The recent news about 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) filing an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR is an incredible step to try and limit the power of the dynastic France family. It’s also not the first time those within the sport pushed back against the ruling body.
It’s very fitting that we head to Talladega Superspeedway immediately after this court filing, as this track played host to one of the most dramatic showdowns between the sport and its competitors in NASCAR history. So iconic were the happenings at Talledega in ’69 that it was even mentioned in the court filing by 23XI and FRM as an example of the France family’s hold over the sport.
Welcome to NASCAR’s biggest oval
The year was 1969 and the newly constructed 2.66-mile superspeedway was about to host its first-ever Cup race. It was known as Alabama International Motor Speedway back then. Its construction was Bill France Sr.’s own project at a cost $5 million. The track was barely completed in time and featured unfinished suites for the opening race weekend.
During testing, just days ahead of the event, drivers were setting unofficial closed circuit records on the monstrous superspeedway. But, a rash of tire issues posited concerns throughout the paddock. There were also complaints surrounding bumps and possible holes. Firestone and Goodyear, who were in the midst of a tire war within the sport, attempted to introduce harder compounds for the race, but they did not alleviate the problem. As a result, Firestone pulled out of the race while Goodyear remained committed.
NASCAR visionary Bill France Sr. was the first inductee announced as part of the inaugural Hall of Fame class. (Note: This track is not Talladega)
Photo by: Getty Images
To prove to drivers how safe the track was, France himself decided to take a drive around it. Yet, drivers remained unconvinced as he never topped 160mph. France’s advice was to simply back down how fast they were running, but that was obviously unrealistic as someone would always push that limit in attempt to win the race, forcing the others to follow dangerously in suit.
The PDA, punches thrown and a full boycott
At the time, there was a Professional Driver Association (PDA) led by Richard Petty, who went on to become the winningest driver in NASCAR Cup Series history. The PDA approached the sanctioning body with a proposal to postpone the inaugural event. France, who founded NASCAR in…
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