Record-Setting Day at Talladega

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 25, 2010) – Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway yielded much more than Kevin Harvick’s eventual, breath-taking victory in the Aaron’s 499.

Between green and checkered flags, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers established two all-time and track records, plus a top-10 all-time mark in margin of victory and one track record.
 
Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 set all-time and track records for lead changes (88) and lap leaders (29).
 
The previous highs were 75 lead changes (set on May 6, 1984) and 28 lap leaders (set on Oct. 5, 2008). Both previous records also were set at Talladega.
 
Harvick’s last-second pass of then-leader Jamie McMurray, just short of the checkered flag, produced the eighth-closest finish (.011 of a second) since the 1993 advent of electronic timing and scoring.
 
Sunday’s 200 laps (12 beyond the advertised distance of 188 laps) also set a new track record for the longest race at Talladega. Drivers made three attempts at a green-white-checker finish, with Harvick winning on the third and final attempt.
 
The previous longest event at Talladega was 194 laps on May 1, 2005.
 
Also important: Though not a record, Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup field combined for 144 green-flag passes for the lead all around the track.

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