NASCAR shows 150 cars in Birmingham

Roughly 150 vehicles are set to line the sidewalks of Birmingham’s City Walk on Friday, bringing a large-scale automotive display to the downtown area. The collection includes entries from out of state as well as cars owned by celebrities and influencers. This gathering marks the fourth annual installment of the NASCAR Block Party and Car Show, which coincides with the Magic City Classic weekend.

Admission is free for the public, with the event running from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 30. Attendees can access racing simulators, a dedicated area for children, and a variety of food trucks. Local vendors also have a presence, including Alicia’s Coffee, adding a community element to the motor sports showcase.

Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Growth, Engagement, and Inclusion at NASCAR, framed the event as a key part of the organization’s strategy to engage with local communities. He emphasized the importance of connecting with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through these public appearances.

Thompson pointed to last year’s turnout of approximately 1,500 people as a benchmark for the event’s popularity. “We had about 1,500 people come out last year, a ton of food trucks, so it was a great opportunity,” Thompson said. “It’s really just a great time to bring out the kids, celebrate the classic weekend, and come out and see what NASCAR’s all about.”

The timing follows NASCAR’s recent race weekend at the nearby Talladega Superspeedway. Thompson stated that the proximity allows the brand to strengthen its relationship with the Birmingham market while supporting the local HBCUs participating in the classic. “We know how much Birmingham means to Talladega as well,” Thompson said. “It’s a great time for us to come back with one of the city’s largest events, to be able to come and support both HBCUs here and support a lot of the things that we have going on just from an HBCU initiative across the board.”

The event supports the two HBCUs competing in the Magic City Classic: Alabama A&M and Alabama State. By placing the car show in the heart of the city during the classic, NASCAR aims to blend its national brand with local college football traditions. The presence of 150 cars and interactive attractions is designed to draw families and sports fans who might not attend a track event but enjoy the culture of stock car racing.