WERA National Series Returns South with Talladega Round OXFORD, Ala. The WERA National Series returns to the South with this weekend’s round at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, a venue that attracts both the National Series regulars and regional aces. Talladega’s tight 1.35-mile track will be full for both the WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series race on Saturday, August 20 and the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series sprint races on Sunday. With the entire track visible from the pits and grandstands, this weekend’s National event is a great place for spectators. Fans can get a glimpse of speed both on the track and in the pits during Saturday’s four-hour endurance race, which begins at 1:00 p.m. CT. The race is limited to 45 bikes, and with the high turnout that Talladega garners, the grid will be full. Vesrah Suzuki won for the first time in three races during round seven at Summit Point two weeks ago, pulling out a small gap in the championship over Team Velocity Racing. The points gap is still tight between the two teams, and on track they will also have to contend with teams comprised of local riders who have extensive knowledge of Talladega’s layout. Sunday’s 10-lap sprint races will begin at 12:30 p.m., and once again the series leaders will be challenged by the local competitors. Vesrah Suzuki’s Tray Batey won three races during last year’s National Challenge Series round at Talladega, and he has been on a winning streak again this year. However, some of the other top riders in the series got their start in WERA’s Southeast region, which includes several rounds at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway. Georgia riders Keith Marshall and XT Racing’s David Weber may have an added advantage thanks to hours of track time on Talladega’s twisty layout. While the local riders in the National Series will have the upper hand, RacerSupply.com’s Ben Thompson will be visiting Talladega for the first time. He will have to learn the track quickly as he strives to hang onto his points lead in Open Superstock and 750 Superbike. Herrin Racing’s Josh Herrin has taken over the points lead in 600 Superbike, and he will be eager to familiarize himself with the track, as well. Tickets for the WERA National Series at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway are $30 for the weekend, including Friday’s practice day. Tickets for the two days of racing are $20 and Sunday only is $15. Camping is also available. More information about WERA can be found at www.WERA.com, and information about the track, including driving directions, are at www.tgprace.com.