NASCAR At Talladega 2012: Start Time, Starting Lineup, TV/Radio Schedule And More

It’s NASCAR race day at Talladega Superspeedway, and we’ve got the actual race start time, the starting lineup and some other facts about today’s race for you below.

What time does the race start today? You can’t fix stupid, as Ron White likes to say, so make sure to tune in for the Talladega race at 1:20 p.m. Eastern time today. Why do we bring up Ron White? Because the Blue Collar Comedy Tour co-star is today’s grand marshal. He’ll give the command at 1:08 p.m. Eastern, and then the green flag will wave at 1:20.

Race name/distance: The Aaron’s 499 is not 499 miles, as much as everyone would like you to believe that. In reality, the Aaron’s 499 is 188 laps around the 2.66-mile track for a total of 500 miles. The “499” is just a marketing gimmick.

TV and radio: Today’s race can be seen on FOX. Every Sprint Cup Series race through May will be on the FOX network. Unfortunately, there is no live streaming of the race – but you can listen on the Motor Racing Network’s Web site (just click the red link). You can also check MRN’s site for a list of affiliate stations in your area.

*** NOTE: If you’re out-and-about today and can’t watch the race, make sure to follow me (@jeff_gluck) on Twitter. I’ll be tweeting updates live from the event. ***

National anthem: Margo Rey is singing the national anthem today, and if you’ve never heard of her, don’t worry – we hadn’t, either. But thanks to a Google search, we found out Rey is a Mexican-born singer/songwriter who is – wait for it.... – married to Talladega grand marshal Ron White! Apparently they came as a package deal.

Tickets: Talladega Superspeedway is not a sellout, despite reducing its capacity by approximately 34,000 seats over the past two years. So if you’re thinking of making a last-minute trip, I’m sure the track would love to have you.

Weather: The unofficial NASCAR weatherman, Brian Neudorff, says today’s race will be hot and steamy, with temperatures in the high 80s and the slight possibility of scattered showers.

Last time: One year ago, Jimmie Johnson used a push from teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Aaron’s 499 to claim one of only two wins for the No. 48 team on the season. Then, last fall, Clint Bowyer pulled out and passed then-teammate Jeff Burton while coming to the finish to win the Good Sam Club 500.

Starting lineup for today’s NASCAR race at Talladega Speedway: