The annual American Red Cross-Talladega Superspeedway “Laps for Life” blood drive returns to Talladega Superspeedway on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 12 – 6 p.m. in the Fox Sports1 Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. All presenting donors will be taken on a high speed ride around NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track in Talladega Superspeedway’s official pace car.
Not only will donors be doing an admirable act by giving blood, but will in turn be treated to an incredible day at Talladega Superspeedway that also includes a tour of the track and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, as well as the chance to take home great track items and prizes. The annual Laps for Life event at TSS began in 2007.
“Hospital patients continue to need lifesaving blood this fall, and they’re relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to give them hope in the days and weeks ahead,” said Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services External Communications Manager Alicia Anger. “Please, consider giving the gift of life. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for patients in need, and you never know when it could be your loved one needing blood.”
To register online, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: talladega. Follow instructions on the website to complete registration. All pre-registered donors will receive two complimentary grandstand tickets to the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 18.
On the day of the event there will be five Pit Stops for participants to move through to complete their Laps for Life. The credential will be issued at Pit Stop 1, “Draw for Qualifying,” where participants will register to have blood drawn for donation, thus qualifying them for the rest of the adventure. At that location they also will receive a ticket qualifying them for spectacular door prizes.
After presenting to give blood, participants will move on to Pit Stop 2, “Souvenir Row,” where they will receive a goody bag filled with special items to commemorate the occasion. The first 100 participants will receive an additional ticket to the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race.
Participants then move to Pit Stop 3, “Driver’s Meeting,” to learn more about the history of motorsports by taking a free tour of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. After the museum tour, participants will venture outside to board a bus that will take them on a track tour of the famous Talladega Superspeedway. The tour will lead to Pit Stop 4, “Type Testing,” where guests will be given a ride around the track in Talladega’s official pace car, followed by the opportunity to take photos taken in Gatorade Victory Lane.
Participants will return to the Hall of Fame for Pit Stop 5, “The Donor Diner,” where they will enjoy a complimentary sandwich provided by Smoke N Hot BBQ.
The American Red Cross, Blood Services, Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region, which supplies blood to approximately 100 hospitals, needs 600 blood donors each day in order to meet the needs of patients in the region. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental con-sent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.