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Highlighting the 2008 event schedule is the return of two Sprint Cup races in March and October, as well as several first-time events at AMS. Below is a schedule of the major events taking place this year. Updated calendar information can be found at http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/.

2008 EVENTS

February 16 - 17: Eastman Gun Show

The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

March 7: Georgia Power Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race

The world's top drivers converge on the fastest NASCAR track on the circuit for a full weekend of speed and pageantry.

2007 Pole Winner: Ryan Newman, 193.124 mph

2007 Craftsman Truck Winner: Mike Skinner, 105.739 mph

March 8: Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race

Three hundred miles of grueling, side by side stock car racing. Immediately following the NASCAR action, the stars of tomorrow will compete in Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous "Thunder Ring" quarter-mile oval.

2007 Nicorette 300 Winner: Jeff Burton, 191.080 mph

Bobby Labonte and Ron Hornaday Jr. completed the second and final day of a Goodyear tire test today at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Hornaday Jr. was the first to take the track in his No. 2 Camping World Chevrolet Silverado for the morning test session.

"With the rules changing for the 2008 season, we are having to make some adjustments," Hornaday Jr., the October Craftsman truck race winner at AMS said. "These changes are going to make the racing even more exciting. If you though it was exciting watching Bobby (Labonte) and I race to the finish line in 2005, we are probably going to be four-wide, side-by-side, racing to the stripe next time we come here."

Hornaday Jr.'s fastest lap on the second day of testing was logged at 174.669 mph (31.74 seconds).

Labonte, a six-time AMS winner, clocked his fastest lap at 182.789 mph (30.33 seconds) in his primer gray Petty Enterprises car.

"Atlanta makes great racing because you can pass," Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup champion said. "You don't just run behind each other, you can move around and pass."

Located in the Turn Three Elliott Grandstand named after Bill Elliott, the $39 "Awesome Bill" ticket is another economically priced seating option for fans wanting to attend a Sprint Cup Series event at NASCAR's fastest track. Students with a valid school identification may purchase seating in same section for only $19.

"We want all fans to have the opportunity to experience the Kobalt Tools 500 live," said AMS president and general manager Ed Clark. "We designed the offer so the entire family could enjoy the drama of NASCAR racing together."

Students of all ages with valid school-issued student identification will be entitled to the same $39 ticket in the Elliott Grandstand for just $19.

Part of a NASCAR triple-header weekend, the Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race will be run in conjunction with Friday night, March 7 Georgia Power NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying, immediately followed by the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race will take the green flag on Saturday, March 8.

In its 10th year, DukesFest & Hazzard County Fair will feature an entertaining lineup of county fair-related activities. The weekend, produced by John & Elly Schneider, will encompass appearances and autograph sessions from show cast members including John Schneider (Bo Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane), Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) and Rick Hurst (Clettus Hogg) Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate).

Also scheduled for the weekend is a car show featuring hundreds of world famous 1969 "General Lee" Dodge Chargers, trucks and tractors, a demolition derby, stunt shows including an authentic "General Lee" jump, craft vendors, lawn mower races, Daisy Dukes' shorts contests and a fireworks display. Local music acts and a special guest artist, announced at a later date, will also be in attendance.

The fifth season of Winter Flurry, Atlanta Motor Speedway's winter Legends, Thunder Roadster and Bandolero racing series, took the green flag on Friday evening, November 9. The Winter Flurry season will encompass six events including opening night, December 14, January 6, January 19, February 23 and the final event during the Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR race weekend on March 7-9.

The sleek Thunder Roadsters were the first division to take the green flag with Bubba Harry leading the field. Dwight Pilgram challenged Harry in the early stages of the race, but Harry eventually drove to the victory followed by Pilgram and Ed Clark.

The Bandits division, open to drivers as young as eight years old, rolled off the grid for the second feature race of the evening with Mason Massey on the point. On lap 14 Kyle Plott moved into the lead and was driving to the season opening win when his younger brother Kason spun, bringing out the caution and setting up a green-white-checkered sprint to the finish. In the closing stages of the race, Kyle Benjamin grabbed the lead from Kyle Plott with the white flag in the air, only to relinquish it on the last lap back to Plott, creating a thrilling photo finish.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's three-day Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend was extended two days, allowing teams to participate in a Car of Tomorrow test at NASCAR's fastest track.

More than 50 cars were on hand to fine-tune the NASCAR race car that will make its Atlanta Motor Speedway debut during the March, 2008 Kobalt Tools 500.

"The Car of Tomorrow does drive differently, there's no question," said veteran driver Jeff Burton. "But probably not as differently as one would assume. The struggles that we have with the current car are similar to the struggles we have with the new car. The new car makes overall less grip, so that tends to magnify the problem more. But if I read the comments from what I said on Sunday during the race, they're very similar to what I'm seeing today."

Kyle Busch posted the fastest lap during the two-day test with a circuit around AMS' 1.54-mile quad oval in 29.632 seconds, (187.095 mph).

            The drivers' and teams' hard work during the Monday and Tuesday test will come to fruition at AMS during the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup Series race.

Driving with one hand for about 10 laps, Kyle Busch staved off a window net problem in the latter stages of Saturday's EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 to defeat Ron Hornaday, Jr. for his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win this year.

Meanwhile, Hornaday's runner-up finish returned him to the standings lead by four points over Mike Skinner with three races remaining in the season. It was the fifth time in the last six races there has been a change in the standings lead.

"That is OK for now, but after the final event is when I will be jumping up and down," Hornaday said. "I am sure Skinner will get it back next week and I will try and get it back the week after. To have two great teams battling and changing the points lead each week is unbelievable."

Celebrating the 30th anniversary on the hit 1980's TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard," DukesFest & Hazzard County Fair will feature a full slate of county fair-related activities. The weekend, produced by John & Elly Schneider, will encompass appearances and autograph sessions from show cast members including John Schneider (Bo Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane), Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) and Rick Hurst (Clettus Hogg) Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate).

"Atlanta Motor Speedway is the perfect venue for the 2008 DukesFest & Hazzard County Fair event," said Schneider. "It is a beautiful facility and after all, it is just miles from where the Dukes were born."

Also scheduled for the weekend is a car show featuring hundreds of world famous 1969 ‘General Lee' Dodge Chargers, trucks and tractors, a demolition derby, stunt shows including an authentic ‘General Lee' jump, craft vendors, lawn mower races, Daisy Dukes contests and a fireworks display. Also local music acts, and a to be announced special guest artist.

Fans will also be treated to carnival rides, a kids' barnyard area complete with a petting zoo, pie eating contests and a question and answer sessions with the entire cast.

Schneider is currently starring on FOX's "Nip/Tuck," and will be featured on a Hallmark mini-series "Shark Swarm" and in the spring, Schneider will co-star on HBO's "12 Miles of Bad Road."

For more information and event details, visit www.dukesfest.com/.

Martin will run his sixth and final Craftsman Truck race of the season this weekend in the No. 21 Wood Brothers' truck. He has three top-five finishes in five starts, with a best finish of third this season. This will be Martin's third start in the truck in Atlanta, with his best finish of second coming in the spring truck event last year.

"Atlanta is a great racetrack," Martin said. "It's a big, fast racetrack where you can run all over the place. The pavement has aged well over the years and it has given up and made it a really fun place to race. From top-to-bottom, it's one of the best places that we go, and it makes for a great show and a great race."

Johnson, who owns two wins and seven top-five finishes at AMS, has a series-high average finish of fifth at NASCAR's fastest track. Johnson is AMS' most recent winner, claiming victory in the March 2007 Kobalt Tools 500 NEXTEL Cup race.

"On the last lap, if you're chasing someone, you're going where they're not," Johnson said. "That really dictates your move and what you do on the last lap. If you can break the plane of the guy you are chasing and get to his quarter- panel off of Turn 4, the way we side-draft each other even on the 1.5-mile tracks, you will slow him down and you will beat him to the finish line. It's just the cycle of it."

Johnson trails NEXTEL Cup championship points leader and teammate Jeff Gordon by just 53 markers heading into Atlanta Motor Speedway. Johnson will race the same car he has scored either a victory or a runner-up finish in six of the 11 events the car has been raced in.

Pep Boys Auto 500 Fast Facts

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Date:               Sunday, October 28, 2007

Time:               2:00 p.m. (ET)

Location:         Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta, Ga., 1.54-mile quad-oval with 24-degree banking in turns

Sanctioning Body:               National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR),

Daytona Beach, Fla.

Series:             Event No. 33 in the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series

(Race seven of 10 in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup)

Length:            325 laps, 500 miles

Purse:                         $6,156,331

2006 Winner:  Tony Stewart (3 hours, 29 minutes, 23 seconds)

2006 Polesitter: N/A

Fans will get a unique opportunity to walk the fastest track in NASCAR, the 1.5-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway. Prior to the walk, participants can enjoy the first ever Halloween Festival in Souvenir Row, which will feature a driver look alike contest, candy, games, family fun and much more.

The Track Walk is a great way for friends, family and groups to get an insiders view of the fastest, most exciting track in NASCAR. Proceeds from the Track Walk benefit The NASCAR Foundation and the Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, which supports organizations and foundations that provide medical, educational and social services to children in the greater Atlanta area. The NASCAR Foundation and Speedway Children's Charities  thanks AutoTrader, a corporate partner in this great event.

Walkers may register online at www.nascar.com/foundation.  The Track Walk registration booth will be located near the Speed Channel Stage and Gate 14 on Speedway property.

For just $30 adults can participate in the walk, while children under 14 years of age can walk for free with a paid adult.  All participants receive an event shirt.

Additional information about the Track Walk can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.com/foundation or by calling 704-348-9680. Tickets for the entire slate of events during AMS' Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend can be purchased by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or by visiting http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/.

In addition to a full slate of racing that includes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NEXTEL Cup Series, approximately 50 teams are expected to participate in a two-day Car of Tomorrow test on Monday and Tuesday following the Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race.

"We still have a tremendous amount to learn about what we need to do with the Car of Tomorrow," Burton, a 19-time Cup Series winner said. "We'll know more about how the car will handle once we test it at Atlanta Motor Speedway."

NASCAR has constantly been evolving the Car of Tomorrow since it debuted nearly two years ago in a test session, developing a vehicle with safety and ultra-competitive racing as the chief goals.

The Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race will serve as the marquee event during the March 7-9 triple-header weekend that also includes the NASCAR Nationwide Series, formerly known as the Busch Series, and the NASCAR Truck Series.

"Our partners at Lowe's were exceptional at looking for new ways to brand the facility for Kobalt Tools and interact with our fans," said AMS president and general manager Ed Clark. "The key for them, and eventually our team, was to get people to see and try the newly redesigned tools. We are excited that with the renewed partnership we can continue to build on last year's success."

Unadilla, Ga. native David Ragan finds himself locked in a battle with International superstar and former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya for the NASCAR Rookie of the Year title, a race that is currently separated by a mere 15 points.

Both drivers will have to be on top of their game to maintain their positions at the top of the rookie standings when the NEXTEL Cup Series rolls into Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500.

Ragan and Montoya may have a different dialect, hailing from different parts of the globe, but they agree on the level of importance and prestige that comes with earning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year title.

"Winning the rookie of the year title in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is certainly one of the biggest goals we sought after this year," Ragan said. "You look at the guys that have won the title in the past, guys like David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, my teammate Matt Kenseth, those are all guys I look up to. They've all been real strong rookies and certainly showed a lot of promise after winning Rookie of the Year." 

Charlie Spratt is still pinching himself after learning he has won Atlanta Motor Speedway's "The Call This Fall" promotion, earning him the right to be the voice of driver introductions for the Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event.

"This was a very cool promotion that AMS did and I'm beyond ecstatic to have won," Spratt said of winning "The Call This Fall. "It still hasn't sunk in; I keep pinching myself, to make sure I'm actually awake!"

A Technical Sergeant for the United States Air Force stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga., Spratt found out about the unique promotion by visiting the speedway website and with some encouragement from his daughter, decided to enter.

"I accidentally stumbled onto the promotion when I was researching the seating chart for Atlanta Motor Speedway," Spratt said. "I was planning on taking my 17-year-old daughter, Kayde, to her first NEXTEL Cup race at the end of October and I saw the banner for the contest.

Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark went back to school today. He read to third grade students at Luella Elementary school as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new NASCAR racing section in the media center.

Clark, the son of a teacher, read "R is for Race: A Stock Car Alphabet," to the students and participated in the ceremony, enabling students to check-out the racing-related books from library for the first time.

"When I was growing up, I loved to read and I still do," Clark said. "Unfortunately, we didn't have that many books about the racing industry but, these students are lucky to have an entire section of their media center devoted to books directly related to racing."

Luella Elementary school principal Dr. Lois Wolfe understands the importance reading plays in the development of a child and could think of no better way to open the new racing section than with Clark cutting the ribbon.

"At Luella Elementary school and around the world, reading is critical to a child's development so we do everything we can to get kids excited about reading," Dr. Wolfe said. "Any time we can create that excitement and tie it into our community, it becomes real-world for the students. Having Ed Clark from Atlanta Motor Speedway was the perfect way to do it."

Eight-year-old third grade student Gimmetrye Gibbs from Hampton, Ga. was anxious to be one of the first students to check out a book from the new racing section.

"I want to be the first one in line to borrow one of the new books," Gibbs said. "I can't wait to take it home and read it to my little brother."

Fans wanting to attend the largest party in Georgia and the seventh of 10 races in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship have less than one month left to purchase tickets.

The Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend will feature three days of racing at NASCAR's fastest track. Georgia-Pacific Qualifying for the Pep Boys Auto 500 is slated for Friday night, Oct. 26 under the lights. Saturday, Oct. 27 features the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

Sunday, Oct. 28, will give fans the opportunity to catch the stars of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series battling for 500 high-speed miles in the Pep Boys Auto 500.

Three day ticket packages are available fans starting at just $88. Single day Pep Boys Auto 500 tickets start at just $60.

The entire weekend's events are free to the public and will include performances by legendary acts Randy Travis and Diamond Rio. Christian rap group Grits and the Christian alternative band Skillet will also perform during the three-day event. Travis will perform on Friday, Oct. 5 with both Grits and Skillet performing the following day. Diamond Rio will close out the show on Sunday, Oct. 7

As a highly recognized Christian speaker, author and leader, show host Wingfield has conducted over 50 city-wide festivals in the United States and overseas, preaching in person to tens of thousands of people in a career that spans 20 years of ministry.

"We are looking forward to coming to Atlanta Motor Speedway," Wingfield said. "We are planning on bringing good news and good music each night, a word of encouragement for today and a message of hope for tomorrow. It is going to be a wonderful event."

Below is a numerical look at some interesting historical feats, facts and figures at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

.006 seconds: Margin of victory for Kevin Harvick over Jeff Gordon in the spring 2001 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

3 hours, 3 minutes, 3 seconds in the No. 3 Chevrolet: Dale Earnhardt's record time for a 500-mile Cup race at AMS on November 12, 1995.

9: Of the 12 drivers in the 2007 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship are driving Chevrolets.

24: Degrees of banking in turns at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

34: Number of victories for Chevrolet, the most among any manufacturer at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

41: Different winners in Atlanta Motor Speedway NEXTEL Cup racing history.

Fans looking for a truly unique seating option during Atlanta Motor Speedway's Oct. 26-28 Pep Boys Auto 500 NEXTEL Cup race weekend need to look no further than Club One, AMS' luxury seating option.

A large public suite situated high atop the Winners Grandstand, Club One  features a premium bar and menu, a ‘Sight and Sound' observation deck located on the roof and 65 video screens with quality sound to bring the sights and sounds of the race even closer.

"If I wasn't driving in the race, this is where I'd be," veteran NASCAR driver Mark Martin said upon viewing Club One for the first time. "For my money, this is where it is at. Put me in Club One to watch the race, this place is nice."

Club One patrons also receive pre-race pit passes, direct elevator access from the concourse level and an excellent view of the entire track, including pit road. Exclusive Club One parking is also available as well as a Club One RV parking area reserved for Club One patrons.

Admission for all three days of racing excitement including Friday night's Georgia-Pacific NEXTEL Cup qualifying, Saturday's EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 Craftsman Truck Series race and the Sunday, Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500 NEXTEL Cup race is just $795. A seat in Club One for Sunday only can be obtained for $595.

As expected, the list of drivers reads like a who's who of motorsports with names like Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon topping the list, but second year drivers Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. have their eyes on the title and hope to become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt to win a Cup championship in only their second year of competition. With the depth of talent, two additional drivers in the 2007 Chase and the slate being wiped clean for the start of the 10-race shoot-out, it is anyone's Cup to claim.

One important Atlanta Motor Speedway statistic all Chase contenders need to consider is in the last 10 fall races at AMS, Cup champions have combined to have an average finish of 10th. Kurt Busch recovered from a blown engine and a finish of 42nd in 2004 to claim the title and Jeff Gordon notched a 17th-place finish and still won the championship in 1997. Other than those two races, a champion has never finished worse than 11th at AMS in the fall.

Below is a look at the 12 contenders for the 2007 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and their history at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Sophomore drivers Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. will clinch a spot in the 2007 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup by simply taking the green flag for this weekend's NEXTEL Cup race, their first time ever participating in NASCAR's playoff system.

"I can't even imagine what it means yet," Truex said of making the Chase. "It's still such a dream come true that I'm not even sure if I can put it into words. All I can say is that I'm glad to see all of the hard work and hours spent in the shop pay off for my guys. They all work so hard, so its great to see them get rewarded."

Bowyer shared similar emotions, but has another goal heading into the Chase.

"I want to win," Bowyer said. "We need to get a win. I don't want to be the only guy in the Chase that hasn't won. If we are, certainly that isn't a bad thing. But we just have to pick it up. I think we can do it."

Michael Anthony Mooney, a 23-year stunt veteran, will be chained behind a Super-Pro dragster and have just mere seconds to escape before the dragster tears down the strip, possibly bringing Mooney with him.

"I have been timing myself for the past two weeks," said Mooney in preparation for the stunt at Atlanta Motor Speedway.  "Most of the time, I can get out within the five second limit. I'm going have to be perfect this Friday night."

As part of a season-ending celebration, speedway officials have decided to open the drag strip to motorcycles. Cyclists will be subject to the same rules as the drag racers and must wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well as a DOT approved helmet.

"We have had a wonderful inaugural season of drag racing and have been asked about racing motorcycles each week," said AMS vice president of events Brandon Hutchison. "I can think of no better way to end this successful season than to give the motorcycle enthusiast the opportunity to race down the drag strip."

With the championship bracket race to be held during Georgia-Pacific NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying on Friday, Oct. 26, drag competitors have just one more evening to punch their ticket to the championship round race, to be held in front of an estimated crowd of 40,000.

Instant winners will be selected at random with an additional daily winner receiving weekend tickets during the promotion, which ends Oct.15, 2007.

The grand prize winner, selected after the 50 day-long promotion, will receive tickets to Friday night, Oct. 26 Georgia-Pacific NEXTEL Cup qualifying, the Saturday, Oct. 27 EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 Craftsman Truck Series race and the Sunday, Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500 NEXTEL Cup Series race.

The grand prize winner will also be entitled to a reserved parking pass and two highly-coveted NASCAR Hot Garage passes. The garage passes, which allow NEXTEL Cup garage access throughout the entire weekend, are not available for purchase and are sure to make the Pep Boys Auto 500 an unforgettable weekend.

Mansfield Ark.'s Bobby Musgrove, recipient of the grand prize ticket package for the March Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend at AMS thoroughly enjoyed his race experience and found it educational, as well as entertaining.

"I have now walked where legends have walked and talked to a few of those I had only seen on television. What a blessing it was to have a life-long dream come true!" he said. "The infield passes and Hot Passes were incredible. I learned a lot from observing and when appropriate, by asking. The passes presented to my wife and I gave us a new appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes. It shall remain in our memories for the rest of our lives."

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears, Scott Riggs and Jeremy Mayfield participated in the first of a two-day tire test today at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Teams tested both the Car of Tomorrow and the current model stock car during the eight-hour test.

"It is good to get out here on the track today," Riggs said. "It's nice to see how the current car and the Car of Tomorrow will handle at AMS and it will let us know what we can expect this October and next March."

Goodyear tested their tires for wear, heat, grip level and load today. Casey Mears topped the unofficial speed charts with a lap of 183.637 mph (30.19 seconds) in his No. 25 Chevrolet followed by Scott Riggs driving the No. 9 car, Kevin Harvick and Jeremy Mayfield.

"The Car of Tomorrow is a half-second slower than the other cars, but that should make more exciting racing here," Kevin Harvick said. "The COT didn't drive bad at all and fans are going to have to come out here in March and see these new cars for themselves at AMS." 

NASCAR's elite drivers will attempt to tame the blistering speeds of Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Oct. 28 Pep Boys Auto 500. Great seats are still available and can obtained by calling (877) 9-AMS-TIX or by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

The grudge races will occur throughout the evening, allowing competitors the opportunity to line up against any other competitor they choose regardless of vehicle specifications.

"We have received a tremendous amount of requests from both competitors and fans wanting to see grudge match racing," said Atlanta Motor Speedway vice president of events Brandon Hutchison. "This is going to add a new twist and the grudge races this Friday night will be some of the most exciting racing of the season."

Championship contending racers wishing to grudge race will be able to do so once they are eliminated from the normal championship rounds of racing in their division.

In addition to the grudge matches, drag race competitors have just three more events to earn their chance to race for the season title in the Championship Bracket Race to be held during Georgia-Pacific NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying Night on Oct. 26.

To take part in Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags and this Friday's grudge matches, all racers must have a valid driver's license and competitors age 16 and 17 must have a fully-executed minors release form on file at the speedway prior to competition (forms available at the speedway or at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com). Competitors must wear a helmet and have operational seat belts in the vehicle and pass a pre-race safety inspection.

The final two Castrol GTX Friday Night Drag rounds will be held Aug. 31 and September 7. Competitor gates open at 6 p.m. All events include practice drag runs at 6:40 p.m. and elimination runs beginning at 9:10 p.m. Spectator gates open at 6:30 p.m.

"It is an all day affair to go drag racing at other tracks in Georgia and Alabama," Petry said. "But at Atlanta Motor Speedway, it's easy and convenient to go just for a night. It is the perfect way to relax after a long work week."

A Chicago native, Petry moved to Georgia to escape the winter weather more than a decade ago and one of his possessions that made the trek south was his 1983 Cadillac Coup De Ville. Weighing in at a hefty 4,100 pounds, Petry originally purchased the car with no intentions of transforming it into a dragster. After the Cadillac's original motor expired, Petry, a General Motors certified master technician, decided it was time to give the Caddy some speed to accompany the car's good looks.

"I am on my second rear axle, third engine, fourth transmission and 10th driveshaft," Petry said laughing. "I built a fuel injected small block Chevrolet engine that uses many of the same components the Corvettes do."

Petry's modifications didn't stop under the hood.

Drag racing will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway this Friday, Aug. 17 with drag competitors battling for double points and Show N' Shine participants parading around the 1.54-mile quad-oval prior to the evenings opening ceremonies.

With the recent announcement of the championship bracket race of drag racing to be held during Georgia-Pacific NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying on Friday, Oct. 26, drag competitors have found themselves scrambling for every possible point in an attempt to punch their ticket to the championship bracket race. This Friday's racing action could create an opportunity for many racers to join the championship bracket race in front of an estimated crowd of 40,000 on October 26.

Fans and Show N' Shine competitors will also be treated to a speedway cruise, showcasing both modern vehicles and classic muscle cars turning several laps around Atlanta Motor Speedway's high banks. Only entrants into the night's Show N' Shine will eligible to participate in the cruise.

To participate in Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags, all racers must have a valid driver's license and competitors age 16 and 17 must have a fully executed minors release form on file at the speedway prior to competition (forms available at the speedway or at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com). Competitors must wear a helmet and have operational seat belts in the vehicle and pass a pre-race safety inspection.

The 2007 Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags Series will run August, 17, 24, 31 and September 7. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and practice drag runs begin at 6:40 p.m.  Show N' Shine car show judging begins at 6:00 p.m. with Championship drag runs starting at 9:10 p.m.

The championship bracket race for eligible drag competitors will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, immediately following the completion of Georgia-Pacific NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying. Speeds of more than 140 mph will be achieved on AMS' eighth-mile drag strip during the inaugural championship night.

The top four drivers in each of the eight divisions will be invited to compete in a bracket race, with each champion crowned at the evening's conclusion. A special ‘Friday Night Drags' ticket package will be available for fans who wish to catch the tire smoking action on October 26. Four tickets to Georgia-Pacific Qualifying and the championship drag runs will be available for the price of three, a savings of $25.

"This unique opportunity will give Castrol GTX Friday Night Drag competitors the chance to race in front of 40,000 fans after Georgia-Pacific NEXTEL Cup Qualifying," said AMS vice president of events Brandon Hutchison. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for these drag racers and it will be an electrifying show for the fans in the grandstands."

The four-ticket package goes on sale this Friday for $75 and will be sold at Gate 15 only during the final six Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags events.

Nelson's bus is powered by a 1,000 horsepower alcohol-injected big block Chevrolet engine. The aluminum and fiberglass bodied school bus measures in at more than 20 feet in length and will attempt a wheel-stand of more than 1,000 feet.    

In addition to the concourse activities, intermission spectacles and grandstand games, the on-track racing action continues as drivers have just 20 laps of feature racing left to try and claim a coveted Thursday Thunder division championship.

The Fuddrucker's Semi-Pro feature began with Dylan Ames out front. On lap eight, Jeremy Mullinax dove to the inside of Ames to become the race leader. One lap later, Justin Swilling completed the same move to take the top spot away from Mullinax. Swilling jumped ahead of the rest of the pack, with a 10 car-length lead. Leading the remainder of the laps, Swilling scored his third win of the season.  

Bayley Currey led the field to the start for the Zaxby's Bandits feature; however, Kyle Benjamin took the early lead. On lap five, Kyle Plott made the pass to steal the top spot from Benjamin. Chase Elliott, son of NASCAR champion Bill Elliott, dove to the inside of Plott to become the race leader on lap 12. Elliott's car was dialed in and he piloted it to his first Bandolero victory of his racing career.

Bubba Harry was the pole-sitter for the Adrenalin Powersports Pro feature. Harry had troubles early in the race falling to the rear of the field, with Max Gresham taking over the top spot. Gresham had a strong car, holding off Casey Roderick and Thomas Hartensveld in the closing laps. With one lap to go, Roderick put pressure on Gresham, but was unable to make the pass for the win. Gresham made his third visit this season to victory lane.  

The Fuddrucker's Semi-Pro feature opened with L.J. Klemmons on the point. On lap one, the caution flag was displayed due to several cars making contact in turn two including race leader Klemmons. After the caution, Chase Moody inherited the race lead and led several laps with Austin Hill on his bumper. Hill closed in on Moody, taking over the lead on lap 10. One lap later, Jeremy Mullinax sneaked by Hill for the top spot with Hill's car showing distress and falling off the race pace. The top-four cars made contact on lap 16 in turn two, bringing out the caution, sending Mullinax and Matt Norton to the rear of the field and delivering Moody and Daniel Hemric to the garage. Dylan Ames led the field to a green-white-checkered flag finish. On the last lap in turn three, Ames was spun by Justin Swilling with Swilling capturing the win, his second of the summer.  

When a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver climbs from the cockpit of his race car in victory lane, it is a safe bet he will credit his victory to several things. Usually among the first to be mentioned are "teamwork" and his car's "set-up."

Custom home builder Ross Mundy has found both of those keys to success apply to the building industry as well as racing in the Fuddruckers Semi-Pro Division during Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekly racing series.

"To succeed at anything, you have to have adaptability," the 30-year-old Mundy said. "We set our product line to reflect the specific needs of buyers and that applies to each different track we race on. Every track requires a unique set-up and we are constantly changing them."

Mundy also finds that teamwork plays an integral role in his success, both on the track and behind his desk, at the company he founded, Ross Mundy Custom Homes.

"You have to be surrounded by good people to be successful," Mundy said. "I am lucky enough to have a great pit crew that helps me out every time I race. My father Bruce, Bob Rahl and David Noble take care of the car and that allows me to concentrate on driving. They all realize the value of teamwork and that is extremely important.

"The same thing applies to everyone we have working here at Ross Mundy Custom Homes. We have a great crew that keeps things running smoothly and we try and instill the importance of teamwork every day."

Tonight's intermission featured a match race between eight area pastors all vying to have the honor of providing the invocation for the upcoming NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Georgia 500 race on October 28 at AMS. With a nun waving the green flag signaling the start of the race, the pastors darted into turn one. The pastors participating were Mike Patterson from Liberty Hill Baptist Church (Hampton), Stan Burrong from Glen Haven Church (McDonough), Chuck Holt from Grace Way Church (Hampton), Tom Summers from Carver Road Baptist Church (Griffin), Paul Dennis from Royal Baptist Church (Newnan), Chuck Lewis from Anchor Community Church (Locust Grove), Michael McNeese from New Brooklyn Baptist Church (Temple) and the defending champion, Brooks Everett from Community Bible Church (Stockbridge).

With Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10th anniversary season of Thursday Thunder well underway, veteran driver and Albany, Ga. resident Skip Nichols reflected on the evolution of the series and its growth in the last decade.

The weekly racing series runs 10-weeks through the summer with drivers competing on the Thunder Ring, AMS' frontstretch quarter-mile oval. Drivers as young as eight-years-old test their skills in cars built to the same specifications, putting the outcome of the race in the driver's hands.

"The single largest difference I've seen throughout the years has been the car count," the 58-year-old Nichols said. "It just keeps getting bigger with 100 cars each night becoming normal."

Nichols, the 1999 Georgia state Legends champion in the Masters Division, has amassed an impressive record at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the track where he started his Legends racing career in 1998. Notching an incredible 63 top- five finishes in 68 starts, Nichols is one of the most decorated drivers in Thursday Thunder history.

Climbing in a go-kart and racing for the first time at just seven years old, Nichols moved to two wheels, racing dirt bikes when he was 12. He moved back to four wheels racing a hobby-car just three years later and with the exception of a 15-year hiatus from racing, Nichols has been racing ever since.

Featuring a spectacular fireworks display, concession and patriotic souvenir specials and great action on the track, the July 4 edition of Thursday Thunder will be the largest in the history of the 10-week series. The action continues every Thursday through August 2.

Fireworks Extravaganza to Light up the Georgia Sky on July 4:

            On Wednesday evening July 4, the Georgia sky will be illuminated with thousands of exploding shells in one of the largest fireworks displays in Atlanta. For just $5, fans can gain admission to the fireworks spectacular and receive a ticket to view an evening of short track racing with children 6-11 $1 and under 5 admitted free. With ample parking, affordable admission prices and concession specials, the unique July 4 edition of Thursday Thunder will be the biggest evening of short track racing in 2007.

A boatload of swim suits, campfires, super-soaker water guns, hot dogs, marshmallows, fishing rods and a pool could all be found at tonight's "Camp Counselor Classic" during Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10^th Anniversary season of Thursday Thunder. Local camp counselors competed in a match race in camp-decorated junker cars, with the victor taking home a camping tent, courtesy of Bass Pro Shops.

The five camp counselors from Fortson 4-H, Harp Crossing and McDonough Road Church camps ran a five-lap race all eager to be tonight's honor camper. The counselors left their good behavior back at the camps, beating and banging, and spinning each other out, with Jeremy Chaney from Fortson 4-H the victor.

A random draw after the heat races inverted the top six qualifiers in each division for the feature event and the division points leader was relegated to a fifth row start.

Jake Armstrong led the field to the green for the combined Greencastle Dental Young Guns and Morely Company Outlaws feature. On lap three, Armstrong was involved in an accident in turn three, turning the lead over to Ronnie Bassett Jr. Bassett was able to fend off his competitors until lap 14, when Blake Eden took over the top spot. Eden completed the final six circuits to score his second win of the season. 

In addition to the concourse activities, intermission spectacles and grandstand games, the on-track racing action heats up as drivers reach the halfway point for the 2007 season. The action continues with week five on Thursday, June 28, and will run every Thursday through August 2 with a special Wednesday night edition on July 4, including a fireworks extravaganza.

Innaugural "Camp Counselor Classic" to Debut Thursday Night at AMS:

            Week five's Thursday Thunder intermission spectacle will be a don't-miss event as eight local summer camp counselors race their way around the Thunder Ring, AMS' frontstretch quarter-mile oval in street cars. Completing the summer camp theme, a jumbo marshmallow, hot dog and simulated camp fire, will adorn the roof of each counselor's vehicle and a fishing rod will protrude through the window.

The first event of its kind at AMS, the "Camp Counselor Classic" will afford local the campers the opportunity to cheer their counselor to victory and earn the moniker of "Atlanta's Fastest Camp Counselor."

Fireworks Extravaganza to Light up the Georgia Sky on July 4:

           On Wednesday evening July 4, in conjunction with Thursday Thunder, the Georgia ski will be illuminated with thousands of exploding shells in one of the largest fireworks displays in Atlanta. For just $5, fans can gain admission to the fireworks spectacular and receive a ticket to view an evening of short track racing.

Robert Dial (Ellenwood, GA) in his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, earned a bye to advance to the nightly championship race of the Pro class squaring off against Billy Clevenger's (Jonesboro, GA) 1977 Chevrolet Vega. In one of the closest finishes of the night, Clevenger edged Dial to earn his first Castrol GTX Friday Night Drag trophy.

In a situation similar to the pro class, Michael Varner (Griffin, GA) in his 1973 Chevrolet Nova SS earned a bye to the final race of the Street Outlaw division. Varner faced off against another first-time finalist Donald Wiles (Peachtree City, GA) in his 1989 GMC S-15. The two put on a great show for the fans with Varner grabbing the top spot and his first victory this season.

Exacting a small bit of revenge from the previous week's finals race, Howard Wolf (Marietta, GA) with his 1999 Corvette swapped finishing positions with Stockbridge, GA's John Morgan in his 1980 Z28 Camaro.  This week Wolf grabbed the trophy while Morgan had to settle for the runner-up position. The two are tied for the points lead in the Domestic division having faced one another in the past two finals. 

Countless young men and women across America have dreams and aspirations of becoming a star on the NEXTEL Cup Series circuit and writing their name in the record books.

Others are simply racing in local series for a fun and entertaining hobby. Bennett, Ga.'s Carl Chapman is racing because he loves the sport and is spending his spare time at Atlanta Motor Speedway performing odd jobs around the Legends shop and prepping his car to race in Thursday Thunder, AMS' weekly summer racing series.

"I usually spend Wednesday and Thursday at the track," the 18-year-old Chapman said. "I help out around the shop and Dwight Pilgram, who is the chief mechanic in the shop, helps me set my car up. That is all the payment I need for helping out."

Most high school seniors are busy spending their summer lounging by the pool or engrossing themselves in a pointless activity, savoring every second of the day before they have to return for their final year of school. Chapman, a four sport athlete, has opted to spend his summer participating in various camps for football, baseball, basketball and track along with racing at AMS.

"Between the camps and the work out programs, I am staying real busy," Chapman said. "With Thursday Thunder and getting my car ready for that, I have a very full schedule."

Chapman, who drives two-hours one way to AMS to volunteer in the Legends garage, doesn't mind the busy schedule. He looks at it as an investment in his future and plans on racing Legends cars as a hobby long after his high school sports days are over.

"I know that this will be the last year I can participate in organized sports," Chapman explained. "Racing will give me something that hopefully I can do for many years to come."

Highlighted by feuding Atlanta area mascots and red-hot racing on the track, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder weekly summer racing series delivered a knock-out punch during week three's activities.

In addition to the concourse activities, intermission spectacles and grandstand games, the on-track racing action was intense as racers continues accumulating points in search of a Thursday Thunder championship. The action continues with week four on Thursday, June 21, and will run every Thursday through August 2 with a special Wednesday night edition on July 4.

Atlanta Area Mascot Mania Race Results:

           Last week, the Aarons Sales and Lease Ownership's Lucky Dog emerged the victor in a three-lap slug fest that Atlanta area mascots participated last Thursday night. Homer, Harry and Thrash, representing the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Thrashers respectively participated. Georgia Tech's Buzz, Georgia State's Pounce and the Arby's Oven Mitt were part of the action as well.

Homer jumped out to a commanding lead, but in a daring last-lap stunt, Harry the Hawk cart-jacked Homer, relegating Homer to a DNF and forcing speedway officials to disqualify Harry for his antics. Neither Harry nor Homer was able to comment on the race.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing Series, Thursday Thunder, continued its 10^th anniversary celebration during week two's festivities. Week three will be highlighted by Atlanta sports mascots racing on the Thunder Ring, AMS' frontstretch quarter-mile oval, for the right to be called the fastest mascot in Georgia.

In addition to the concourse activities, intermission spectacles and grandstand games, the on-track racing action was intense as racers vied to get their 10-week season off to a solid start. The action continues with week three on Thursday, June 14, and will run every Thursday through August 2 with a special Wednesday night edition on July 4.

Atlanta Area Mascots to Race at AMS as Part of Week Three of Thursday Thunder Competition:

            Atlanta Motor Speedway's mascot, Monkey Wrench, will serve as Grand Marshal this Thursday, when more than 10 Atlanta area mascots invade AMS for the inaugural "Mascot Mania Race." Freddie, Homer, Harry and Thrash, representing the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, Hawks and Thrashers respectively, are all scheduled to compete. Georgia Tech's Buzz, Georgia State's Pounce, the Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership's Lucky Dog, Clayton County Water Department's Drippy, the Arby's Oven Mitt and the Backyard Burger are all slated to take the green flag as well in one of the greatest spectacles to hit Thursday Thunder in years.

A random draw after the heat races inverted the top four qualifiers in each division for the feature event and the division points leader was relegated to start in the fifth row.

The Zaxby's Bandits division began with Kyle Benjamin on the pole. On lap three, Davey Matthews took over the top spot. Last week's winner and current points leader, Evan Bell, was on Matthews bumper lap after lap. After contact between Bell and Matthews, Mason Massey passed them both on lap six. Bell bumped Massey allowing Matthews to take over the lead again and the eventual checkered flag. 

Prior to the Curry's Collision Center Chargers feature, a local resident wanted to partake in the nightly activities, but unfortunately, his safety was in jeopardy.  The AMS operations department had to escort a squirrel off the frontstretch racing surface before the racing could continue, while amusing the crowd. 

Cameron Michael brought the field to the green for the Curry's Collision Center Chargers feature. Michael drove away from the field with a half straightaway lead. Despite a late-race challenge, Michael earned his first win of the summer.

In just two nights of competition, Sisk has taken home four trophies: two first-place drag trophies in the Pro class and two pieces of runner-up hardware in the Show N' Shine competition.

Sisk's award-winning Chevelle wasn't in its current immaculate condition when he purchased the car just three years ago. Sisk described the car as a "rust bucket" and had to perform extensive rust repair, including two new front fenders.

"I sold a 1971 Chevelle I restored and wanted to buy a '67," Sisk recalled. "I like the longer body on the '67 and I found my current Chevelle in Clearwater, Fla. I replaced a lot of rusty parts and have done a lot of metal fabrication to get it where it is today."

Hundreds of competitors put on a drag racing slugfest tonight for the fans in the grandstands and standing room only pit road area.  Below is a complete list of tonight's winners:

Super Pro: Jeffrey Grizzard (Fayetteville) in a 1972 Vega

Pro: David Sisk (Fayetteville) in 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

Street Outlaw: Thomas Griffin (Newnan) in 1991 Ford Mustang

Pro Four: Sean Miller (Fayetteville) in a 1979 Mazda RX7

Sportsman: Jason Byrnes (Newnan) in a 1985 Ford Mustang

Tuners: Jonathan Hicks (McDonough) in a 1995 Honda Civic

Domestic: John Morgan (Stockbridge) in a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Trucks: Wes German (Fayetteville) in a 1982 Ford F-100

The night started out with heat races to determine the starting order for each division's feature event.  The Fuddrucker's Semi-Pro division had so many competitors entered that some did not qualify to race in the feature; only 23 of 30 cars advanced. Robert Ridley led the field to the green flag to start the feature, but during the early laps of the race, Matt Stover edged his way up to Ridley's rear bumper.  On lap five, Stover made the pass to take over the lead. Stover put serious distance between himself and the other competitors, jumping ahead of the field and eventually snaring the first victory of the night.

Between the Thursday Thunder weekly racing series and the Castrol GTX Friday Night Drag Racing Series, more than 4,000 drag cars, Legends cars, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters are expected to hit the AMS asphalt this summer.

Celebrating its 10^th season, Thursday Thunder, a 10-week Legends racing series will take place every Thursday night from May 31 to August 2, with a special Wednesday night edition on July 4 featuring a fireworks extravaganza. Drivers ages eight to 68 compete on the "Thunder Ring," AMS' paved frontstretch quarter-mile oval.

Featuring a full slate of competitive racing, as well as concourse activities, intermission spectacles and grandstand games, Thursday Thunder is an affordably-priced activity that offers something for spectators of all ages. Tickets are just $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-12 (children under 6 are free) for each evening of family fun and grass-roots racing.

Skinner as well as team owner Bill Davis were both presented with the ACL Leadership Ring, a 14-carat gold ring featuring an ACL crest surrounded by 31 diamonds with a one-carat total weight. The left side of the ring is decorated with the word "Leadership" above a compass design, and the right side features raised lettering scripted with "2007 ACL 200" above an eagle perched atop a globe. The ring is presented in a rosewood display box which includes the ACL logo and is valued at approximately $4,000.

"The ring is a symbol of outstanding dedication, leadership and accomplishment within the ACL organization," said Shayne Ingersoll, Vice President of Human Resources for American Commercial Lines. "Those who have received the ring wear it with great pride.

"With their victory in the inaugural American Commercial Lines 200, Mike Skinner and his team demonstrated the winning spirit that is at the heart of the ACL organization.  We are pleased to recognize their success and leadership in the sport by extending this very special award, generally reserved exclusively for our employees." 

Points will be awarded each night during the 12-week season with the division winner taking home three points, second-place two points and the rest of the participants will be awarded one point.  The competitor with the most points at the end of the season wins the championship title on September 7.  In the event of a tie, the competitor with the most wins will be awarded the title.

A packed grandstand and standing room only pit road area watched nearly 300 competitors tear down the drag strip.  Below is a complete list of last night's winners:

The Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags Series returns to the one-eighth-mile drag strip at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday, May 18. 

Fans and competitors alike are looking forward to getting heads up, street-style drag racing underway, as inclement weather only allowed for practice runs last Friday night.  Each competitor that registered on last week was awarded one point towards the season championship title; however no one was claimed the nightly winner as the elimination round was cancelled.

In addition to all the great race action, this Friday night will feature a drag exhibition from the All Harley^® Drag Racing Association Tour (http://www.ahdra.com/).  These motorcycles will explode down the drag strip at speeds reaching 145 mph. 

Classic cars will be on display in the Busch garage when the Show N' Shine car show returns, with trophies awarded to the winner of each of the five classes. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the theft of more than $50,000 in motorized power equipment, tools, trailers, all-terrain vehicles and a truck on Wednesday night, May 7.

The theft occurred between 10 p.m. on Wednesday and 7 a.m. on Thursday. The Henry County Police Department is investigating the burglary and individuals with information can contact Henry County detective Mike Hardy at 770-288-8254 or AMS vice president of events Brandon Hutchison at 770-707-7851.

The 2006 inaugural edition of the Friday Night Drags Series was a tremendous success with more than 1,300 competitors, ranging in age from 16 to 74, participating in the street drags or the car show portion of the event. This momentum led to the development of a full-scale series and the addition of a series sponsor for 2007: Castrol GTX brand engine oil.

"The addition of Castrol GTX to our sponsor family shows the promise this new grass roots level racing series has," said Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manger Ed Clark. "We are extremely pleased to partner with Castrol GTX to present a summer full of thrilling drag racing entertainment."

The competition will be heads up, street-style drag racing on AMS's one-eighth-mile pit road drag strip. The series is open to any automobile and any driver, provided they possess a valid driver's license.  A simple points system will be in place for 2007 and division champions will be crowned at the end of the season. Three points will be awarded for a final round win with two points awarded to the runner-up. A single point will be awarded to every participant.

Among the vendors, concept vehicles, vintage drag cars and antique automobiles on display during the May 4 - 6 Southern Auto Classic, several stock cars that hold an important piece of NASCAR history will return to the high-banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway, where they once roamed.

The Southern Auto Classic will honor the career of three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion David Pearson. Throughout his 27-year career on the Cup Series circuit, Pearson amassed 105 victories and in 1998 was selected as one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers of all-time.

"I've known David Pearson for what feels like forever," said Southern Auto Classic producer and drag racing legend Dick Brannon. "He is the greatest driver of all time and an incredible person. We are excited about honoring the career and accomplishments of such a great driver."

Pearson began driving for the famed Wood Brothers race team in 1972, driving the No. 21 Mercury. Pearson turned his last laps for the Wood Brothers in 1979, tallying 46 victories and 51 pole positions during his seven-year tenure.

"I met Dick Brannon a long time ago through Ford," Pearson said. "He's always been great to me. I went to one of his shows last year and had a great time. I got to see some old drag racing friends of mine and I am really looking forward to this year's show at Atlanta Motor Speedway."

Expected to draw more than 20,000 RV and camping enthusiasts, the show will feature hundreds of motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pop-up and van campers and toy haulers from 17 different RV dealerships.

In addition to the camping and RV related merchandise, a live band, carnival concessions and a rock climbing adventure will be available. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will also be present, offering the opportunity to ride in or drive a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup-style stock car.

"We want to thank the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Transportation and everyone else involved in expediting the flow of traffic following Sunday's race," said Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark. "The cooperation of fans made the exit traffic plan execution operate like clockwork and we applaud them and those implementing the plan for a tremendous job."

The record time exceeded last October's exit time of two hours and seven minutes. More than 200 individuals assisted in the event traffic operation.

Burton held off fellow NASCAR NEXTEL Cup regulars Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Casey Mears, who rounded out the top-five. Busch dominated most of the race, leading 143 of 195 laps, before a pit miscue on 169 forced him to come back through the pits.

"The 5 (Busch) was the class of the field today," Burton said. "The way things cycled out, I don't think we could have ever beat him. But part of racing is putting yourself in position. You put yourself in position long enough, and you never know what's going to happen, and that's what happened with us today. Our guys had great pit stops and kept getting us in the front, and we were there when needed to be there and took advantage of someone else's problems."

Busch was heartbroken about the way his day concluded, saying that this loss was actually worse than last week's final-lap spin.

"I've been around the track with him backwards and forwards and he's showed me what to do and what not to do," said Newman, who first toured the high banks of Atlanta with Baker in a passenger car, learning the nuances from a master. "It's gratifying, it's rewarding; I couldn't think of a better person to share the record with than Buddy Baker."

Newman won six straight poles at Atlanta from 2003-2005, but that streak was snapped last spring when Kasey Kahne stole the spot.

            Toyota fans and drivers all hope the road to victory starts on the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway during the March 16-18 race weekend. All seven of Toyota's drivers will attempt to qualify for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 NEXTEL Cup race and hopefully provide a much needed boost to their season.

            The only man driving a Toyota ranked higher than 40^th is past Cup Series champion Dale Jarrett, in 32^nd. Jarrett, who is guaranteed a starting spot in the Kobalt Tools 500 because of a past champions provisional, knows the key to Toyota's success is better handling race cars.

            "We've got to get some more downforce in these cars," Jarrett said. "We are just not capable of doing the things that these other guys are doing with their cars. That will help us more than anything, then we can show how good the pit crew is and that we've got smart guys. Downforce will make a lot of difference, so we've got to get back and work on our bodies."

When NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams converge at Atlanta Motor Speedway for next week's Kobalt Tools 500, they will have a different piece of hardware in their 3,400-pound machines. The NEXTEL Cup cars will be outfitted with a smaller fuel cell than the units used in 2006.

            "The Cup cars raced approximately a 22.5-gallon fuel cell last year at Atlanta," said David Hoots, NASCAR managing event director. "The 2007 fuel cell holds approximately 18 gallons, plus the filler neck and vent tube."  

            FOX and TNT television analyst and former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup crew chief Larry McReynolds foresees a possible change in the outcome of Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 because of the new cell.

            "NEXTEL Cup cars average 4.5 miles-per-gallon," McReynolds said. "With the 22-gallon cell the teams ran in 2006, they were getting between 64 and 66 laps before having to come to pit road. Now, with the smaller cell, these guys will be running 52-54 laps, about 10 or 12 laps less than last year."

            McReynolds thinks that formula will place an extra emphasis on the crews' performance during pit stops.

            Immediately following Worley's concert, FOX television racing analyst and former NASCAR crew chief Jeff Hammond will be delivered to the AMS infield dangling 50-feet below a Black Hawk Helicopter as part of a tribute to America's servicemen and women and in particular, 12 Special Operations Forces Warriors that have recently served in the Middle-East.

            Also included in the exhibition, conducted by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force base in Florida, will be two Little Bird and two Black Hawk helicopters. In addition, 12 U.S. Army Black Dagger skydivers and a Chinook helicopter will offload the official Atlanta Motor Speedway pace car in the infield.

            Martin, who is racing a partial NEXTEL Cup Series schedule for Ginn Racing, will run the first four races in 2007 before handing over the reigns of the No. 01 Chevrolet to rookie and teammate Regan Smith for the next two events.

            Starting on Feb. 14, 1988 in the Daytona 500, Martin's current streak of NEXTEL Cup starts includes 35 wins and 376 top-10 finishes. Martin is in elite company, sitting fifth on the all-time consecutive start list, behind Ricky Rudd (789), Rusty Wallace (697), Terry Labonte (655) and Dale Earnhardt (648).

            Martin plans to attack the Kobalt Tools 500 with the same ferocity and tenacity that he had when he started his first NEXTEL Cup race at the now defunct North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1981.

         Club One, a large public suite, is situated high atop the new Winners Grandstand and features a premium bar and menu, a 'Sight and Sound' observation deck located on the roof and 65 video screens with quality sound to bring the sights and sounds of the race even closer.

            Club One patrons also receive pre-race pit passes, direct elevator access from the concourse level and an excellent view of the entire track, including pit road. Exclusive Club One parking is also available.

                        The Open House will feature pace car rides around Atlanta Motor Speedway's high banks, refreshments and one-day-only buying incentives. The function is open to the general public and will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday. This unique event will offer fans the opportunity to personally select their seat, tour Club One and see first-hand the finest amenities in NASCAR.

Unadilla, Ga., native David Ragan knows proper training and preparation today will lead to a long and successful career in NASCAR's elite divisions. Part of that training will take place on Ragan's home track, the Atlanta Motor Speedway during the March 16-18 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend.

Coming off a fifth-place finish in the season opening Daytona 500, Ragan will draw on two starts in the Craftsman Truck Series on Atlanta Motor Speedway's 1.54-mile quad-oval to hopefully propel him to his first NASCAR victory.

"It's going to be an emotional day," Ragan said of his first start at AMS in a Busch and Cup car. "Atlanta is going to be special, with family and friends, and being so familiar with the surroundings. I grew up in south Georgia, lived in Stockbridge for a number of years, so we've really got a lot of friends coming."

Ragan has a sixth-place finish in last October's Truck event to his credit, but unlike most drivers competing with him, Ragan can boast 10 Legends and Bandolero victories on the "Thunder Ring," Atlanta Motor Speedway's frontstretch quarter-mile oval, and a track championship in 2000.

"Atlanta is a track I grew up racing on, not on the big track, but on the small track," Ragan remembered. "It's certainly going to be emotional to walk across the stage, and hopefully we'll get a big round of applause and run well for the hometown crowd."