Annual Laps for Life Blood Drive Set for late August at Talladega Superspeedway

The 12^th annual American Red Cross Laps for Life blood drive returns on August 31 from 12-6 pm in the FOX Sports 1 Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Every individual who attempts to donate blood will receive an incredible array of items which include: a high-speed ride around the 33-degree high banks of the track; a commemorative T-shirt (limited to the first 200 who attempt to donate); two complimentary grandstand tickets to the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series playoff race on Oct. 14; a self-guided tour of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame; and a BBQ sandwich provided by Smoke N Hot BBQ in Anniston.

A press release from Talladega Superspeedway stated,

Well over 1,500 pints of blood or blood products have been collected since Talladega Superspeedway first partnered with the American Red Cross in 2006 for the "Laps for Life" blood drive. One pint of blood can help save up to three lives. Potentially over 4,500 lives have been saved since the inception of the "Laps for Life" event. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and eligible donors can feel good knowing that by donating through the Red Cross, they are helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends.

"We appreciate Talladega Superspeedway's continued support of our lifesaving mission," said Mario Sedlock, Director of Donor Recruitment for the American Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. "This blood drive is a great opportunity for volunteers to help ensure a stable blood supply for hospital patients in need."

The "Laps for Life" blood drive takes place just a few weeks in advance of Talladega's double-header playoff weekend (Oct. 13-15) featuring the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday, Oct. 14, where the playoff contenders will be trimmed from eight to six at event's end, and the Alabama 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 15 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final scheduled MENCS start at Talladega.

To register online go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: TALLADEGA. Follow instructions on the website to complete registration. Those interested can also register by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule your appointment. 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 consent 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 also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.