Fifty cars and free food: NASCAR sets up shop in downtown Birmingham

Roughly 150 cars are parked in downtown Birmingham today.

NASCAR is running its fourth annual Block Party and Car Show from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at City Walk. The event is free and open to the public. It is part of the weekend activities surrounding the Magic City Classic.

The lineup includes celebrity vehicles, influencer cars, and entries from other states. Families can try out racing simulators. Food trucks and local vendors like Alicia’s Coffee are set up along the walk. A specific area is designated for children.

Brandon Thompson is NASCAR’s Vice President of Growth, Engagement, and Inclusion. He says the group uses this event to build ties with local communities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Thompson noted that about 1,500 people attended the event last year.

“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,” Thompson said.

The block party comes right after NASCAR held its race at Talladega Superspeedway. Thompson believes the close geographic link between the two cities makes Birmingham a strong market for the sport. He wants to use the weekend to support Alabama A&M and Alabama State, which are playing 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.”