Talladega track offers deals to lure fans

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) - In a slow economy, Talladega Superspeedway officials have cut some prices for fans attending this weekend’s racing bonanza that includes Sunday’s Aaron’s 499.
   
Superspeedway spokeswoman Kristi King says the track lowered some ticket prices from $70 and $75 to $40. The speedway is also offering deals on food and highlighting the track’s free parking.
   
Vendors are setting up their shops Thursday, hoping for a good turnout.
   
Hotels in Birmingham and Douglasville, Ga., surveyed by The Anniston Star, reported a drop in race-week customers this year.
   
The Talladega races bring in $407 million to Alabama’s economy annually and each race typically brings 250,000 people to the area, according to a 2008 economic impact study.