text: Posted on 1.19.2017 in Talladega Superspeedway
  TALLADEGA, AL – Talladega Superspeedway is putting on the aprons and starting the prep to host some of the best local backyard chefs in the state of Alabama in anticipation of the 12th annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off on Saturday, March 4.
  Cook-Off teams will fire up their grills, smokers and fryers in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage – the same place the greatest drivers in the world rev up their engines for battle during the track's two NASCAR weekends. Cook-Off teams will spend hours preparing various mouthwatering dishes that consist of game animals, birds and fish. Everyone who attends gets to sample the mouth-watering delicacies.
  A year ago, the venue known as NASCAR's Most Competitive track, hosted one of the most competitive AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs in event history with nearly 50 registered cook teams. Attendance also recorded an all-time high with close to 1200 members and guests. Talladega winners of "Best Overall" – Chonita's Cookers (from Alex City, AL) – went on to capture three awards in the 2016 State Finals that included: the "People's Choice Award," "Best Presentation" and "3rd-Place Overall."
  This year's event will offer an array of unique food, beverages, entertainment, and the highly anticipated LIVE and silent auctions. Featured in the center isle of the garage, guests will find items up for bid such as autographed racing memorabilia, Auburn and Alabama collectibles and outdoor-themed artwork, plus, there will be live music.
  In addition to the delectable culinary skills shown off by some of the best wild game chefs, another highlight of the day will be the chance to take a ride around the 33-degree banking of the world's biggest and baddest race track (tickets for track rides are sold separately).
  Tickets for the Cook-Off are $40 per person or $50 per couple with kids 15 and under admitted for free. The Cook-Off begins at 4:00 pm. Gates will open earlier for the track rides (track rides are $25 in advance or $40 the day of the event), which will run from 3:00-4:30 pm.
  Cook teams will compete in three different divisions – Fish, Fowl and Game. First, second and third place awards will be presented in each division, as well as a "Best Overall Winner." That team will be invited to the state finals held in Millbrook, AL, this summer to compete for the title of AWF 2017 Wild Game Cook-Off State Champion. Local media celebrities will serve as the competition's judges and will be announced in the near future.
  "This is a great event for fans and food lovers alike to come out and enjoy Talladega Superspeedway," said track Chairman Grant Lynch. "Everything is held in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage, so not only do attendees taste some of the best dishes made in Alabama, but they also get to see Talladega behind the scenes. The AWF Cook-Off provides a little something for everyone and I know we'll be seeing some wildly impressive dishes again this year."
  To purchase tickets, pre-order rides around the track, or to participate as a cook team call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453 or visit their website at www.alabamawildlife.org.