To Tame" will celebrate 60 years of racing history.