How much does a NASCAR race add to the local economy? A look at Talladegas payoff [Video]

TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT) — The biggest names in NASCAR are set to race at the Talladega Superspeedway this weekend.

Big racing also means big bucks for the state and local economy. Empty stands will soon be packed with NASCAR fans who have traveled to Talladega Superspeedway from all across the county to see the biggest names in the sport.

Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton said the economic impact could be in the neighborhood of $150 million to $200 million for the state of Alabama.

The Greater Talladega and Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce expects the impact in the city of Talladega alone to be about $2 million this week.

When you look at that on a single-business level, that can mean a busy week. The Ark seafood restaurant in Riverside said it expects to sell about 400 to 600 pounds of catfish race week.

Fan Allen Johnson drove in from Missouri to …