Fan watch as cars head through the second turn during the NASCAR Busch series Aaron’s 312 auto race in April at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

AP / RAINIER EHRHARDT

A study by the Washington Economics Group Inc. reports that Talladega Superspeedway generates an annual economic impact of $407 million for the region and the state of Alabama.

The study, which was commissioned by the track, concludes that the economic activities surrounding the track create 7,955 jobs for workers throughout the Alabama economy. The economic impact of the superspeedway is equivalent to 11 percent of Alabama’s total revenue from tourism.

The study was conducted over several months and used the IMPLAN model, which quantifies the direct and indirect benefits of economic activity. Besides identifying the total economic impact, the study also found that:

• Races and other activities at Talladega Superspeedway result in $149 million in income for workers throughout Alabama each year, benefiting all sectors of the state’s economy.

• Each year the track activities produce more than $64 million in revenue for federal, state and local governments. Of the total revenue, state and local governments receive more than $29 million.

• Track operations contribute $231 million toward Alabama’s gross state product each year. Referred to by economists as “value added,” this is the portion of business revenue that provides compensation to workers and capital income. The superspeedway’s “value added” helps to support the drive to create a high-wage economy in the state.

• The total economic impact equates to $88.50 of benefit for every man, woman and child in Alabama.

“Everybody knows that Talladega Superspeedway has a big impact on our state, but these figures demonstrate clearly that the economic impact is dramatic, probably larger than most people would have guessed,” Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said.

Even the track, which hosts two major NASCAR race weekends each year, was surprised by the results.

“When we commissioned this study, we had no idea of the results,” track president Rick Humphrey said. “These numbers are very compelling, and I’m excited to be a part of this organization and its huge positive impact on the residents of Alabama.”