The tobacco company said the decision was based on its desire to refocus its marketing division to other programs in NASCAR.
While this year?s race is unaffected, in 2001 the 500-mile event will have a new sponsor after 31 years under Winston?s name.
RJR, which began its naming-rights relationship with Talladega in 1971, is the title sponsor of NASCAR's top series, through its Winston brand. The company also sponsors The Winston - the annual all-star race - and the No Bull Five programme.
Said Grant Lynch, president of Talladega: ?They sponsor so many things, and the No Bull Five programme and The Winston are unique events, whereas ours is just one of 35 races over a long season.''
Talladega is now looking for two new sponsors, following Sears? decision to end its sponsorship of the spring event, the DieHard 500, following a 13 year relationship.
