In NASCAR’s first race back at Talladega Superspeedway following 9/11, former racer and longtime trucking industry veteran John Ray honored the nation and his friend Dale Earnhardt by circling the track with an American flag mounted to his truck.
from that moment on, an iconic tradition was born.
proudly carrying “Old Glory” since '01
Since 2001, few sights in racing are more iconic than the Talladega pre-race tradition.
GET TO KNOW THE TALLADEGA BIG RIG
What model is the Tractor?
1999 PETERBILT 379
WHAT ARE THE TRUCK'S SPECS?
THE TRUCK FEATURES A 3406 550HP CAT DIESEL, A 280” WHEELBASE, 8” DYNAFLEX PIPES AND STAINLESS ALL OVER.
HOW FAST CAN IT GO?
RACER. TRUCKER. ALABAMA ICON
A man who was defined by an 18-wheeler and a small town demeanor will be remembered not only as a racer, but as a trucker, and one of the all-time members of the Talladega racing family.
He will always, like his pre-race lap, be iconic to Talladega Superspeedway.
"I’m glad it has become a tradition that means so much to the fans and the Talladega family. It represents such a sense of pride that we all share together as a nation and as a community.
It is my honor and privilege to do it”
