View from the Gadsden Grandstand in Section D near Turn 4 at the Jack Link’s 500 on Sunday, April 26. (Pacer Photo / Ella Hasty)

Watching 40 high-speed stock cars race around the tri-oval track at Talladega Superspeedway might be one of the most unique ways for a college student to take a study break before final exams.

Talladega Superspeedway, along with many other NASCAR tracks across the country, offers tickets at a discounted price for college students. At Talladega, for $39.20 before taxes and fees, students can get seats in Gadsden Grandstand sections A-D near Turn 4. The offer also includes free camping and tailgating in North Park, access to the Saturday night concert and 30% off the Talladega Garage Experience.

NASCAR Cup Series tickets are typically around $100, making this a significant discount for students on a budget. To receive the discount, students can visit the track’s website, select the “Special Offers” tab and verify their status using their college email address.

At Talladega, the college seats are not reserved, allowing students to move around and socialize. For fraternities, sororities and other college organizations, College Program Manager Garrett Westbrook (swestbrook@nascar.com) can coordinate group outings.

Bo Thornell, an Auburn University student, attended the Jack Link’s 500 with a group of 55 students. As a first-time race attendee, Thornell found out about the deal through a friend who organized the outing.

“Ever since we got here, I knew I’d love to come back,” Thornell said. When asked if he would recommend the experience to others, he said, “One hundred percent.”

Mississippi State student Vivi Whited has utilized the college discount for two years. In addition to watching the race near Turn 4, her friend group enjoyed the full race weekend experience by camping out both years.

“I’m not the biggest camper, but I’m pushing through. I’ve been here since Thursday,” Whited said.

Last year, Whited slept in her car. This year, she was more prepared and brought an air mattress and a tent.

The North Park camping area is located outside the track. While there are no utility hookups for campers, it is a well-known camping area at Talladega. Any vehicle or setup type is allowed, including motorhomes, fifth wheels, pull-behinds, pop-up campers, tents and automobiles. The general grass spaces are not reserved and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

By staying at the track beginning on Thursday, students can experience all the events throughout the weekend, including free access to the Saturday night concert. This year, the concert was headlined by country music artist Kip Moore.

If students choose to utilize their 30% discount for the Talladega Garage Experience, they have the chance to stand inches away from the cars and drivers, an experience that is high on many racing fans’ bucket lists.

The next opportunity for students to visit Talladega Superspeedway is the YellaWood 500 on Sunday, Oct. 25. Similar discounts are available at many NASCAR tracks, including popular tracks such as Bristol Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway.