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Each person that comes out to Friday Night Drags at Atlanta Motor Speedway to race or watch does so for their own personal reasons. Some enjoy the speed, others the smell of the burning fuel and rubber. And many find it a way to hang out with family and fellow gearheads.

On May 12, Legends and Bandolero racers got one final chance to compete and dial in their cars before points start being tallied for the 15th season of Thursday Thunder, which kicks off on June 7.

After two weeks of intense competition, Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine is off to a fast start. In what has become one of the country’s most popular weekly drag racing programs, each person that comes out to race or watch does so for their own personal reasons.

Fans and members of the local community are invited to enjoy a free open house at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day’s activities will include free giveaways and the opportunity to drive their car on the speedway’s racing surface.

The action continued at Atlanta Motor Speedway as racers attacked the track’s pit-lane drag strip in the second week of Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine. Fans saw repeat winners in addition to prominent competitors winning in different vehicles.

After the winter hiatus, the first week of Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine at Atlanta Motor Speedway kicked off in rousing fashion, delivering the heated racing action fans and competitors anticipated.

The sixth full season of drag racing on the 1/8-mile pit lane drag strip at Atlanta Motor Speedway got underway with a stellar car count, large crowd and competitive racing as the speedway’s Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine began in earnest.

The lights were back on for off-Season Legends racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and the series saw a balanced mix of dominating performances and close battles, with one finish going down as one of the closest in the history of Legends racing on the ¼-mile “Thunder Ring” at AMS.

Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine kicks off its fifth full season of drag racing with opening night on April 27. The 2012 season will feature 18 nights of racing on the 1/8-mile pit lane drag strip at AMS.

Determination and innovation, two qualities existing in abundance in the men and women who built NASCAR, characterize the 25 nominees for the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame class. NASCAR has announced the 25 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s fourth induction class.

The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities will host the inaugural “Race to the Finish Line” event on Saturday, May 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The event will feature a 5K, 10K, one-mile fun run and a 30/63 mile bike ride.

AdvoCare offers general nutrition, weight loss, energy and sports performance products of the highest quality and a business opportunity that empowers people to explore their ultimate potential.

The 2012 AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will feature drivers battling for Chase for the Sprint Cup positions, the anniversary of one of NASCAR's greatest races and the celebration of a career of one of the sport's most successful drivers.

So much has changed in the past 20 years within NASCAR, and Atlanta Motor Speedway has played a vital role in the sport's rapid growth. Oddly enough, 2012 is also Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark's 20th year on the job at the track.

For only $20 down, fans can reserve seats for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend. Tickets are now on sale and start at just $39 and AMS is offering a number of money-saving ticket specials.

For the third consecutive year, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway to perform the National Anthem prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 night race on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, week six of the 2011-12 Winter Flurry season will be rescheduled. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 3, will now take place on Sunday, March 4. Heat races will begin at 11:40 a.m.

First Gatorade Duel Lineup

Row 1:
1. 99 Carl Edwards Fastenal Ford
2. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet

Look out Atlanta race fans! Here comes Danica Mania! Danica Patrick is moving to NASCAR full-time for the 2012 season, and her schedule will include competing in two races on Labor Day Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway - capped by the AdvoCare 500!

The No. 3 is returning to the NASCAR® Nationwide Series on Feb. 25 this time, AdvoCare is along for the ride. Richard Childress Racing owns the No. 3, and AdvoCare has partnered with RCR as the title sponsor of the No. 3 car for 20 races. Driving the car is Richard Childress's grandson and AdvoCare Endorser Austin Dillon.

With the Winter Flurry season crossing the midpoint of the seven-week season, each division featured drivers looking to add or gain ground in the season points standings during the fourth race of the series. 

Week three of the 2011-12 Winter Flurry season on the Atlanta Motor Speedway quarter-mile saw a mix of new and familiar faces find their way to victory lane as the series draws near the season's mid-point. Drivers were jockeying for positioning in the points in pursuit of a season championship.

For the fourth consecutive year, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the biggest Labor Day party in the USA with the running of the 53rd annual AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sept. 2, 2012. The race will be a part of NASCAR's stop on Labor Day weekend.

The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children's Charities held its annual Jingle Mingle awards ceremony on December 6 and awarded $117,615 to 24 different organizations throughout Georgia. The Atlanta chapter was formed in 1994.

With 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients and only 45 calories, this sugar-free vitamin and amino acid supplement helps enhance mental energy and focus, provide support for long-lasting energy and fight occasional drowsiness.*

Tony Stewart's on a roll. And that's a good feeling when you're in Las Vegas. Stewart and teammate Ryan Newman won Wednesday's "This Ain't the Newlywed Game," a riff on the original hosted by Bob Eubanks. Stewart and Newman edged Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch.

The season opener for the 2011-2012 edition of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry was a chance for racers to shake off the dust and get back into the groove as the Legends and Bandolero racers readied to race for the winter championship on the quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

For the first time ever, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host to the 21st Annual Asphalt Nationals and the 13th Annual Thunder Car Nationals on Oct. 24-27, 2012. Over 200 Legend Cars and Thunder Roadsters from all over the country will be on hand.

Atlanta Motor Speedway will be lit up like never before this holiday season from Nov. 18 through Jan. 1 for the inaugural Gift of Lights Holiday Light Show, the most affordable light display in the metro Atlanta area. 

With crisp temperatures filling the air, drag racing for 2011 concluded with heated intensity Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the second and final week of Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine “Fall Stampede.”

As the fall temperatures cool things down, the pit road drag strip at Atlanta Motor Speedway heated up on Friday with the first week of Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine's Fall Stampede.

Jeff Gordon had the most dominant car during Tuesday's running of the 52nd annual AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but teammate Jimmie Johnson made him work for the win in the closing laps. 

The backflip is back. Carl Edwards started on the pole, led 101 laps and fought back from an early stop-and-go penalty to win the Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

Check out the latest photos from race weekend of fans living it up at The Biggest Labor Day Party In The USA! Plus you can also upload your own and share them with everyone and show everyone how great it is to be at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend!

Between the on-track activity, Q&As, fun in the campgrounds and more, it's already been an unforgettable day for our fans as the AdvoCare 500 race weekend has kicked off! Check out some photo and video of some of the day's action!  

Experience isn't turning out to be a requisite for going fast at Atlanta Motor Speedway as drivers ready for tonight's Good Sam 200. Of the top five fastest drivers in the final practice, three are rookies with at least one, Joey Coulter, competing for the first time at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

While fans from many local areas and across the state of Georgia will head to Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend for the AdvoCare 500 weekend, some of the fans attending races at the speedway will traverse many miles on their way to the biggest Labor Day party in the USA.

As the Atlanta Motor Speedway pavement has worn and aged, many drivers in the garage have described racing at AMS as driving on a big dirt track.

Below is a list of driver and show car appearances in the area for the upcoming AdvoCare 500 race weekend.

Labor Day Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway is filled with a high amount of fun activities for fans, some of which enable them to give back to local charities. One of them is the Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Classic benefiting Speedway Children's Charities on Sept. 1.

With up to five spots available for the Sprint Summer Showdown, Brad Keselowski's win at Bristol on Saturday night locks in four drivers that could win a total of $3,000,000 if any of the four can take the checkered flag at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Everything fans need to know for an amazing Labor Day weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway can be found here:

As the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR night racing weekend quickly approaches, fans are encouraged to act fast to secure the limited number of $39 tickets that remain for the Sunday, Sept. 4 event. 

Aside from the great racing action at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the AdvoCare 500 Labor Day Weekend, the Coca-Cola Fan Stage outside the speedway will bring a variety of entertainment.

Kyle Busch's win at Michigan International Speedway was a big achievement, and for several reasons. Busch not only clinched his place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, but it also made him eligible for the Sprint Summer Showdown.

This year's AdvoCare 500 night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway promises to be one of the marquee events on the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Here are five major reasons why you should be at the biggest Labor Day party in the USA.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is proud to announce that Miller Industries has been named the Official Towing and Recovery Equipment of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

This year's AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway marks the 15th anniversary of a historic day for both NASCAR and one of the sport's greatest brother duos to ever compete.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Ryan Newman will be behind the wheel of a special edition NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ride at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 2. 

Grammy-nominated and award-winning Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second consecutive year to perform the National Anthem prior to the AdvoCare 500.

The AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Sept. 4 is the culmination of what once again promises to be the biggest Labor Day party in the USA. But for eager race fans, there is so much more to the weekend's festivities than just the AdvoCare 500.

NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M's Toyota, will be in Atlanta on August 16 to promote the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

For this year's AdvoCare 500 race weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering value that can't be beat. A family of four, with children 12 and under, could take a four-day vacation to AMS which includes three nights of racing for as low as $254.

A trio of Turner Motorsports drivers visited Zoo Atlanta on Thursday to promote the upcoming Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The drivers painted with Kelly, a resident elephant at the zoo. 

Thursday Thunder's Thunder Roadster division will have a special guest this week. Former NASCAR driver and Brooks native Joey Clanton will take the wheel of a Thunder Roadster.

A mix of new and old faces made their way to victory lane during Atlanta Motor Speedway's thirteenth week of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine. In the competitive Sportsman division, a first-time winner found his way to victory.

The penultimate round of Atlanta Motor Speedway's short-track racing program, Thursday Thunder featured drivers clamoring for every position as competitors are battling to determine who will be the 2011 Thursday Thunder champion in their respective classes.

As the Thursday Thunder series heads into its next to last week of competition for the 2011 season, each lap on the Thunder Ring could have a major impact on the points races in several divisions. The Masters division features the tightest of points races.

A lengthy winning streak came to an end Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway as straight-line racing excitement returned to the track in Week 12 of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine on the track's pit lane drag strip.

Fans will be treated to a lineup of up and coming bands as well as southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd as part of the Fast Cars and Guitars concert prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 on Sept. 4.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is once again hosting the largest Labor Day party in the USA, and fans can be a part of all the excitement for only $78. Fans can purchase tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 for $39. 

In the Morley Company Outlaws division, dominance has been the story of 2011. Roswell's Parker Barnes went into week seven with an unblemished record: six starts, six wins. But last week proved to be different, as Meansville native Madeline Crane used her pole position to catapult herself to victory lane.

For the first time ever, Atlanta Motor Speedway is providing fans the opportunity to win an autograph session with select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers with a ticket purchase to the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 4. 

Week 7 of Atlanta Motor Speedway's short –track racing series, Thursday Thunder, showcased two legends and bandolero drivers winning for the first time this season, one which snapped a another competitor's dominant streak of six consecutive wins.

With mid-season champions being honored last week, this week becomes a new opportunity for each and every competitor at Friday Night Drags. With the second half racing is expected to be just as intense as the first half.

Atlanta Motor Speedway has partnered with several companies to offer one-stop purchasing for fans looking for hotels, tickets and transportation for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR weekend, Sept. 2-4.

Week six launched the second half of the 2011 Thursday Thunder season at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The on-track action featured two drivers qualifying for the Labor Day Weekend Legends Invitational and one driver logging a perfect season to date.

Kids Bicycle, Tricycle and Power Wheels races will be the featured intermission entertainment during this week's Legends and Bandolero racing action at Thursday Thunder on Atlanta Motor Speedway's ¼-mile "Thunder Ring." 

A festive crowd was on hand Friday to see drag racers compete for double points in addition to America's Birthday Celebration at Atlanta Motor Speedway for Week Nine of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine.

After trying his hand at professional soccer and riding a bull, Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco came to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Thursday to get a taste of NASCAR racing.  Jeff Burton and crew were on hand to provide Ochocinco with a high speed tutorial.

This week's intermission entertainment will be the Kids Candy Scramble, an annual event for Thursday Thunder at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The best way to describe the Candy Scramble is imagining a Halloween Trick-or-Treating in roughly 90 seconds.

Minneapolis-based Great Clips, Inc. has a long, storied history in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). Celebrating their 10th year as a primary sponsor this season, the world's largest salon brand with more than 3,000 salons, is proud to be the longest-running sponsor in the series.

he drag racing segment of week eight of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Spectators who purchased tickets this week may return next Friday and show their ticket stub for entrance.

With 19 racing divisions at Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine, there is straight-line racing excitement for many sizes and speeds of vehicles. But of all the divisions racing on Friday nights, Street Outlaw is one the drag racing series' most intense and exciting divisions.

When the regular Thursday Thunder competitors will be taking a break, this week there will still be racing on the Thunder Ring. This week's intermission entertainment is the Faster Pastor race. Local area pastors will race against each other with their congregations cheering them on.

Friday's running of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will return on June 24th.

With parity being evident throughout the Friday Night Drags field at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Street Outlaws Division is no different. Four main competitors consistently find themselves competing for feature wins on the speedway's pit lane.

Fans attending the Sept. 4 AdvoCare 500 can personally experience the lightning-fast racing surface of Atlanta Motor Speedway at speeds over 165 mph for a significantly discounted price through a promotion being offered by the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's short-track racing series, Thursday Thunder, featured two back-to-back winners and one driver continuing to make history with the most series wins during week two of competition on the quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

For many Thursday Thunder competitors, the season points championship isn't the only thing at stake this summer at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the track's summer short track series. Racers are also vying for spots in the Labor Day Legends Invitational.

With points on the line for the first time in 2011, racers took to Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit lane drag strip for the season points opener of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine on Friday night at the Speedway.

Points will be on the line for the first time in 2011 on Friday in the season points opener of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With the championship season getting underway, an influx of competitors is expected on Friday. 

The pavement-pounding and sound barrier rattling sensations of speed and power will take center stage this week at Atlanta Motor Speedway with an appearance by the Jersey Thunder Jet Car at both Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine.

Each summer, short tracks are filled with local racers, many of which hope to earn their way to victory lane. But when it comes to Legends and Bandolero racing, Atlanta Motor Speedway's quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" is among the toughest tracks to win on.

Since its inception, Thursday Thunder at Atlanta Motor Speedway has treated local racing fans to the rare privilege of seeing the future stars of NASCAR during the early stages of their racing careers. The 2011 season kicks off June 2. 

The thrilling excitement of drag racing on Friday Nights returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway this summer as Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine powers its way into its fifth season. Featuring straight-line speed in the form of street drag racing on Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit road drag strip, Friday Night Drags is racing on the grassroots level, allowing both the hard-core and casual racer to compete in front of thousands of fans.

Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine continued its season Friday, with fans being treated to a wide cross-section of drivers finishing the night in Victory Lane. Friday night's exciting action saw three drivers win their third race in a row to begin the season.

With the interest in camping on the increase as Labor Day Weekend's NASCAR Night Race Weekend quickly approaches, fans are encouraged to reserve their campsite spaces for night racing's return to Atlanta Motor Speedway Sept. 2-4. 

Just two weeks into the 2011 season of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine at Atlanta Motor Speedway, numerous drag racing classes are already showing signs that a highly competitive summer of straight-line drag racing is on the horizon.

With another strong crowd of fans and racers present, excitement was aplenty Friday in the second week of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A total of four drivers won their respective divisions for the second week in a row.

The Buzz Cars, the newest racing division on Atlanta Motor Speedway's ¼-mile "Thunder Ring," will be part of the event lineup when the Speedway hosts an INEX points event on May 11. Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters will also race. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway is giving fans an opportunity to assist the American Red Cross relief efforts while also enjoying the season opener of Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine on April 29. AMS will donate one dollar from each grandstand ticket sold.

With the 2011 Friday Night Drags season beginning in just over a week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, fans of motorcycle drag racing can expect to see a larger motorcycle presence in 2011 with five motorcycle classes to be featured in the weekly drag racing series.

The StuntFest 2011 Car & Bike Show returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 1 with car shows and street-style drag racing. The StuntFest 2011 Car & Bike Show is a single-day festival featuring car shows and drag racing with awards for top finishers, music and entertainment, and children's activities. 

If you've been waiting for your chance to purchase tickets to the Labor Day Weekend of NASCAR Night Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, your wait is now over! Tickets are on sale for NASCAR Night Racing's return to AMS on Labor Day weekend of three NASCAR night races!

Dwight Pilgram has been named Legends of Georgia director at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Pilgram will oversee the day-to-day management of the Legends program including car and part sales, competitor communications and event operations. 

Ginger Moats has been named Speedway Children's Charities' Atlanta chapter director at Atlanta Motor Speedway. As the director of the Atlanta chapter, Moats will spearhead the chapter's fundraising and marketing efforts and work with partner organizations.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's newest short-track racing division, Buzz Cars, will make its debut with an exhibition race during the track's April 10 INEX points race. The exhibition Buzz Cars race will provide competitors with their first opportunity to test and tune their stock cars on Atlanta's quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" track.

Atlanta Motor Speedway officials have announced that Lynyrd Skynyrd, the most-celebrated Southern rock band in history, will headline the Fast Cars & Guitars pre-race concert prior to the track's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sunday, Sept. 4.

Atlanta Motor Speedway has added two live radio broadcasts, a pair of show cars and the Coca-Cola racing simulator to the free Open House event scheduled for Saturday, March 12 from 11:00 a.m. through 3:00 pm. Other entertainment includes short-track racing action and exclusive discounts.

The INEX points race at Atlanta Motor Speedway scheduled for Saturday, March 5 has been cancelled due to anticipated inclement weather. Short-track racing will return to AMS on Saturday, March 12 for the championship round of the 2010-11 Winter Flurry season. 

New Holland dealers from across the Southeast completed a two-day sales training event at Atlanta Motor Speedway last week, providing sales members with first-hand experience with the company's new PowerStar™ T4 Series tractors entering the Spring season.

AMS will host a free Open House for race fans and the surrounding community from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, including short-track racing, the opportunity to drive their car on the Speedway's 1.54-mile track and a chance to win a Big Green Egg.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth date of the Winter Flurry season saw points races tighten in multiple divisions as competitors battle for critical championship points with just one event remaining on the 2010-11 Winter Flurry Season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway officials have added an INEX-sanctioned national short-track points race on Saturday, March 5 to the Speedway's winter racing schedule. The event will feature Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters competing on the quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

One of the more special times in racing comes each February, with the start of the season. There's a refreshed sense of optimism. Every team feels as if it can contend for a title. Most fans feel that their driver is poised for a great season. Here at Atlanta Motor Speedway, we're sharing that optimism.

The fourth date of the 2010-11 Winter Flurry short-track racing season featured hot action in cold temperatures at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, as competitors banged cars on the "Thunder Ring" for needed points entering the second half of the season.

Shopping and short-track racing action return to AMS this weekend as the track plays host to a two-day gun show and Winter Flurry racing on and Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 22 and 23.  Legends Series racing resumes on Saturday while the GunRunner Shows gun show will also take place.

Atlanta Motor Speedway officials are infusing new energy into their popular Friday Night Drags series by updating the championship structure and adjusting series rules for the upcoming 2011 season. Changes feature five new racing classes and a unique championship points structure.

Officials from Atlanta Motor Speedway will assist The Salvation Army by seeking donations to the organization's recognizable Red Kettle Campaign on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the Walmart on Tara Boulevard in Lovejoy. Atlanta Motor Speedway staff members will ring the bell from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The 2010-11 Winter Flurry season of Legends and Bandolero racing opened on the Atlanta Motor Speedway Infield road course with a 2010 Thursday Thunder champion claiming the first Legends win of the Winter season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway and Legends Cars of Georgia officials have announced the six-date schedule for the 2010-11 Winter Flurry racing series that features Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing on the facility's Infield road course and quarter-mile oval.

Tony Stewart figured out the restarts just in time to win the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race Sunday, holding off Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson for his third career series win at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

With INEX points on the line at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the final time in 2010, short-track competitors raced in an Off-Season Legends event on Sunday for needed late-season points.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will reach its high-speed zenith during Championship Night on Sept. 10, as titleholders are named in 15 classes to conclude the 17-week season of straight-line speed. Championships in five Friday Night Drags classes are still undecided entering the season-ending event, with the Sportsman, Pro Four, Domestic, Sport Compact and Motorcycle divisions all separated by four points or less.

Denny Hamlin won the pole for Sunday's Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, turning the day's fast lap in 29.587 seconds (187.380 mph). Starting next to Hamlin is Ryan Newman, who held the top spot for most of the qualifying session.

Kevin Harvick burst onto the NASCAR scene in 2001 with his emotional victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway. As the owner-driver in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series readies for the Great Clips 300, his team, Kevin Harvick Inc. is looking to continue its dominance at AMS.

An overwhelming serving of racing awaits fans purchasing tickets to Saturday's Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race under the lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race not only features multiple storylines, but also a day filled with track activity for one low price.

As the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the marquee Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend, many drivers will sport new sponsors and vehicle designs under the lights in the Emory Healthcare 500 on Sunday, Sept. 5.

As NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series stars return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the 2010 Emory Healthcare 500 on Sunday, Sept. 5, big numbers will be recorded in the number of fans, pieces of equipment and in the rates of speed.

The biggest Labor Day celebration in the USA returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR night racing weekend where fans will be greeted by a multitude of entertainment options at the track, in addition to the NASCAR night races.

Already featuring 15 classes of straight-line speed, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags got even bigger for the season's penultimate event as week 14 featured a big rig truck class of drag racing.

NASCAR fans can attend four days of racing activities at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Emory Healthcare 500 for just $69 on Sept. 3-6, arguably making the Emory Healthcare 500 the most-affordable race weekend on the NASCAR circuit.

As Atlanta Motor Speedway celebrates it's 50th Anniversary, many moments from the track's past have come to define the Speedway as one of the most storied in NASCAR's history. Two moments are Harvick's 2001 victory and the most-famous race in NASCAR history, the 1992 Hooters 500.

While the Emory Healthcare 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway is still more than 10 days away, fans have already begun lining up for unreserved camp sites for the marquee NASCAR night racing weekend. Unreserved campgrounds at Atlanta Motor Speedway open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28. 

The drag racing segment of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Grammy-nominated Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will perform the National Anthem prior to the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 5. The group will be joined by a choir from First Baptist Church of Hampton.

As AMS celebrates it's 50th Anniversary season, many moments from the track's past have come to define the Speedway as one of the most storied in NASCAR's history. Two moments include Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt claiming victory in a pair of NASCAR's closest finishes.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Ryan Newman and Atlanta Motor Speedway are giving a lucky fan the chance to be Newman's "Honorary Pit Crew Member" and win a Meet-N-Greet with the NASCAR star for the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR night race on Sunday, Sept. 5.

Atlanta Motor Speedway wants to test your NASCAR knowledge and will give 10 fans the chance to be on "NASCAR Smarts" on SPEED during Atlanta Motor Speedway Emory Healthcare 500 race weekend on Sept. 3-5. Ten fans selected at random will win a SPEED behind the scenes tour.

As Atlanta Motor Speedway celebrates it's 50th Anniversary season, many moments from the track's past have come to define the Speedway as one of the most storied in NASCAR's history. Two include Atlanta's first-scheduled NASCAR night race and O. Bruton Smith purchasing the track.

Celebrity drag racing and live music entertainment return to Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags for the final installment of FastLife Fridays on Friday, Aug. 13.

The drag racing segment of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Prior to the cancellation, Show-N-Shine car show winners were announced in six categories. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway officials today announced the facility's 2011 event schedule will include one NASCAR racing weekend on September 2-4. One of the original NASCAR superspeedways, the track has hosted two of NASCAR's premier event weekends for 50 years.

Emory Healthcare has been named the title sponsor for Atlanta Motor Speedway's Sept. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race, which will be named the "Emory Healthcare 500." The multiple-year contract calls for Emory Healthcare to sponsor the Speedway's 2010 Cup race.

Double Points Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will likely shake up the standings, as a remarkable 11 classes enter Friday, Aug. 6's event featuring championship points races separated by seven marks or less.

With championships still undecided in multiple Thursday Thunder classes, Championship Night of the 2010 season is expected to feature contentious on-track clashes as competitors battle for bragging rights in one of seven classes of short-track racing.

NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Justin Allgaier and Jason Leffer visited Atlanta on Wednesday, July 28 to go-kart race with local children and promote free children's admission to Atlanta Motor Speedway's Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Sept. 4. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway has increased its list of fan-friendly hotels to 35 local partner hotels for the track's Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend. Each partner facility guarantees a room rate of $120 or less without requiring a mutli-night stay during the Sept. 3-5 weekend. Fans are encouraged to act early to lock in these rates.

NASCAR fans have just two weeks remaining to take advantage of a built-in $5 discount on tickets to the Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 4. General admission tickets to the Great Clips 300 cost just $25 until Saturday, Aug. 7.

Week nine of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder will feature twice the amount of feature racing for the same low prices, plus the annual Faster Pastor race with local church leaders fighting to the finish. Double Features Night will showcase 14 feature races of Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

Week eight of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder series has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder will return on July 29 for the ninth week of the 10-week season. All classes will run double features to account for week eight's points.

In an effort to highlight free admission for children to the Sept. 4 Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the track is giving children the opportunity to race against NASCAR Nationwide Series stars Justin Allgaier and Jason Leffler at Andretti Karting & Games in Roswell on Wed., July 28.

A fourth entrant has been added to the annual Faster Pastor race at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder on Thursday, July 22. Pastor Jerome Carodine of Victory Outreach Atlanta has ben added to the 2010 edition of the Faster Pastor race. The other entrants include: Stan Berrong, co-pastor at Glen Haven Baptist Church in McDonough; Brooks Everett, pastor of counseling ministry and seniors at Community Bible Church in Stockbridge; and Barry Saunders, director of children's ministries at Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough.

Short-track racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for week eight of the Thursday Thunder season as many local competitors return to their home track following success in the Legends Million race.

Glen Jones of Decatur, Ga. has won a trip to Victory Lane with the race winner after Atlanta Motor Speedway's Labor Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race in the "Best Video to Victory Lane" contest. Jones will gain exclusive access to Atlanta's Victory Lane following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race.

Now that the Fourth of July is gone, the march to Labor Day weekend is in full force at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the track wants you to be a part of the biggest Labor Day celebration in the USA. NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, and you don't want to miss it!

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder will not run on Thursday, July 15. The scheduled off week will accommodate drivers' travel plans for The Legends Million race at Atlanta's sister track, Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Week six of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured some dominating performances by the crop of competitors.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder returns to the "Thunder Ring" on July 8 for a sixth dose of short-track racing action and Halloween in July at the racing facility. Week six of Thursday Thunder will feature Halloween in July, including trick-of-treating on Atlanta Motor Speedway's frontstretch.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is encouraging fans to post their best experiences at the Speedway to YouTube.com and one lucky fan will go to Victory Lane following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day night race. The winner will receive a picture with the race winner and a pre-race garage tour on Sept. 5.

Fireworks are expected on and off the track during Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth week of Thursday Thunder as the track hosts a fireworks display sponsored by Marco's Pizza to celebrate America's Independence Day. Featured will be points racing with four classes separated by single-digit leads. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway's seventh week of Friday Night Drags opened with a crowd-pleasing burn-out contest and concluded with the points race tightening in Friday Night Drags' top division. Arif Hosein of Fayetteville started the show by claiming victory in the Friday Night Drags burn-out contest. Besting two other competitors, Hosein held his 1972 Chevrolet C-10 steady during his entire 30-second window and his back tires soon released a massive plume of smoke.

Skip Nichols is staring down the barrel at history. Needing just one victory to become Thursday Thunder's all-time wins leader, Nichols will enter Atlanta Motor Speedway's fourth week of short-track racing knowing he is on the cusp of history.

During day two of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company tire testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray conveyed to the media that the test provides a competitive advantage approaching the track's Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend. 

History may be made at Thursday Thunder's fourth week of the 2010 season as a short-track star goes for the all-time wins mark on the "Thunder Ring" at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Thursday, June 24. With a win on Thursday, Skip Nichols will become the all-time wins leader in Thursday Thunder history with 28 wins.

After Bobby Daniel totaled seven points in the season's first-two points races, Atlanta Motor Speedway's sixth week of Friday Night Drags saw a familiar challenger emerge in the Super Pro class as 2009 champion Frank Taylor claimed his first win and points of the season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway will participate in the Gwinnett Braves' Need for Speed night on Friday, June 18 at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The Atlanta Motor Speedway Chevrolet SS Camaro pace car and Speedway representatives will appear at the event.

Coming off the largest field of competitors and third-largest attendance in the series' history, Atlanta Motor Speedway's sixth week of Friday Night Drags is again expected to feature booming numbers of racers and fans as points are at a premium for competitors vying for a 2010 championship.

Week three of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder will include double feature races, giving fans twice the short-track racing excitement in one action-packed night for the same low admission price on Thursday, June 17.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's week two of Thursday Thunder showcased two first-time winners and a 12-year veteran competitor scoring his 25th career Thursday Thunder win and making his mark in the record-books.

Absent from the race track for nearly 10 years, William Plemons III quickly brushed off the proverbial rust when he claimed victory in the Dixie Home Crafters Semi-Pro division during Atlanta Motor Speedway's opening week of Thursday Thunder racing.

Celebrity drag racing will hit Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags for the first of three FastLife Friday events on Friday, June 11, bringing star-studded action to the Speedway's pit lane drag strip.

In addition to the celebrity racing and accompanying music and entertainment for FastLife Fridays, week five of Friday Night Drags will feature 15 classes of straight-line speed on Atlanta Motor Speedway's eighth-mile drag strip and the Show-N-Shine car show with six classes of show cars and a special 60's Muscle Cars class, plus President's Choice and Student Choice awards.

One lucky race fan will host one of the most unique Labor Day parties around by winning Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Celebrate the 50th with 50" contest as the Speedway commemorates it's 50th Anniversary.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 13th season of Thursday Thunder got underway with all divisions being inverted after the heat races, with the last place finisher starting the field for the first-time in the series' history, and produced exciting racing with the heat-race winners having to work their way from the back to the front.

Thursday Thunder and the series' many short-track racing stars return to Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring" this Thursday, June 3 for the season's first night of points racing. Featuring seven classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters, high-speed havoc storms back into action on the Speedway's one-quarter mile "Thunder Ring" for the first of nine weeks of 2010 summer season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is bringing back straight-line speed and short-track racing for the summer and providing affordable family-friendly entertainment for local race fans with the return of Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags, the Speedway's summer racing series. Summer points racing begins at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the first week of June with Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags.

Straight-line speed comes back to Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit-lane drag strip this Friday, May 21 for the third-of-17 summer Friday Night Drags events featuring street-style racing. Friday's event will feature a full slate of 15 classes of drag racing action and the Show-N-Shine car show and Speedway cruise. The first two events of the 2010 Friday Night Drags season have featured more than 250 drag racing competitors and more than 100 Show-N-Shine entrants.

High-speed short-track racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway this summer when the 2010 Thursday Thunder season commences on Thursday, June 3. Thursday Thunder enters its 13th season and features seven classes of door-banging short-track racing between Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters. In addition to the on-track racing action, each week of Thursday Thunder will feature affordable family-friendly entertainment.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine car show return to action this Friday, May 14, two weeks after the Speedway played host to the largest season-opening event in the history of Friday Night Drags. Friday's event is the second of three non-points events to start the 2010 season and will allow competitors to better tune and class vehicles prior to the points opener on June 4. 

The American Red Cross will play host to a blood drive in Atlanta Motor Speedway's Tara Ballroom on Tuesday, May 25 from 2 p.m. through 7 p.m. Each donor will receive a free gift from the American Red Cross and will be eligible to win other prizes, including a Rookie Experience from the Richard Petty Driving Experience for eight laps around Atlanta Motor Speedway's high banks in a NASCAR-styled stock car.

With the brisk pace of campsite sales for the track's Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway is urging fans to secure campsites now and the track is offering a payment plan to reserve camping for just $20 down. Fans have less than one month remaining to take advantage of the Speedway's payment plan, which allows customers to reserve tickets or campsite for just $20 down. The remaining balance is due in three later installments. 

A complete list of ticket specials for Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend has been released featuring adult NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event tickets starting at $39. Tickets are available beginning this Friday, April 23. The Speedway’s popular $59 frontstretch ticket, the most-affordable seat on the frontstretch, will once again be offered.

NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend and tickets go on sale for the much anticipated event on Friday, April 23. Already established as one of NASCAR's marquee events on the season schedule, tickets for the return of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway start at just $39. Race fans can purchase frontstretch tickets to the Sept. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for as low as $59.

The deadline for existing customers to renew their seats for Atlanta Motor Speedway's Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend is Friday, April 16. Customers eager to reserve their seats for the greatly anticipated return of NASCAR night racing to Atlanta Motor Speedway are encouraged to act now to retain their preferred seats for the Sept. 4 and 5 weekend. Fans will no longer be able to retain their seats after April 16 and they will be released to the public.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is seeking local singers and bands to perform the national anthem before the on-track action at Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags this summer. Selected performers will be introduced to the crowd and sing the national anthem before Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series. The performances will also be used as anthem auditions for the Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend.

Speedway Children's Charities will play host to the Geranium Festival 5k Run on Saturday, May 1 in McDonough. The Geranium Festival 5k Run will begin at the JC Penny of McDonough on Highway 20 West at 7:30 a.m. Runners will be provided an official event t-shirt and are invited to enjoy food, drinks and festivities following the run. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each age group. Registration for the event is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.

Kurt Busch survived a wild ending to Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, watching a teammate go airborne and then managing to hold off the field through two green-white-checkered restarts to win his second-straight spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Busch fended off Matt Kenseth and Juan Pablo Montoya to claim his 21st NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win and third at AMS.

It has been a long drought for Dale Earnhardt Jr., but he took a cool sip of water during Friday's Georgia Power Qualifying Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, earning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole position since April 2008. Earnhardt Jr.'s lap of 192.761 (28.761 seconds) will put him in front of the field for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500.Juan Pablo Montoya will start third (192.106 mph, 28. 859 seconds) after turning what he said was a "crazy fast" lap.

Having won at Atlanta Motor Speedway four times in the Truck Series and being the defending race winner, fans might think Saturday's E-Z-GO 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in Atlanta would be another walk in the park for Kyle Busch. However, the brash driver finds himself in an uncertain position coming to Atlanta. Busch will enter what is perhaps the facility he is most successful in - having posted four Truck Series wins and one Sprint Cup Series win.

Prior to making his 300th-career start in the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman will again try to make history at AMS by breaking a tie with Buddy Baker for the most poles in the Speedway's history. Tied with seven poles in Atlanta, Newman will try to surpass Baker during Georgia Power Qualifying Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Newman reeled off six-straight poles on the 1.54-mile track from 2003 through 2005.

Defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday appeared with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on Wednesday to promote the Georgia NASCAR license plates and participated in a Georgia H.E.A.T. Enforcement Team check point. Hornaday, a four-time Truck Series champion and one-time AMS winner, appeared in Atlanta to assist Atlanta Motor Speedway in promoting the Atlanta 200 Truck Series race.

As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visits Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Kobalt Tools 500, Carl Edwards will return to the site where the current star exploded onto the NASCAR scene and will commemorate his achievements from five-years earlier. Edwards arrived at Atlanta Motor Speedway five-years ago as a wide-eyed upstart in NASCAR's top series. At the time, Edwards had yet to make a name for himself competing with NASCAR's top drivers.

As part of Atlanta Motor Speedway's ongoing effort to commemorate the Speedway's 50th Anniversary, Jennifer Ramey won a VIP package to the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend by being the 50th caller to the Ticket Office on the 50th day of the year.

Ramey, a native of East Ridge , Tenn. , won two tickets and pre-race pit passes to all three days of the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend by being the 50th caller on Friday.

Today's running of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry series has been cancelled due to inclement conditions. Atlanta Motor Speedway's Wintery Flurry will return tomorrow on Saturday, Feb. 6 for the fifth-scheduled contest of the six-date, short-track racing season.

Just a month remains before the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 7. With specific camping and ticket inventories waning with the Atlanta NASCAR Sprint Cup Series only one month away, NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase tickets and campsites now to reserve the best locations. Fans are also encouraged to take advantage of of a $5 discount for Friday and Saturday events. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway has expanding its list of partner hotels to more than 30 properties for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, each featuring room rates of $120 or less without requiring a multi-night stay. Continuing a program that makes attending NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway more affordable, the Speedway now features 32 partner hotels with discounted rates for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend.

Atlanta Motor Speedway will increase its online consumer marketing presence as the track prepares for its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race during its 50th Anniversary season, the Kobalt Tools 500 on March 7.
In celebration of the track's 50th Anniversary, Atlanta Motor Speedway has updated the track's website - www.atlantamotorspeedway.com - with a unique Golden Anniversary veneer, showcasing new colors with an antiqued appearance.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 2010 NASCAR season kicked off at 9:31 a.m. when Mark Martin took to the high-banked track to begin two days of tire testing by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. to determine the premier tire for the Kobalt Tools 500 on March 7. Four NASCAR veterans - Martin, Carl Edwards, Sam Hornish, Jr., and Martin Truex, Jr. - are assisting Goodyear with testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series action at Atlanta Motor Speedway will kick off early and in full speed with four top teams preparing for the Kobalt Tools 500 during offseason tire testing for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Carl Edwards, Sam Hornish, Jr., Mark Martin and Martin Truex, Jr. will participate in two days of testing for Goodyear on January 12 and 13. The test is closed to the public.

For race fans looking for holiday gifts or a great value, Atlanta Motor Speedway has a number of affordable ticket specials for the Kobalt Tools 500 in March.
Among the deals, Atlanta Motor Speedway's ticket specials make it possible for a parent and child to attend the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend of racing for just $97 dollars, an outstanding gift and value.

Saturday's running of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry series has been cancelled due to anticipated inclement weather.
Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry will return on Jan. 30 for the fourth-scheduled contest of the six-date season.
For more information on the 2009-10 Winter Flurry season, contact the AMS Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211 or (877) 9-AMS-TIX.

The Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities has raised more than $260,000 to be granted to local children's organizations at the annual Grant Distribution and Holiday Celebration at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Grants to 35 local charitable organizations serving the medical, emotional and social needs of children will be awarded during the event held at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Infield Media Center.

Expanding racing activities for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway has added a NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour race to follow Georgia Power Qualifying Night for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Friday, March 5. The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour event will feature a 150-lap format on Atlanta Motor Speedway's quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

Atlanta Motor Speedway will play host to a series of Accident Avoidance Workshops in November and December, providing student drivers the opportunity to simulate emergency situations often overlooked in driver's education courses.

The Accident Avoidance Workshop is a two-part program designed to prepare student drivers to respond to emergency situations. Each participant will attend a 150-minute classroom session, followed by a four and a half hour session of emergency driving simulation the following weekend.

The champions of the 2009 Friday Night Drags season will be honored by Atlanta Motor Speedway in an awards ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 18 in the Speedway's infield Media Center.
Champions Day at The Speedway will feature an awards ceremony for the top-three points finishers in each Friday Night Drags class. In addition to receiving a trophy for their season-ending points position, each honoree will be offered a complimentary Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along around Atlanta Motor Speedway at more than 165 mph. he event is open to Friday Night Drags fans and lunch can be purchased for $10 and includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and a dessert bar. 

Bringing all things motorsports to Atlanta Motor Speedway for one weekend, the Motorsports Nationals show will descend upon the Speedway this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20.
The Motorsports Nationals show will be an all-inclusive expose in motorsports at one of racing's premier palaces in the Southeast, Atlanta Motor Speedway. The two-day event will feature drifting, audio competitions, burnout contests, live music from seven bands, freestyle motocross, stunt shows, a track cruise, seminars, RC drag racing at more than 100 mph, a vendor midway and much more.

After a season-long showcase of speed, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will reach a climax on Championship Night this Friday, as bracket-style ladders will be used to determine the season's champions.

Kevin Harvick dominated the field Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, overcoming a slow final pit stop to win the Degree V12 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Kyle Busch finished second and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was third after stretching his fuel window to the end in an effort to steal the win away from Harvick. The effort fell flat with two to go when Harvick and Busch sailed past Earnhardt's car, limping around with a nearly empty tank and old tires.

Atlanta weather forecasts remain outstanding for this weekend's Pep Boys Auto 500 and Degree V12 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Saturday's forecast for the Degree V12 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race calls for mostly sunny conditions with a high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. There is a minimal risk for precipitation.

Appearing comfortable in his Chase position, Kurt Busch will attempt to attack Atlanta Motor Speedway in an effort to secure needed bonus points entering the Chase for the Championship.
Sitting sixth in the standings with a 158-point cushion over 12th place, the final spot earning a Chase berth, Busch and the No. 2 team enter Atlanta with the goal of winning to earn 10 bonus points entering the Chase. A win would also make Busch the third driver in five years to sweep both NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the same season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway set a single-day ticket sales record on Monday for the Sunday night Pep Boys Auto 500.
In addition to establishing a new single-day mark for ticket sales, Atlanta Motor Speedway's ticket sales for the Pep Boys Auto 500 are up significantly over 2008 sales as of the close of business on Monday.
"Yesterday was the best day for ticket sales in my 17 years at Atlanta Motor Speedway and it really speaks to the anticipation surrounding our first night race," said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager. "We're building a new NASCAR tradition with the Pep Boys Auto 500 and night racing on Labor Day weekend and fans are responding with tremendous interest."

One week after her car broke during practice, one Friday Night Drags competitor returned to Victory Lane just a week later during week 12 of Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer drag racing series.

Throughout his rookie season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the second time around has yielded good things for Joey Logano.
That could bode well for Logano when the green flag drops at the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Logano has raced for the second time at six different tracks so far this season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. At five of those tracks, he posted a better finish than he did in his debut at that racetrack. Atlanta Motor Speedway will be Logano's seventh track that he will be competing in the Sprint Cup Series for a second time when he races there. Logano will look to continue improving at the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the track's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race.

Already known for having some of the best finishes on the NASCAR circuit, fans could soon also see some of the best restarts at Atlanta Motor Speedway when the Sprint Cup stars return for the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6.
Since their introduction prior to the June Pocono race, double-file restarts have added extra elements of drama and intrigue to NASCAR races. Double-file restarts have quickly become a fan favorite.

Coming down the final stretch of the 2009 season, week 11 of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags saw competitors fighting for last-minute points to make a late-season championship run.

With only two weeks of Friday Night Drags remaining, one such fight featured fan favorite Bill Patrick of Stockbridge in the Truck Advanced class. Matched up with his boss from Peach State Freight Liners in Forest Park, Dwayne Bethune (fourth in points), in the final, Patrick opted to run without a boost of nitrous oxide at Bethune's request.

Atlanta Motor Speedway and its corporate partner Degree V12 are committed to honoring America's armed forces and have selected an Army National Guard widow to serve as Grand Marshal for the Degree V12 300 Nationwide Series race at AMS.

Crystal Beale of McDonough has been selected as Grand Marshal for the Degree V12 300. Beale's husband, SFC John C. Beale, died June 4 in Kapisa, Afghanistan at age 39 from wounds suffered from an IED and small arms fire.

Six current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have been confirmed to participate in two Speedway Children's Charities events surrounding the Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend of night racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend.
Six NASCAR stars - Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Ragan, Elliott Sadler and Reed Sorenson - will participate in either the Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 4 or the SCC Track Walk on Sunday, Sept. 6. In addition to the NASCAR drivers, television personalities Bob Dillner, Larry McReynolds and Rutledge Wood will participate, as well as Robbie Loomis, Executive Director of Racing Operations for Richard Petty Motorsports

With the Chase for the Sprint Cup quickly approaching, drivers will admit to several agendas for the upcoming Pep Boys Auto 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend.
Some say they will use it as a tune-up for the upcoming playoffs.
Some say they will take a more conservative route to protect their spot in the 12-driver playoffs.
And others, meanwhile, say they will go for broke.

Straight-line speed returned to Atlanta Motor Speedway following a scheduled off week and week 10 of Friday Night Drags featured a controversial call, leading to a remarkable moment of comradery among competitors.
The final-round Truck Advanced class matchup paired Bill Patrick (Stockbridge) against Terry Queen (Jonesboro), sitting second and fifth in the class points standings respectively. Trailing points leader Chuck Poole by five marks, Patrick appeared to rock out of the starting box and was quickly disqualified for jumping the start, giving Queen the win.
 However, because Queen did not feel Patrick jumped the start significantly, if at all, the Jonesboro native conceded the win to Patrick.

When the lights turn on for the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, Sept. 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR will celebrate the return of Labor Day weekend racing in the South.
Appeasing throngs of NASCAR diehards who have desired the date return to the South after a 2003 move to California , Atlanta Motor Speedway acquired the Labor Day weekend race in a scheduling coup prior to the 2009 season. NASCAR's history book shows Atlanta has a long history tied to Labor Day weekend.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will roar back to action on Friday, Aug. 14 after the first of two scheduled off weeks during the 2009 season.
Straight-line speed will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for "Double Points Night" during week 10 of the 2009 Friday Night Drags season. In addition to 14 classes of drag racing, week 10 will feature a special Show-N-Shine award for the best truck entered in the Show-N-Shine car show.

Labor Day weekend and top-notch grilling go hand-in-hand. And that's why the Big Green Egg is the official smoker and grill of Atlanta Motor Speedway for the track's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Labor Day weekend, the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6.
Partnering with Atlanta Motor Speedway to celebrate Labor Day weekend night racing in Atlanta, race fans and grilling enthusiasts alike will find Big Green Egg grilling demonstrations in the Family Campground on Sunday, Sept. 6 at noon and an exhibit in the Display Lot on race weekend.

Skip Nichols and Jeff Haynie are the only multiple-time champions in Masters class history and have captured six of the last eight year's championships. Because of this, it's likely no surprise that the 2009 Thursday Thunder Masters championship will come down to a one-race slug fest between the former champs on Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring."

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will return on Aug. 14 following a scheduled off week on Aug. 7. The off week will allow the Speedway to accommodate the 32nd Annual National Biker's Roundup from Aug. 4 through Aug. 9.
While the drag strip will be closed to Friday Night Drags on Aug. 7, motorcycle racers will take to the pit-lane drag strip on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. as part of the Biker's Roundup.

The annual Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Tournament presented by AutoTrader.com will return to Eagle's Landing Country Club on Friday, Sept. 4, giving race fans the opportunity to golf and mingle with NASCAR notables and support local children's organizations.
The Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Tournament presented by AutoTrader.com will kick off the Pep Boys Auto 500 Sprint Cup race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will also begin a weekend of charitable fundraising events benefiting Speedway Children's Charities.

If you seek the spotlight and have the vocal talent to entertain a crowd, Atlanta Motor Speedway wants you to sing the national anthem.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is searching for local singers to perform the national anthem before the on-track action at Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags throughout the remaining summer months. In addition to the opportunity to perform at Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer-racing series, the performances will also be used as anthem auditions for the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend on Labor Day weekend.

Billy Stevenson has become somewhat of a two-sport star at Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series. Pulling double duty on Thursday and Friday nights, Stevenson's Legends car has seemingly bridged the gap between Thursday Thunder short track racing and the straight-line speed of Friday Night Drags.
Throughout the summer, Stevenson has competed in both Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags. One night after turning short-track laps on Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring," Stevenson places his Legends car on Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit lane drag strip.

Short-track racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring" for the ninth of 10 weeks of Thursday Thunder on Classic Car Night on Thursday, July 30. Race fans have just two more weeks to witness the grass roots, short-track racing action of Thursday Thunder at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Classic Car Night will include a classic car display and parade, in addition to featuring heated points battles among eight classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters.

 Atlanta Motor Speedway's eighth week of Thursday Thunder featured added excitement from brimming Bandolero car counts as an influx of competitors make their way to the Speedway for this weekend's Bandolero Nationals.

 Speeding into the second half of the season, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags returns for an eighth week of head-to-head racing on the Speedway's pit lane drag strip.
 Week eight of Friday Night Drags is Ride Along Night, giving race fans the opportunity to ride as a passenger in specific division races, and will include a "Foreign Car Owners Rally" special Show-N-Shine car show class.

A pair of Pro competitors made their way to the finals and jumped past the division points leader at Atlanta Motor Speedway's seventh week of Friday Night Drags, allowing them to gain the points advantage entering the second half of the season. 

Bumble Bee Foods Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured a NASCAR Sprint Cup star competing in the Pro division, competitors from 14 states and the annual Faster Pastor race for intermission entertainment.

Three of NASCAR's top-five ranked drivers completed tire testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway to assist the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company prepare the superlative tire for Atlanta's first Sprint Cup night race, the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6.

Jack Welch has been selected by Atlanta Motor Speedway to serve as the Chief Lighting Officer for the Speedway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race, the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6.

Tire testing is currently underway at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as four NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers assist the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in preparing the preeminent tire for Atlanta's first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race, the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sept. 6.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's sixth week of Thursday Thunder was highlighted by gutsy passes, fantastic finishes and the drama typical of short-track racing on Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring."

A Pre-Race Party celebration has been added to the schedule for the Sept. 6 Pep Boys Auto 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race, giving race fans stage-front access for driver introductions and a pre-race concert with Diamond Rio and special guest Jason Michael Carroll. The Atlanta Motor Speedway Pre-Race Concert Presented by the Georgia Lottery will take place beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the Atlanta Motor Speedway frontstretch in front of the Champions Grandstand. The event features a combined two-hour concert with country legends Diamond Rio and rising-star Jason Michael Carroll and will be followed by pre-race festivities and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver introductions.

More than half-way through the 2009 Thursday Thunder season, Atlanta Motor Speedway's sixth week of short-track action is sure to feature on-track excitement as points races heat up approaching the season's end.

Week six of Thursday Thunder is Joe Momma Night and the "Thunder Ring" will be brimming with eight classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, heat races and promoter's choice events.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth week of Thursday Thunder featured fireworks on the track and six repeat feature winners, in addition to a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.

Seemingly a statistical anomaly, six Thursday Thunder classes featured repeat winners.

With some of his earliest memories founded in drag racing, its no surprise Bill Patrick has quickly become one of the stars at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags.

Celebrating America's independence with the best and largest fireworks show on Atlanta's south side, Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth week of Thursday Thunder will feature a fireworks display over the Atlanta Motor Speedway infield. Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring" will be lit from above by the grandest fireworks display on Atlanta's south side on Thursday, July 2.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's week four of Thursday Thunder was full of many heated battles on track. In addition to the competitive racing, the intermission race featured NASCAR's next young hopefuls competing in the always-popular Kids' Bike Trike and Power Wheels Races.

Already brimming with more than 200 drag racers each Friday night, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags is hoping for a boost of new talent - and perhaps estrogen - for Lucky Ladies Night on Friday, June 26.

Lucky Ladies Night at Friday Night Drags will give female drivers the opportunity to compete for free on Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit-lane drag strip.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's third week of Friday Night Drags points racing featured crossover success, as the first Legends car in Friday Night Drags history made its way to Victory Lane.

A familiar face on the Thursday Thunder summer series circuit, Billy Stevens of Locust Grove piloted a Legends car to Victory Lane on Friday night in the Sport Compact class, the first such occasion in Friday Night Drags history.

Seemingly waking in a haze, Frank Taylor looked up only to see Billy Clevenger's taillights pulling away from the Friday Night Drags starting box. Clevenger might have been up on his rear wheels, but Taylor was sitting still at the start while Clevenger was surging towards the finish.

The "Thunder Ring" will roar back to life on Thursday, June 18 when short-track racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the third week of the 2009 Thursday Thunder season.

Thursday Thunder's week three feature theme is Mascot Mania Night and intermission entertainment will include the annual Mascot Mania Night golf kart race. In addition to the amusement of Mascot Mania Night, the evening will feature eight classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, plus promoter's choice events.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's second week of Thursday Thunder featured four first-time winners plus several Thursday Thunder veterans making their way to victory lane.

This week's Thursday Thunder feature theme is Georgia Auto Racing Hall of Fame Night and Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Night. In addition to eight classes of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, Thursday Thunder's second week will also include a vintage race car display from the Georgia Auto Racing Hall of Fame, a Kids' Candy & Coin Scramble and an on-track autograph session with all Thursday Thunder drivers.

If you're looking for something special for Dad this Father's Day, Atlanta Motor Speedway has a unique gift idea for your Dad - tickets and an opportunity to drive on AMS' 1.54-mile NASCAR quad-oval track!

If your Dad is a NASCAR fan, what better gift is there than tickets to Atlanta Motor Speedway's inaugural NASCAR night racing weekend on Sept. 5 and 6 and the opportunity for Dad to drive his car on the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway?

As this year's Thursday Thunder season commences and short-track racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring", a new class will reemerge for the 2009 season. The Young Lions class returns for 2009 and will showcase Legends drivers ranging from 12-years old to age 15. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway's "Thunder Ring" will roar back to life for the opening night of the 2009 Thursday Thunder season on Thursday, June 4.

Featuring Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters, short-track racing will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway's one-quarter mile "Thunder Ring" for the first of 10 weeks of Thursday Thunder.

Tonight's running of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags series has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags will return on June 5 for the second-scheduled event of the 14-week season. The June 5 event is the points opener for the Friday Night Drags season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is conducting a national search for a Chief Lighting Officer, the shining star who will have the honor to flip the “switch” to turn on the lights before Atlanta’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend.

Atlanta Motor Speedway has announced a host of ticket specials for the Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend of night racing, including $59 frontstretch tickets, in an effort to make Atlanta's first Sprint Cup night race even more affordable for fans.

Living up to its reputation as a multi-use facility, Atlanta Motor Speedway will play host to the RV Supershow & Outdoor Extravaganza and Tara Place Home & Garden Show from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19.

In addition to the pair of weekend events at the Speedway, Speedway Children's Charities will host Hot Laps on the High Banks on Saturday, allowing attending fans the opportunity to ride in the Atlanta Motor Speedway pace car, take their own vehicle on the Speedway's 1.54-mile track, or take photographs in Victory Lane.

In preparation for the 10-week Thursday Thunder summer series of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, Atlanta Motor Speedway played host to an off-season race on Friday, April 3.

With the racing action already looking to be in regular season form, the off-season race featured four winners who also won races during the 2008 Thursday Thunder season.

Kurt Busch held off Jeff Gordon in a dramatic overtime finish to win the Kobalt Tools 500 Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

"That was an incredible race; it was unbelievable," said Busch, who won for the second time in Atlanta. "Penske p-p-p-power, it's back. Feels awesome."

Fifty-year-old Mark Martin showed up a field full of young guns, earning his first pole position since 2001 by turning a lap of 187.045 mph (29.640 seconds) during Friday's Georgia Power Qualifying Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kurt Busch will start outside the front row for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is declaring "Georgia Peanut Farmer Appreciation Day" at the March 8 Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race in recognition of Georgia's official state crop.

Roush Fenway Engine Trouble Precedes Atlanta

With three engine failures in the Shelby 427 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the five-car team, it begs the question of how the Roush Fenway Racing team will rebound in the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8.

In an effort to promote the upcoming March 8 Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR race weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway will be making a promotional appearance at the Hooters location in Canton on Sunday, Feb, 28th.

Racing fans can look for the Atlanta Motor Speedway pace car and promotional display at the Hooters of Canton, where Atlanta Motor Speedway staff will be giving away Atlanta Motor Speedway gear and tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend.

Competitors got a double-dose of racing on Saturday, as both Winter Flurry races No. 4 and No. 5 were held on the quarter-mile "Thunder Ring."

Bubba Harry led the field to the green flag for the Roadsters feature. Harry led every lap to score the win, his second of the Winter Flurry season.

After arriving Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and camping overnight, Amber Lee of McDonough was the first in line for Atlanta Motor Speedway's Racing Roulette promotion that began at 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

After the overwhelming outpouring from thousands of fans and the entire motor sport industry, Motorsport Nationals executives are excited to announce the upcoming date and location of the 2009 Super Show. "We are thrilled to bring the show to the Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 19th and 20th. This awesome venue offers more capabilities and experiences for attendees, vendors, and sponsors," said Bob Daniel, President of Motorsport Nationals.

The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will host two fundraising events preceding the Kobalt Tools 500 on March 8, the 2nd Annual Clay Shoot on March 5 and the Fast Talk presented by AutoTrader.com at Club One on March 6.

Competing on the Atlanta Motor Speedway road course for the second and final time in the 2008-09 Winter Flurry schedule, Saturday's Winter Flurry event featured cars banging during both left and right-hand turns and a two-time winner.

If last Sunday’s race at Lanier National Speedway in Braselton was any indication, Kyle Busch is set for another hot NASCAR racing season start.

Calling All Collectors

As Atlanta Motor Speedway is celebrating its 100th race at the Kobalt Tools 500, the track is turning to its fans for help in an effort to fill in three gaps in the track's program archives.

Atlanta Motor Speedway will offer two Kobalt Tools 500 frontstretch tickets to any fan willing to donate one of the three missing programs to the track.

To promote the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 6-8, the Atlanta Motor Speedway staff and pace car will be making promotional appearances at multiple Atlanta-area events in the coming weeks that include ticket giveaways.

Beginning this weekend, racing fans can look for the Atlanta Motor Speedway pace car and promotional display at Monster Jam on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Georgia Dome

The Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities awarded more than $245,000 to spread holiday cheer at the annual Grant Distribution and Holiday Celebration at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Dec. 2, 2008.

Atlanta's Speedway Children's Charities chapter will provide grants to 28 local children's organizations with the goal of making a difference in the lives of children. The funds were distributed to groups providing social, emotional and media services to children in need.

HAMPTON, Ga. (November 14, 2008) - The Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities is set to play host to Race to the Holidays, a holiday-themed family festival benefitting Speedway Children's Charities and the Metro South Association of Realtors Education Foundation. The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

After sweeping at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2005, Carl Edwards returned to victory lane after winning the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, holding off a surging Jimmie Johnson who climbed from 11th to second in the final eight laps. 

Weather washed out all activities Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cancelling the NASCAR Sprint Cup Hot Shot Qualifying and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying. Both Saturday's E-Z-GO 200 Craftsman Truck race and Sunday's Pep Boys Auto 500 Sprint Cup race will be lined up according to points.

Saturday's activities at Atlanta Motor Speedway will include a full slate of practices for both series, as well as the E-Z-GO 200, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

E-Z-GO 200 will likely play a role in determining the NCTS points champion

With his win in Martinsville on Saturday, Johnny Benson passed rival Ron Hornaday Jr. for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points lead. A strong performance in the E-Z-GO 200 could help ensure a points championship for the veteran who has finished second and third, respectively, in the last two seasons' points standings.

Benson has three-career third-place finishes at Atlanta, but Hornaday should prove a formidable foe, having had significant success in Atlanta; the reigning points champion won in 2005 and claimed second a year ago. In the incredibly competitive NCTS, the points lead has swapped hands nine times in 2008 and could happen again in Atlanta, with Benson holding just a 65-point lead over Hornaday.

Saturday, October 25, 2008, 1:30 pm (EST), Atlanta Motor Speedway

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008

Time: 2:00 p.m. (ET)

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

E-Z-GO 200 (130 Laps) Set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m.

E-Z-GO, the world’s largest manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles, will be the title sponsor for the Oct. 25th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Below are some tips that will help ensure fans have a memorable, exciting visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway during the October 2008 Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR race weekend.

‘Awesome Bill from Dawsonville' Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Winston Cup Championship at AMS Where He Clinched the Title

Atlanta Motor Speedway will honor Bill Elliott's 1988 Melling Racing Team to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the team's 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship as part of the pre-race activities for the Oct. 26 Pep Boys Auto 500.

Many of Elliott's crew members from the 1988 Championship team will join the Dawsonville native on stage for a recognition ceremony.

"I think it will be pretty neat," said Elliott, who won six races at Atlanta Motor Speedway to tie for third in all-time AMS wins. "I mean, it's been a long time and I haven't seen a lot of the team in the last number of years."

Two Premier Organizations Have Won 15-of-21 since AMS Track Redesign

It's hardly the same as Yankees vs. Red Sox. Nor does it exactly parallel the old contention between Petty Enterprises and Wood Brothers Racing. But to suggest there is no rivalry between Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports at Atlanta Motor Speedway is akin to burying one's head in the sand. Deep in the sand.

Both teams are better than good at Atlanta Motor Speedway and, more often than not, someone from JGR or Hendrick is going to win in Atlanta.

Look at the facts. Since a track redesign in 1997 that made Atlanta Motor Speedway a 1.54-mile quad-oval track, Hendrick and JGR have won 15-of-21 races (71.4 percent). In fact, the teams are so evenly matched that just one win separates them in that span, with JGR taking eight wins to Hendrick's seven.

At Atlanta Motor Speedway, starting up front does not guarantee success come race day. But Greg Biffle, last year's Pep Boys Auto 500 qualifying pole winner, will tell you starting on the pole, ‘doesn't hurt either.'

A testament to the track's raceability, Atlanta Motor Speedway has seen just one top qualifier take the checkered flag since a track redesign in 1997. When Biffle started on the pole a year ago, the accomplished driver led just one lap and struggled to a 22nd-place finish.

"It's important to be in front at Atlanta, but it is probably more important for pit road selection," said Biffle, who currently sits third in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings, 77-points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. "It's really important there to have a good pit box on pit road, which is important at every track, but more so at Atlanta.

NASCAR Auction; Walk on Atlanta Motor Speedway during Race Weekend 

The Atlanta Motor Speedway chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will host a NASCAR Memorabilia Auction during the Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend Oct. 24-26, in addition to the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk presented by Aflac.

Race fans will have a variety of items to choose from at the auction including NASCAR Sprint Cup series driver helmets, uniforms, sheet metal and other racing gear from many of their favorite drivers in NASCAR's top series. Specific items include a signed rear-quarter panel from Tony' Stewart's No. 20 car, a signed bumper from Carl Edwards' No. 99 Office Depot ride, and a signed Denny Hamlin helmet.

The Auction will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25th, 30 minutes after the checkered flag waves on the Atlanta 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race at approximately 4 p.m. The Auction will be held in the Bruton Smith Park located next to the Speedway Children's Charities Friends Wall.

In addition to the Memorabilia Auction at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend, Speedway Children's Charities and the NASCAR Foundation will be hosting the final NASCAR Foundation Track Walk for the 2008 NASCAR season.

Pre-Race Pit Passes for October's Pep Boys Auto 500 On Sale Now

In baseball, you can't purchase dugout tickets. Fans can't walk across the turf at the Georgia Dome pre-game. And you can't slide across the ice before a hockey match.

But racing is special, because fans can get more access to restricted areas than in any other sport. By purchasing a pre-race pit pass for the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Oct. 26, fans have the opportunity to stroll the same pit area used by NASCAR teams during the Pep Boys Auto 500, the Atlanta 200 Craftsman Truck Series race and Hot Shot Qualifying Night.

For exclusive pit-area access, Atlanta Motor Speedway pit passes start at only $75 for Friday's Hot Shot Qualifying Night and access for all three days is just $125. Three three-day pass allows fans to get as close as possible for Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday, Oct. 24, the Atlanta 200 truck race on Saturday, Oct. 25, and the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, Oct. 26. A Sunday-only pass is $100.

Division Champions Decided by Eight-Car Championship Ladders 

The two-day ACDelco Street Drag Nationals at Atlanta Motor Speedway culminated with an eight-car Championship Ladder in each division, including a noteworthy upset victory in the Domestic Advanced class.

While five top-seeded competitors claimed titles as the respective favorites in their class, Howard Wolf of Marietta had the most unexpected victory. Wolf, a frequent competitor at Atlanta Motor Speedway, qualified through eliminations on Saturday as the eighth seed. Wolf then proceeded to upset top-seeded Neil Skipper in his first match, followed by two additional upset wins, en route to the Domestic Advanced Championship Ladder win.

The top-six seeds for each class' Championship Ladder were set based on points from the ACDelco Friday Night Drags season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, while the seventh seed was awarded to Friday's qualifying champion and the eighth seed going to Saturday's champion.

Taking inspiration from the current political banter, Atlanta Motor Speedway is adding value to the Pep Boys Family Four Pack by including lipstick in each Four Pack purchased for the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on October 26.

While you can put lipstick on a pig or pit bull, evident by recent comments during the presidential campaigns, Atlanta Motor Speedway will include it in an already great ticket package that gives race fans four tickets, four 12-ounce Coca-Colas and four hot dogs to the Pep Boys Auto 500 for only $159.

"When you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. But when you add it to our ticket package, you get an attractive value to one of the year's best NASCAR races on the circuit's fastest track," said Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark. "I'm sure the hockey moms, female fans and others will enjoy the extra addition to the Pep Boys Family Four Pack.

The 12 faces for the 2008 Chase for the Sprint NASCAR Sprint Cup is made up of ten drivers from last year's Chase and two past Chase drivers locked out last year. Only two competitors have been able to secure Chase berths in the five years of the format: Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth.

The new faces to the 2008 Chase for the Sprint Cup are Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Greg Biffle. Joining Biffle and Earnhardt Jr. are last year's Chase drivers: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and Kenseth.

The 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship contenders have a stellar record at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a combined total of 14 wins and 83 top-10 finishes. With no rookies in this year's Chase and every driver having been in the Chase at least one time in previous years, look for experience and confidence to prevail throughout the 10-race shootout to determine the winner of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Who:  Teaming with American Red Cross and the NASCAR Foundation, Atlanta Motor Speedway is aiming for 300 donor appointments during this one-day event. 

Location:  In the media center located in the infield of the Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

Parking:  Media Center Parking Lot

Time:  Thursday, September 11, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Attraction:  A free pace car ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway's full 1.54-mile quad-oval track will be offered to those willing to donate. In addition, donors will be entered for a grand prize drawing that will include two tickets, plus pre-race pit races, to the entire Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR weekend.  Additionally, donors will have an opportunity to receive NASCAR goodies, with one lucky winner receiving a signed Jimmie Johnson diecast.

AMS proposes families bond, enjoy a weekend of racing together at  Atlanta Motor Speedway for an affordable price.

With the cost of attending a NASCAR race as low as $30 for a family of four, Atlanta Motor Speedway is proposing the idea of a RaceCation for fans and families looking for vacation and entertainment alternatives.

With camping on site, free parking and coolers permitted inside the facility, a trip to Atlanta Motor Speedway - a RaceCation - is a remarkably affordable alternative to a traditional vacation or family outing.

Championship Night of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week season of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on August 22 with the 10th and final week of points racing for the 2008 season.

The 10th week of Friday Night Drags will see tight points races decided and will also feature motorcycle drag racing for the fifth time in 2008. While a few classes have already been decided, Friday Night Drags' Domestic Advanced class features one of the most intriguing points races, with Neil Skipper needing to make the class finals to have an opportunity to jump Mike Munoz in the standings.

Although the Friday Night Drags season will be wrapping up after week 10, drag racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway continues this fall with the inaugural ACDelco Street Drag Nationals on Sept. 19 and 20. This national drag racing event will feature hot rods, tuners, and drag cars and includes a Show-N-Shine competition, a speedway cruise around Atlanta Motor Speedway, a burnout contest and fireworks on Friday night.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's ninth points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco featured the "Chevy Challenge" and two Chevrolet's claimed victory in their respective classes, while Friday Night Drags also featured four repeat winners.

Featuring Chevrolet power in Friday Night Drags' ninth week, both Frank Taylor and Daryl Stiles were able to claim wins with their Chevy machines. Taylor claimed victory in the Pro class for his third-consecutive victory in his Lumina, while Stiles took first in the Charter Communications Street Outlaw division in a Camaro.

In addition to Taylor's consecutive wins, three other drivers posted repeat victories - Rodney Tolbert (ATV), Justin House (Motorcycle - Dirt) and Bill Hatfield (Sportsman).

Searching for a special show car to call his own, Billy Poore knew a gem when he saw it, even if it needed to be shined a bit.

"Nearly everything on it needed work, but it ran. It wasn't near as good looking as it is now," said Poore, remembering when he first laid eyes on his 1951 Ford Victoria. "I looked around a bit more, but I couldn't find anything that compared to it. My wife thought I was crazy when she saw it."

Despite a less-than-impressive exterior when purchased, the Locust Grove resident knew what he was looking for in a show car project - a unique classic car that could serve as an everyday driver.

Responding to overwhelming demand, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Pep Boys are continuing a popular way for fans to save money while enjoying October's Pep Boys Auto 500 in person, the Pep Boys Family Four Pack.

A popular ticket option for March's Kobalt Tools 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway is now offering this family special for the popular October race date during the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Pep Boys Family Four Pack includes four lower level Elliott Grandstand seats, four hot dogs and four 12-ounce Coca-Colas for just $159.

In addition to the savings offered by the Pep Boys Family Four Pack, Atlanta Motor Speedway has already launched other ticket specials to make attending a the Pep Boys Auto 500 more affordable. Student tickets, the lowest-priced seat for the Pep Boys Auto 500, are currently on sale for the low price of $19, while they last, and a regular adult admission in the Elliott Grandstand can be purchased for as low as $39.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's eighth points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco featured "Mustang Mania," as the night saw multiple Mustang matchups and a field brimming with Fords.

Week eight's "Mustang Mania" evening featured three repeat winners from week seven - Frank Taylor, John Bonner and Raymond Morgan - but just one Mustang win, a first-place finish by Bill Hatfield in the Pep Boys Auto Sportsman division. With the win, Hatfield and his 1993 Mustang extended their division points lead and the Hampton native now has 14 points on the season.

Points will be awarded each night during the 10-week season in every class except the ACDelco Domestic and Tuner. Each division winner will take 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 August 22. In the event of a tie, the competitor with the most wins will be awarded the title.

For those who know Phil White well, it was seemingly a miracle to see him at Atlanta Motor Speedway for this past week's Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco.

White had been a mainstay at Friday Night Drags since Atlanta Motor Speedway's first drag event three years ago. But, White became unusually absent from Atlanta Motor Speedway's eighth-mile drag strip after appearing at the first few events of the 2008 season.

After White's wife Mitzi fainted one evening, the pair was hoping for positive news at the hospital. What the doctor found was a brain aneurysm.

"It was a shock," said White, an air traffic controller from Peachtree City. "It set me back a bit to hear that. We had a family member die in the past year with an aneurysm. You almost always associate an aneurysm with death, so it really hit home."

Tight point races are expected to end in thrilling fashion at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder finale. But, more than ever, the summer-racing series' final week should feature a spectacular finish with two races scheduled for each class.

With two features planned for each division after a week nine cancelation, the stage is set for one of the most entertaining finishes in Thursday Thunder history. Because two races remain in each class, the season's last event presents a greater opportunity for racers to gain extra points and surge towards a class championship.

"It's probably going to be real interesting because nobody knows what is going to happen," said Billy Fulson, who currently holds an eight-point edge in the Charter Communications Pro class. "Unless you have a 40-point lead in your class, there's still a chance someone could jump ahead of you."

Atlanta Motor Speedway's seventh points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco featured the return of motorcycle competition and featured four repeat winners, three from last week and the defending motorcycle champion.

Highlander Evans of Decatur successfully defended his motorcycle win from Friday Night Drags first motorcycle event on July 11. Motorcycle racing, a fan favorite at Atlanta Motor Speedway, will return to Friday Night Drags on August 22.

In addition, three other class winners repeated their success from a week ago. In the ATV class, Covington's David Brand claimed his second-consecutive victory. Dwayne Bethune extended his points lead in the truck division with another victory, while street outlaw winner John Bonner continued inched closer to Danny Lowry's lead and now rests three points behind, with 12 points to Lowry's 15.

Highlighted by speed, precision and the accompanying reckless demeanor, motorcycle drag racing is a fan favorite and the return of the event to this week's Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco at Atlanta Motor Speedway should be no exception.

After professionally racing motorcycles for 25 years, Locust Grove's Roy Schwarz knows why fans love the motorcycle action: "We're going way faster than a car which makes it more daring," said Schwarz.

But this wily veteran of motorcycle racing isn't afraid to admit the other reason fans refuse to miss the motorcycle class when they come to Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Similarly tough as jumping from college to the pros, moving up a division at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder is no easy task.

Mike Weed knows this truth as well as anyone. After one Chargers class win in the Winter Flurry season and amassing two wins in Thursday Thunder's first four weeks, rules dictated that the Franklin native jump up to the Pep Boys Auto Semi-Pro class.

And the 15-year old Weed quickly learned how difficult a new class can be. With an average finish position of 2.5 in his first four weeks of 2008 Chargers competition with three podium finishes, Weed has had an average finish of 13.75 since moving up a class.

Mullet Mania Night and a Kid's Bike, Trike & Power Wheels Race Presented by Clover Ranch Communities

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" on July 31 for the ninth round of the 10-week racing series that runs each Thursday through August 7.

Week nine is Mullet Mania Night presented by Clover Ranch Communities and will feature a Kid's Bike, Trike & Power Wheels race around the "Thunder Ring" during intermission. The evening will also include an autograph session featuring the Thunder Roadster and Semi-Pro class drivers as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track excitement.

Georgia Power night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder was full of energy as fans were enthralled to watch Dick Rosberg pilot his Thriller Viper Jet Car down AMS' eighth-mile drag strip at speeds over 250 mph.

The state-of-the-art jet car is powered by a General Electric J-85 jet engine equipped with a military afterburner. Producing over 6,000 pounds of thrust - the equivalent of 12,000 horsepower - the Thriller Viper is capable of exceeding 350 mph.

The Charter Communications Pro feature began with Tina Johnson leading the way. In turn three, Matt Stover dove to the inside of Johnson to take over the top spot. Stover jumped ahead of the pack, but not for long, as Casey Roderick closed the gap lap after lap. By the halfway mark, Roderick was on Stover's rear bumper. On lap 10, Roderick made the pass on the inside to become the leader. Roderick logged his fourth win in only his sixth start this Thursday Thunder season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark is urging NASCAR to rethink their current restrictions on test sites, a heightened point in his discussions with media at Tuesday's Goodyear tire test at AMS.

While meeting with media at lunch during testing by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for the October 26 Pep Boys Auto 500, Clark discussed with drivers and media members the positive impacts of amending NASCAR's restrictions on testing and emphasized the importance of such a change.

"I've been petitioning NASCAR all this year to allow the teams to test at the actual NASCAR-sanctioned tracks they will be competing on," said Clark. "Historically, we've always had lots of testing and multiple teams coming to Atlanta to test and the current restrictions eliminated that.

A trio of former NASCAR Rookie of the Year recipients including the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader used a torrid summer day at Atlanta Motor Speedway to aid the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in testing tires for the upcoming Pep Boys Auto 500 race in late October.

Current Sprint Cup Series points leader and 2005 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Kyle Busch, along with Scott Riggs, the 2002 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, and Travis Kvapil, the 2001 Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year, hit the pavement to test combinations of tire compounds and set ups for Goodyear. With two full days of testing, Goodyear is working to ensure the ideal tire for October's race.

"Typically, Atlanta is one of those tracks where it's some of the best racing out on the circuit," said Kvapil, who won the 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. "With the tire testing we're doing and the development we've learned with the new car over the season, I'm sure the Atlanta race in the fall will be great like it always is."

Billy Fulson didn't get the memo announcing, "Nice guys finish last."

Perhaps the friendliest guy in the garage, Fulson, a Douglasville native, holds a resounding lead in the Charter Communications Pro class at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder.

In just four years competing in a Legends car, Fulson has quickly stood out on the asphalt, gaining the respect of his peers for his driving prowess and willingness to support his competitors. Not only does Fulson hold the Thursday Thunder feature lap record for the Pro class (15.888 seconds), but the 26-year old also maintains cars for numerous Thursday Thunder participants.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's seventh week of Thursday Thunder featured a jam-packed evening of action, including double feature races, the second running of the Speedway Challenge Cup and the annual Faster Pastor race, crowning the fastest pulpit preacher in the local area.

Thursday Thunder played host to double feature races after week six's Speedway Challenge Cup event was postponed, totaling 15 races in one evening. Each class featured two races, except the Thunder Roadsters who will make up week six's full-length 1.54 mile quad-oval race during week nine.

Amber Colvin sat on the pole for the evening's first contest featuring the Chargers division. Colvin held the lead for the race's first half before Jordan Coker leapt ahead on lap 11 to win and move into the points lead for the division.

Backwards Drag Racing to Provide New Fan Entertainment           

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week season of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on July 18 with the fifth week of points and includes a class for backwards drag racing.

For the first-time ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday Night Drags will feature backwards drag racing as competitors gear up in reverse to compete on AMS' eighth-mile drag strip. This new, unique drag spectacle will be open to all competitors interested in testing their speed in reverse and should provide an exhilarating new exhibition for fans.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" on July 17 for round seven of the 10-week racing series that runs each Thursday through August 7.

Week seven will feature twice the high-speed action with double feature races scheduled to make up for last week's postponement. The evening is Church Colors Night and local churches are encouraged to come out and support their church leaders participating in the Faster Pastor race. The evening will also include an autograph session featuring the Chargers class drivers as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track racing action.

Prior to winning the evening's Charter Communications Street Outlaw class, Griffin native Danny Lowry was wed earlier in the day. After his 5 p.m. nuptials, Lowry was at the track by 6:30 p.m. for practice before claiming his second-consecutive victory in his 1998 Ford Mustang.

In addition, following Tony Morse's victory in the Pro class, three drivers sit tied for the lead in the points standings. Tied with Morse are Billy Clevenger, who claimed second overall, and Alan Kidd, who held the lead entering the night's race.

For Luke Behnke, racing is both a passion and a family affair. The Fayetteville native was introduced to racing by accompanying his father to work and he races in memory of his uncle, who encouraged Luke to get behind the wheel. Luke's mother never missed a race and his brother, Zach, records the time of every lap Luke makes. In fact, his father rearranged a busy schedule working in television to accompany his son to each Thursday Thunder event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

From a young age, Luke saw racetracks as a home away from home. With his father serving as an executive producer for TNT's NASCAR television coverage, Luke was immersed in race action anytime he joined his dad on the road. But while many racing youths hit the track before the age of ten, Luke wasn't inspired to race until a trip to Charlotte where he first observed Legends Car racing.

Atlanta Motor Speedway is continuing to provide family entertainment at a fantastic price as Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags hit mid-season form this Thursday and Friday, July 10 and 11.

This week's Thursday Thunder features a Summer Speedway Shuttle tour for children, the second of three Speedway Challenge events and the Thunder Roadsters competing on AMS' 1.54-mile track. Friday Night Drags will feature a motorcycle class in addition to the weekly drag racing excitement.

Thursday Thunder - July 10
Summer Speedway Shuttle & Speedway Challenge Cup

Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth week of Thursday Thunder welcomed the first appearance of NASCAR legend and 1988 champion Bill Elliott and also featured a patriotic Papa John's Pizza Holiday Sparktacular fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day.

Elliott began in the second row of the Masters Division, while Brad Shelnutt brought the field to the start. Elliott immediately jumped into second, but Shelnutt was able to extend his lead position. Contact with Robert Spence sent Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark into the air. After the caution, the field was tightened putting Elliott back on Shelnutt's rear. Despite having a NASCAR fan favorite on his tail, Shelnutt was again able to extend his lead and claimed his fourth-career win and bragging rights over the former NASCAR champion.

The No. 47 vehicle of Casey Roderick paced the field to the green flag for the Charter Communications Pro feature. As the pole sitter pulled ahead of the field, Billy Fulson climbed from his seventh-place starting position into second to chase Roderick from afar. But Fulson was unable to close on Roderick, who tied NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson for second place in all-time Thursday Thunder wins with 22, one week after passing NASCAR Nationwide series upstart Joey Logano for third all time.

On the asphalt, Tolbert was the first champion of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags ATV division one year ago. In 2008, he has won the first two Friday Night Drags points events on his highly-modified 1987 Yamaha Banshee to hold a sizeable points lead over the competition.

Away from the drag strip, the Locust Grove resident's ATV affection continues as he tirelessly advocates for the vitality and continued interest in four-wheelers.

By claiming his 21st-career feature win at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder, Roderick jumped ahead of NASCAR Nationwide Series phenom Joey Logano for the third-most wins in Thursday Thunder history. Now, the Lawrenceville native sits just one win behind NASCAR Sprint Cup Series upstart Reed Sorenson for second on the all-time wins list.

"It was cool to find out I passed a big-name driver in wins, but I didn't hear about it until after the race," said Roderick. "It means a lot to be mentioned with Reed [Sorenson], Joey [Logano] and Doug Stevens, the guys with the most wins out here. It was pretty cool. Now, I've got to keep running to get to the second most [wins]."

The second points round of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco featured only two repeat winners out of nine divisions. Jonesboro's Jose Samaniego and Locust Grove's Rodney Tolbert scored back-to-back wins in the Tuner and ATV divisions respectively.

Points will be awarded each night during the 10-week season in every class except the ACDelco Domestic and Tuner. Each division winner will take 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 August 22. In the event of a tie, the competitor with the most wins will be awarded the title.

A life-long drag racer, Newnan's Petry has removed his helmet in favor of a technical inspector's cap at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco. And while his new role might go under-appreciated, Petry takes tremendous pride in improving the competitive balance at Atlanta Motor Speedway each Friday night.

One-year ago, Petry was roaring down the down AMS's eight-mile drag strip exceeding speeds of 100 mph in his 1983 Cadillac Coup De Ville, a lifestyle hobby he's enjoyed since the beginning of the 1970s. Today, he spends his Fridays under his former competitor's hoods and sorts the drag vehicles into the correct competition class by utilizing his years of experience. And while he doesn't receive much praise for his duties, he does hear the heated complaints of those trying to bend the rules.

Competing against one another in the Chargers division of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder summer series, the Douglasville natives entered the sport together three years ago. Dad got a head start driving over 14-year old Jacob, who spent two years laboring in the pits before sitting in the driver's seat.

"It was a lot of running back and forth," said Jacob, who sits seventh in the points standings after three weeks of racing in his first season. "My dad and I started helping a friend first and then I moved to my dad's team when he got a car."

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder commenced under a full moon for week three action as the evening featured nine entertaining contests.

Nick Hazelwood sat on the pole for the Greencastle Dental Bandits race, the first competition of the evening. In a race shortened by four cautions, Kason Plott and Mason Massey battled for position and exchanged the lead repeatedly.  Massey shot ahead of Plott on lap nine and held the lead position through the checkered flag for his third-consecutive victory in three weeks. 

The combined classes of Young Guns and Outlaws began with Corey Gordon's No. 23 vehicle in front, a position he refused to relinquish. Gordon led wire-to-wire through the checkered flag for the win, but by just inches as Dustyn Cunningham's No. 81 car surged towards the finish line for second.

When his times improved as last summer's season progressed, Swan continued to push for greater performance, until he pushed past the truck's limits.

"I had just been put out of the drag race and pulled into the front parking lot to wait on a friend," said Swan. "I sat for a moment and was messing with the truck when it backfired, which caused some sparks."

If purchased in advance, a weekend pass is just $25 while single-day tickets are available for $15 each. If purchased the day of the event, the weekend package is $35, while a single-day ticket is $20. Senior citizen and military discounts are available and kids 12 years of age and younger will be admitted free.

Jeff Haynie sat on the pole for the Masters race and carried his lead position to victory. Skip Nichols began to close the gap midway through the race, but Haynie's No. 12 ride proved to be the class of the field as the Zebulon native claimed the win. The finish was his first Master's victory of the season, adding to four from 2007.

The Greencastle Dental Bandits race began with Kyle Benjamin out front. Benjamin held a comfortable lead until a caution on lap four tightened the field. One lap later, Mason Massey, week one's Bandits winner, jumped Benjamin for the top spot. Benjamin and Massey exchanged position as cautions delayed action on laps 12, 15 and 17. Ending with a green, white, checkered-flag finish, Massey jumped ahead late to post his second-consecutive victory in the Bandits class. The win marked his third-career Bandit victory.

Drivers will come from across America to do battle in the 10-week series, every Thursday night from June 5 to August 7, with a fireworks extravaganza planned on July 3. Drivers as young as eight-years-old will compete on the "Thunder Ring," AMS' paved quarter-mile frontstretch oval and on three nights, the Thunder Roadsters will be turned loose on the ultra-fast 1.54-mile quad-oval. Weekly autograph sessions will also take place on the frontstretch.

The Goodguys 2nd NAPA Southern Nationals hot rod & custom car show takes over Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton June 13-15, turning the Spacious Speedway into an automobile lover's paradise, just in time for Father's Day. Event features include a giant car show, an automotive swap meet, a vendor exhibit midway, track cruise, auto-cross (performance road testing course) and a host of other automotive themed activities.

The 2^nd NAPA Southern Nationals is the 7^th of twenty-four annual hot rod and custom car events promoted and produced by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. Goodguys events are held from New York to San Diego, from Seattle Florida and many points in between. They're large, they're colorful and have often been referred to as a "State Fair of Automotive Excitement!" Lil' deuce coupes, hot rod roadsters, lead-sled 50's Mercury customs, ‘55-'57 Chevy's, Camaro's, Hemi Barracuda's & BOSS 409 Mustangs and other timeless beauties will fill the entire outdoor acreage of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 Friday Night Drags non-points season opener is scheduled for June 6 and fans are invited to participate in a live audition, earning the right to be the track's public address announcer this summer.

 Slated for twelve events, Friday Night Drags has been tremendously successful, regularly drawing crowds of 5,000 spectators to AMS for heads-up drag racing down AMS' eighth-mile pit-road drag strip.

The Sixth Annual Landmark Mopar Southern Classic, an automotive extravaganza devoted solely to Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler vehicles will roll into Atlanta Motor Speedway on May 2 and 3. Hundreds of Mopars will be on display during the two-day event.

The Sixth Annual Landmark Mopar Southern Classic will take place on May 2 from noon to 5p.m. and May 3 from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Admission for adults is just $7 with children under 12-years-old admitted free. More information can be obtained by visiting www.northgeorgiamoparclub.com. For those interested in entering their Mopar in the show, call 770-401-6542.

Matt Kenseth quietly stalked the field Saturday, coming out of the shadows on lap 186 to win the Nicorette 300 Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

He held off a charging Kevin Harvick in two late restarts, but he would never have been in that position if the dominant car of Kyle Busch hadn't blown a tire on lap 171, putting him out of contention.

"I knew it kind of opened the door for us," Kenseth said. "There was no way any of us was gonna beat him on speed."

Busch had led all but 19 laps when he blew his tire on lap 172. His anger was obvious after the race, as he refused to answer several questions from reporters.

Jeff Gordon won his 64th career pole position with a lap at 185.251 mph (29.927 seconds) during Friday’s Georgia Power Qualifying Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“This is a tough place to sit on pole,” said Gordon, who picked up just his second pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Friday’s fast lap. “It’s tough to get around here quick; it’s a fast race track.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was second (184.862 mph, 29.990 seconds), and Martin Truex Jr. will start third (183.807 mph, 30.162 seconds) in Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500.

Despite Newman's qualifying successes, he hasn't been able to equate that into great finishes on Sunday. Newman's longtime coach and mentor Buddy Baker has visited victory lane at AMS, winning the 1979 spring race from the pole. Fourteen drivers have won from the pole at AMS, more than any other starting spot - most recently Kasey Kahne in the March, 2006 Golden Corral 500.

Newman notched six consecutive poles through 2003-2005 and grabbed his seventh last year in the spring race. This week leading up to the Kobalt Tools 500, Newman talked about how special breaking the tie with Baker would be.

After his runner-up finish at Las Vegas, Earnhardt Jr. was recently asked how his new team at Hendrick Motorsports was stacking up to the competition.

"I feel pretty confident in our program," Earnhardt Jr. said. "This (Las Vegas) is only the third race, man. I don't think you can get a good gauge by that. We got to go to Atlanta, a real racetrack. We'll see how we do."

Date:                           Saturday, March 8, 2008

Time:                           2:00 p.m. (ET)

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

Selected through an online promotion (Click here for details), a contest winner will help kick off the Aflac Pre-Race Show with a tandem skydiving jump over the racetrack and onto the AMS infield.

The awards for the events are part of a $6,763,848 purse announced for the three days of racing that comprise the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend schedule of events.

This exciting weekend of racing will kick off Friday night, March 7 with Georgia Power Sprint Cup Qualifying night, immediately followed by the American Commercial Line 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, where the tough trucks of NASCAR will hit the 1.54-mile quad-oval and battle for more than half a million dollars.

The action will move to the Thunder Ring, AMS' frontstretch quarter-mile oval for the final race of the season, immediately following the Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on March 8.

The Bandolero Bandits took the green flag for the first feature race of the day under bright blue skies. Kyle Plott started on the pole with Evan Bell and Kyle Benjamin in-tow. Bell charged to a commanding lead before spinning exiting the sweeping right turn on lap two, sending him to sixth place and handing the lead to Benjamin. Plott raced his way to the lead on lap four after a series of impressive maneuvers and never looked back, snaring the checkered flag.

That fact has reignited a debate which has raged for nearly 25 years in NASCAR.

Is the Nationwide Series a feeder program for NASCAR Sprint Cup? Or is it merely a Saturday playground for the world's best drivers?

During his sophomore campaign in the Sprint Cup Series, Clint Bowyer was a bona fide contender to win last season's championship.

The Richard Childress Racing driver credited his days in the Nationwide Series as the springboard he needed to become a NASCAR superstar.

"I love the series," said Bowyer, who finished third in the Sprint Cup championship standings last season. "Look at me, look at my career. Without the Nationwide Series, I wouldn't be here. "It gave me a chance to learn a lot from my teammates and race against good drivers that win Cup races.

AMS' most recent promotion, Real Racing. Real Fast. Roulette allowed fans the opportunity to purchase tickets to the upcoming Sprint Cup event for the price of the winning car number of the Daytona 500. The AMS ticket office, as well as Ticketmaster, sold the allotment of 1,000 tickets in six minutes. The promotion continues through 5 p.m. tomorrow as the speedway offers a $10 discount on all frontstretch reserved tickets for the Kobalt Tools 500.

The promotion drew fans from across the state of Georgia, some of whom camped out overnight in front of the ticket office to increase their odds of receiving one of the coveted tickets. A group of students from Peachtree City, Ga.'s Starr's Mill High School pitched tents at 1 a.m. on speedway property, after they saw who emerged as the victor in the Daytona 500.

Starting at 9 a.m. next Monday, Feb. 18, fans will have the opportunity to purchase Kobalt Tools 500 tickets, normally priced at $100, for the price of the winning car number of Sunday's Daytona 500.

One thousand tickets in rows 14 through 26 of the frontstretch Winners Grandstand will be available at this special discounted price while they last. Each purchase will be limited to a maximum of 10 tickets.     

After the initial 1,000 tickets are sold, fans will receive a $10 discount off each frontstretch grandstand ticket purchased Monday or Tuesday until 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the AMS ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX, (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211, or by visiting the ticket office.

Eight regional media outlets will hold contests with six winners getting the chance to ride shotgun with Gordon in a No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet race car from the Jeff Gordon Racing School on February 19. The school features race cars that have been purchased from the sport's top teams and are the same cars that have been raced in competition by some of NASCAR's biggest stars.

"Atlanta is an intense track and one of the fastest tracks we race on," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. "It has a lot of grip so you really feel the speed.

For just $159, a family of four can watch the world's best drivers at NASCAR's fastest track and each enjoy a hotdog and a Coca-Cola. The package is available by calling the AMS ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849) or 770-946-4211. In addition to the tickets in the Turn Three Elliott Grandstand, fans will receive a voucher for the hotdogs and Coca-Colas. 

"We are proud to partner with two great companies to offer fans this affordable Family 4- Pack," said AMS vice president of sales, Greg Walter. "This package is designed so the family of four can attend the Kobalt Tools 500 and enjoy a hotdog and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Our fans will enjoy even more value for their dollar with this fantastic ticket and concession package."

The trucks hit the asphalt at 10:30 a.m. and concluded their session at 8 p.m. Terry Cook laid down a fast lap of 31.493 seconds, (171.467 mph) followed by Todd Bodine, Chad McCumbee, Jack Sprague and Ron Hornaday Jr.

Teams used today to prepare for the March 7 American Commercial Lines 200 at AMS, held under the lights immediately following Georgia Power Sprint Cup Qualifying. Mike Skinner, the defending ACL 200 winner, was seventh quick with a lap of 31.795 seconds (161.838 mph).

Attendees will be given the unique opportunity to enjoy Georgia Power NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying and the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race from select luxury suites. Each suite will feature a different southern theme and menu.

The event will also allow participants the opportunity to meet several of NASCAR's top drivers and personalities and will feature a silent auction with many unique items.  

All members of the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, in their scouting uniforms, will be admitted free of charge in the turn four Family Grandstand. In addition, one adult leader or parent will receive complimentary admission with each four scouts in uniform. Additional adults with the scout groups will be admitted for $15 and non-scout children 12 years of age and younger will be admitted for $10.

The family grandstand offers a fantastic view of the on-track action from the family-friendly, smoke and alcohol free frontstretch Petty Grandstand.

"Our chairman Bruton Smith began this tradition in the 1970's at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte," said AMS president and general manager Ed Clark. "Many of our fans in attendance today first visited a NASCAR event as a scout and we see of them bringing their own children to the races. We are happy to offer this opportunity for a fun and exciting scout outing to all scouts within our market area."

Helping usher in a new era in motorsports, the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 will mark Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first competition laps in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at AMS. To commemorate the occasion, AMS is offering an $88 ticket in the frontstretch Earnhardt Grandstand for this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Located in the Turn Three Elliott Grandstand named after 1988 NASCAR champion 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 valid school identification may purchase seating in the same section for only $19.

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

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 under the lights, 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.

Tickets to the entire March event weekend are on sale now and can be obtained by calling (877) 9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), or by visiting . 

Honoring drivers for their on and off track talents, the banquet was held in the infield media center at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The following division champions were crowned:

Zaxby's Bandits:                                Kyle Plott

Greencastle Dental Young Guns:    Blake Eden

Morley Company Outlaws:   Diggie Bush

Back Yard Burgers Roadsters:       Dwight Pilgram

Tanger Outlet Centers Masters:      Jeff Haynie

Fuddruckers Semi-Pro:                    Matthew Stover

Adrenalin Powersports Pro:            Casey Roderick

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."

If the exhilaration of NEXTEL Cup racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway isn't enough action for one weekend, fans can purchase the naming rights to a lap in the Bass Pro Shops 500 and receive weekend tickets and pit passes.

In one of the most limited ticket specials offered by Atlanta Motor Speedway, 325 lucky fans have a chance to call a lap their own in the October 29 Bass Pro Shops 500.

Troi Hayes, a 26-year veteran of the motorsports industry, has joined Atlanta Motor Speedway's staff as an Account Executive in the sales department.

Hayes, an Atlanta native, recently served as the senior director of marketing at Talladega Super Speedway. He also co-owned a television and radio station and served as a consultant for several entities including radio stations and automobile dealerships.

Gordon was laid down the fastest lap with a circuit of 182.009 mph (30.46 seconds) in his No. 7 Chevrolet. McMurray drove an unnumbered primer colored car to a fast lap of 178.149 mph (31.12 seconds).

Thursday Thunder is a 10-week Legends racing series at Atlanta Motor Speedway that concludes this Thursday, Aug. 3. The ninth season of Thursday Thunder racing at AMS has proven to be a successful summer, and both competitors and spectators will enjoy one final evening of exciting short-track racing.

Papa John's Fan Appreciation Night: Thursday Thunder's season finale will feature a fan appreciation night sponsored by Papa John's Pizza. The first 500 fans through the gates on Thursday will receive a Papa John's gift bag. Fans can also watch fellow spectators compete in the Papa John's "Throw for Dough" contest during the intermission.

The ninth week of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured intense competition for both drivers and fans. It was "double points night" and the drivers muscled each other for every spot because they earned double the points they normally would for their finish. Those extra points can greatly affect the season ending points championship.

The fans, specifically the kids, also battled on Thursday night, but not for points; for coins and candy. The intermission activity featured the always favorite kids' coin and candy scramble where kids raced each other to see who could gather the most candy and coins. For the Halloween theme, Hampton residents Allison Parker and Angelina Green (age 3) co-won the best costume of the night dressing up as a Raggedy Ann and a bumble bee respectively.

Race fans wanting the chance to win a "Once-in-a-Lifetime" opportunity for the October Bass Pro Shops 500 must act now. There are less than two weeks left for fans that purchase a three-day public suite ticket to be entered into a drawing for five exciting once-in-a-lifetime race weekend experiences. The offer will end on Monday, Aug. 1.

These five different experiences provide fans an opportunity to be part of the Golden Corral 500 weekend and take home a lasting memory of their experience.

During the seventh week of competition at Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted the opening ceremonies for the seven-year-old and 11-year-old Dizzy Dean World Series teams. In addition to the baseball theme night, AMS introduced a new intermission race called, "Run What Ya Brung" sponsored by 96Rock. The new event pits street-legal cars against each other in a no-holds-barred battle on the quarter-mile Thunder Ring.

AMS President and General Manager, Ed Clark was the pole sitter for the Tanger Outlet Centers Masters feature, however when the field crossed the line on lap one, Sam McCollugh was the race leader. Skip Nichols took the lead on lap 10 and held onto it to claim his second win of the season.

A $50 1940 Ford coupe started Jim Gresham's obsession with racing fifty years ago and the Coupe was the first car Gresham ever owned. Since those humble beginnings, Gresham has seen his fleet swell to approximately 20 cars, with no signs of shrinking.

Gresham, the founder and chairman of Gresham and Associates Insurance Brokers, has been in love with racing since he was 14-years-old.

Atlanta Motor Speedway honored the one year anniversary of the tornado that damaged the facility by hosting "Twister Night" during Thursday Thunder and the evening was sponsored by Gresham & Associates Insurance Brokers. In addition to being Chairman of Gresham & Associates, Jim Gresham competes in the Roadster division.

R.S. Senter brought the field to the green flag for the McDonough Hospitality and Tourism Chargers feature. Mike Conrad and Senter swapped the lead for the last four laps, with Conrad taking the checkered flag first for his second win of the season.

The majority of mothers in the garage area during Thursday Thunder at Atlanta Motor Speedway simply come to show their support and make sure their child stays hydrated.

For Mary Caldwell of McDonough Ga., her duties are much more intense. Mary's son, James, races in the John Deere Outlaws division during Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekly Legends racing series, and Mary takes an active role in making sure James gets to the track, stays safe and enjoys a night of racing.

Thursday Thunder is a 10-week summer Legends racing series at Atlanta Motor Speedway held every Thursday night through August 3. The ninth season of Thursday Thunder racing at AMS is currently underway, and both competitors and spectators are enjoying an exciting season of short-track racing.

Fireworks Spectacular at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Fans attending Thursday Thunder on June 29 will be treated to the largest fireworks extravaganza in Georgia. One vehicle will be granted access to the Champions parking lot to view the fireworks for $5. With a parking pass, one adult will be admitted to the grandstands to watch Thursday Thunder and the fireworks show. For $5 fans can purchase an adult ticket and watch the fireworks both on the track and off. Children six to 12 will be admitted for $1 while children under six are free. The fireworks are being provided by internationally renowned aerial illumination experts, Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

Georgia Power's Beach night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured a night full of beach music in the stands with Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters "making waves" around the track. The night was intense for the competitors as it was "double points night" at AMS, where the drivers earned double points for their finish, which can make a huge difference in determining the 2006 season champions.

Paige Monette started on the pole for the John Deere Roadsters feature. For opening laps, Jim Gresham raced her side by side taking the lead on lap three. Gresham was victorious, posting his third Thursday Thunder win this season.

Fayetteville, Ga. resident Jonathan Chandler has started the 2006 Thursday Thunder season in grand fashion, winning the first three races and sitting at the top spot in the John Deere Outlaws championship points chase.

The Whitewater High School student has made 25 starts during Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekly Legends racing series, but prior to his victories in 2006, Chandler was winless in Thursday Thunder competition.

Mid-State RV Center's 70's Disco night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured a night full of disco music in the stands with Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters "Hustle"ing around the track.

The Atlanta Dental Team Bandits feature had Kyle Benjamin pacing the field to the green flag. Mason Massey took the early lead until he got loose on lap 10 and allowed Ronnie Bassett to pass him for the top spot and the eventual win.

HomeLife Communities night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured a full night of racing action, plus helped a very worthy cause. Rhubarb Jones, morning show co-host on Eagle 106.7 FM, made a stop at AMS for his annual March Across Georgia, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Atlanta Motor Speedway donated $1 for each adult ticket purchased from tonight's event, donations were collected in the grandstands and Atlanta Motor Speedway and its staff made a contribution. In all, $3,208 was raised for the Rhubarb's March and it was the largest donation night for them this year.

Matt Dooley led the field to the green flag for the Atlanta Dental Team Bandits feature, but Kyle Plott took the lead on lap one and never relinquished it. Plott scored his first ever Thursday Thunder win.

The ninth season of Thursday Thunder opened tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway with 110 cars competing, setting the new car count record for Thursday Thunder competition.

Early in the night, heat races were held. Classes with more than 18 cars competing raced to earn a position in the feature race tonight. The Back Yard Burger Semi-Pro and Atlanta Dental Team Bandits divisions had classes larger than 18, so some competitors had to go home before feature racing began.

Unlike most race car drivers who start racing at an abnormally young age, championship driver and McDonough resident Dwight Pilgram did not sit behind the wheel of a race car until he was out of high school.

A Legends champion and mechanic at Legends Cars of Georgia, Pilgram grew up on a middle-class farm in Pennsylvania.

Thursday Thunder is a 10-week summer racing series at Atlanta Motor Speedway, starting on June 1 and running through August 3. But it's about so much more than racing.

Thursday Thunder has been called the city's most affordable family activity by many fans. With tickets just $5 for adults (kids 6-12 are $1, 5 and under are free), a family of four can attend for less than a fast-food meal. And speaking of food, all concession prices are greatly reduced for the summer at reasonable prices.

The ninth season of Thursday Thunder is only six weeks away, and tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway, many competitors took the opportunity to get some extra seat time with 20-lap feature races in preparation for the summer series.

Evan Swilling (Cohutta) led the Bandolero Bandits to the green flag for the first feature of the night. On lap 15, a lapped car, Grant Crane (Zebulon) took out the leader, Swilling, making Kyle Plott (Marietta) the leader. Plott held on to claim the win.

With the third edition of Winter Flurry a recent memory and the ninth season of Thursday Thunder just over a month away, many competitors took the opportunity to get a jump on their competition at the April 7 off-season event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Evan Swilling (Cohutta), Daniel Moore (Griffin), and Austin Hill (Winston) were among the drivers score a win in route to laying the groundwork for a run at this season's Thursday Thunder title.

The Winners Grandstand will feature over 7,700 comfortable, individual style chairback seats with drink holders and an additional 5,300 bench style seats. The chairback package includes all six days of racing for both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekends. The bench seats will be sold on an event by event basis.

• 13,000-plus new seats
• 7,700-plus 20" individual chairback
• 5,300-plus bench style seats
• $195 per seat (includes three event days)$135 (Sunday only)

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Bill Lester will make history this weekend, piloting the No. 23 Waste Management NASCAR entry for Bill Davis Racing in the Golden Corral 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lester, fulfilling a lifelong dream, will be the first black driver to attempt to qualify for a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in 20 years.

Lester's racing career is marked by a series of firsts. He was the first African-American to compete in a NASCAR Busch Series event in 1999, the first to win a pole for a modern-era NASCAR race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 2003, and the first to lead a top division NASCAR race in two decades. Today, Houston-based Waste Management, sponsor of Lester's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team since 2004, announced that it will step up its commitment to Lester and support his historic run in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2006.

"Rocket Man" Ryan Newman will try and add his name to the record books at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday night, March 17 during Georgia Power qualifying night.

Newman is going for his seventh straight pole at AMS. Should he win the coveted first starting spot he would tie Buddy Baker for most career poles at AMS. Newman currently holds the record for most consecutive pole positions with six. Only five other drivers have won back to back poles at AMS. Alan Kulwicki, Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough, Dave Marcis and Fireball Roberts all recorded consecutive pole positions at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Atlanta Motor Speedway announced today winners of a three-day public suite ticket promotion. For the Golden Corral 500 weekend, fans purchasing a three-day public suite ticket were entered into a drawing for five exciting once-in-a-lifetime race weekend experiences.

These five different experiences provide fans an opportunity to be part of the Golden Corral 500 weekend and take home a lasting memory of their experience.

Fans wanting to secure a reserved RV parking space for the Golden Corral 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway need to act fast. There are less than 200 reserved spaces remaining in the four lots that comprise the more than 3,416 camping spaces at AMS.

"Camping is an integral part of racing and we have seen a significant increase in the demand for camping spaces," said Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark. "With less than 200 reserved RV spaces remaining, I strongly encourage fans to go ahead and purchase their package now to ensure a spot for the Golden Corral 500 race weekend."

Hollywood movie stars Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder will serve as Grand Marshals for the upcoming NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Golden Corral 500 on March 19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The trio are headlining the new comedy The Benchwarmers from Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions and Revolution Studios. The Benchwarmers will be released nationwide by Columbia Pictures on April 7 and tells the story of three underdogs (Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder) who form a three-man baseball team to challenge a full squad of elementary school baseball bullies. Their success leads to a high-stakes, winner-take-all game with the best kids in the state where, if they win, they will become an inspiration for every kid who has ever been a benchwarmer.

Six of the greatest drivers and legends of NASCAR - Richard Petty, David Pearson, Ned Jarrett, Benny Parsons, Buddy Baker, and Donnie Allison - will serve as Grand Marshals for the Nicorette 300, the NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The six legends were selected by Nicorette nicotine gum to serve as Grand Marshals as a tribute to their racing careers and for their personal support of smoking cessation.

The Nicorette 300 marks the first NASCAR race to ever be sponsored by a smoking cessation product and is just one activity in a season-long sponsorship designed to eradicate smoking from the sport of NASCAR.

Atlanta Motor Speedway announced today a limited time offer for fans who purchase a three-day public suite ticket. Fans that purchase the suite ticket will be entered into a drawing for five exciting once-in-a-lifetime race weekend experiences. However, the offer will end on Wednesday, March 1.

These five different experiences provide fans an opportunity to be part of the Golden Corral 500 weekend and take home a lasting memory of their experience.