- Events/Tickets
- Fan Zone
- News/Media
- Corporate Marketing
SponsorsGroup SalesTrack Rentals
- About Us
News
- December 2006
-
12/15/06With the college bowl season just around the corner, Richmond International Raceway president and Virginia Tech graduate Doug Fritz has made a friendly wager with Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark. The Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta on December 30 will feature Fritz's beloved Hokies taking on the Georgia Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. So what are they wagering? The winner will receive famous foods from the loser's respective state as payment. If Virginia Tech wins, Fritz will receive a basket of Georgia peaches and Georgia pecans from Clark. But if Georgia wins, Clark will get a Virginia ham and peanuts from Fritz.
-
12/06/06For those who want to get the NASCAR fan in their family a unique Christmas gift they will love without fighting for a mall parking spot or searching through a crowded department store, Atlanta Motor Speedway has the perfect gift: tickets to the March NEXTEL Cup Series race weekend. Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering three weekend ticket packages as well as individual tickets for the March 16-18 race weekend. Starting at just $88, fans can give the gift of three days of racing at AMS without wrecking their holiday gift budget. Included in the package is a ticket to Georgia Power Qualifying night, the fastest qualifying session in NASCAR, on Friday, March 16. Immediately following qualifying, the toughest trucks on the planet, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will battle for 200-miles under the lights.
-
12/05/06The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children's Charities is spreading the holiday spirit this year in a big way. More than $212,000 will be presented to 22 area charities at the annual holiday celebration tonight. This year's total donation amount is an increase of more than $30,000 from last year. Representatives from each charity, including children who benefit directly from the Speedway Children's Charities' grants, will attend tonight's events, which begin at 6:00 p.m.
-
12/05/06The stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series may be receiving their awards tonight in New York, but trophies were handed out to aspiring drivers during week two of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry Series. Clean, competitive racing was this evening's theme as the caution flag only waved two times. Week three will force drivers to turn right as well as left when the series returns on January 6 for a full slate of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing on the infield road course.
- November 2006
-
11/28/06The fourth season of Winter Flurry opened tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Winter Flurry season will encompass six events at AMS including tonight's event plus races held on December 1, January 6, January 20, February 3 and the final event during the Atlanta 500 race weekend on March 16-18. The Roadster feature began with Ed Clark on the pole. Justin Stauffer was on Clark's rear bumper lap after lap; however he was unable to pass Clark for the win.
-
11/13/06Tickets for the March 16-18 2007 NEXTEL Cup race weekend are on sale now. NASCAR's top three series will return to the fastest track on the circuit and great seats start at just $60. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, or (877) 9-AMS-TIX, by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com, or through an authorized Ticketmaster retail outlet.
- October 2006
-
10/27/06Bill Elliott's name already fills the Atlanta Motor Speedway and NASCAR record books, and today, speedway officials have made Elliott a more permanent fixture at AMS. To commemorate Elliott's 30 years of racing at AMS, speedway officials today announced that the facility's East Turn Grandstand will be renamed the Elliott Grandstand in honor of Elliott's and his family's contributions to the sport. Ellliott's career includes six victories, five pole positions and 20 top-10 finishes at AMS. The 1988 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion will be making his 57th start on Sunday, October 29 in the Bass Pro Shops 500.
-
10/26/06Construction is complete at Atlanta Motor Speedway, bringing a close to nearly $23 million in improvements and additions. Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman O. Bruton Smith with NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Mark Martin, Carl Edwards, Bobby Labonte and Kasey Kahne all were at the Speedway today previewing the new Club One and unveiling the Bass Pro Shops 500 race winner's trophy called "Big Roar." Including the wooden base, "Big Roar," a bronze grizzly bear, stands more than 8 feet tall and weighs in at nearly 300 pounds. The unveiling took place in front of the Winners Gallery, which pays tribute to past NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race winners at AMS.
-
10/25/06Georgia Native Chase Miller to Make First AMS Start on Saturday, October 27 Georgia Native Chase Miller will be making his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday. Miller scored several wins on the Thunder Ring, AMS's frontstretch quarter-mile oval in a Legends car, but this will be his first start on the 1.54 mile-quad-oval. The EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 will mark Miller's fifth NCTS career start. "I have been looking forward to racing at Atlanta for a long time. I grew up about an hour from the track and have always dreamed about competing there in a NASCAR series event," Miller said. "I have raced my Legends car their several times on the quarter-mile oval, but I have no experience on the big track. I know Bobby Hamilton Sr. loves that track so I plan to get a couple of pointers from him before I go out for practice. From what he has told me so far, it seems to be a great track to race on. It has more than one groove and I seem to run best at those type tracks. BHR has had some great trucks here in the past. I think we might surprise a few people on how well we might run."
-
10/24/06The Crown Royal International Race of Champions Series began testing over the weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the finale round of the 2006 $1million All-Star series. Race Four will take place on Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m., ET, broadcast live on SPEED Channel. Dave Marcis, David Donohue, Jim and Jay Sauter, the Crown Royal IROC team of test drivers, have the equalizing process on the fleet of racecars well under way for the Series' third consecutive finale at the 1.54-mile oval. Jay Sauter said, "I think the cars are really good. Today we've got a bit of a wind condition so that can make the cars feel a little tight or a little loose, but overall we've got a great package and the IROC cars are capable of putting on a great race on Saturday."
-
10/23/06A hint of nostalgia is in the air as the 1988 NEXTEL Cup Series Champion, Bill Elliott, takes the seat of the #37 R&J Racing Dodge in Atlanta later this week to celebrate his 30th Anniversary of racing at his hometown track. Elliott's entry will be fielded out of the same Dawsonville, Ga. shop from which he and his family operation raced for years. The car will sport the red and white paint scheme familiar to longtime Elliott fans and will feature a commemorative logo which marks the 30 year milestone. Elliott's brother, Ernie, will provide the powerplant for the effort. Three of the current RJ Racing employees were part of the championship winning Elliott team of years ago.
-
10/23/06For the first time at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the thunderous roar of 600 horsepower Modified race cars will fill the night air immediately following Georgia-Pacific Qualifying on Friday, October 27. Drivers from across the southeast will visit Atlanta Motor Speedway, some for the first time, to be a part of a history making race at one of the most famous tracks in the world.
-
10/20/06Fans wanting to attend the Bass Pro Shops 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway have just one week left to purchase tickets. On Friday, October 27, the NEXTEL Cup Series will hit the pavement for the fastest qualifying session of the year during Georgia-Pacific Qualifying night. Immediately following qualifying, the competitors of the ASA Southern Modified Series will take to the Thunder Ring for the Papa John's Pizza Shootout. For the first time ever at AMS, Modified cars will hit the quarter mile track located on the frontstretch for 75 laps of action that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
-
10/18/06At first glance it's just another nondescript grey section of asphalt that could make up any speedway, but a second look tells a different story. Under closer examination that same faded grey segment begins the transition between banking and straightaway but yet it still doesn't tell the whole story. One final, broader look produces the keys to unlocking the story. It's Turn 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway; a perfectly weathered segment of speedway which helped produce four fantastic finishes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
-
10/18/06Drivers will be competing for their share of nearly $8.5 million dollars during Atlanta Motor Speedway's Oct. 27-29 Bass Pro Shops 500 race weekend. The awards for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Craftsman Truck Series races comprise a $6,559,125 purse announced for the two money-paying NASCAR events during the three days of racing at AMS.
-
10/18/06NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Chase for the Cup contender Mark Martin will be selling tickets in the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fans who purchase a ticket to any of the three days of racing for the Oct. 27-29 Bass Pro Shops 500 race weekend can purchase their ticket from Martin.
-
10/17/06Fans can count on a fabulous, door-banging, four-wide race at Atlanta Motor Speedway when the Crown Royal IROC Series rolls into town for the Bass Pro Shops 500 race weekend, October 27-29. Part of what makes Crown Royal IROC Series racing so great at AMS, besides the drivers, is the equipment. Each car is meticulously tested, ensuring the cars are identical in speed and handling, essentially leaving the outcome to the drivers.
-
10/11/06When Bill Elliott takes the green flag for the October 29 Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he will reach a milestone and further etch his name in the AMS record books. Elliott will make his 58th career start at AMS, a stretch that started 30 years ago. In recognition of the accomplishment, Team Red Bull has designed a retro paint scheme for Elliott to run in the Bass Pro Shops 500, complete with the No. 30 to mark his three-decade career at AMS. The paint scheme is designed after the Dahlonega Ford Sales sponsored car Elliott drove in his first start at AMS in 1976.
-
10/11/06NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship contender Denny Hamlin and PGA TOUR golf star Davis Love III were both at Atlanta Motor Speedway today unveiling a new paint scheme Hamlin will drive in the October 29 Bass Pro Shops 500. The scheme recognizes the FedExCup, PGA TOUR's dramatic season-long points championship, which culminates with a four-tournament playoff, similar to the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup.
-
10/11/06Atlanta Motor Speedway is proud to host a NASCAR star-studded charity reception and auction on Thursday, October 26 to benefit Speedway Children's Charities and the Ryan Newman Foundation. Presented by Alltel Wireless and emceed by local radio talent Dallas McCade and special guest Dan Elliott, "Harvest Nights" will feature live entertainment, driver meet and greets and a live and silent auction that features NASCAR memorabilia and other items. Held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to meet some of NASCAR's top drivers and legends. Those expected to attend include Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Buddy Baker, Rex White, Ray Evernham, Erin Crocker and Chad Chaffin.
-
10/10/06With just 10 points currently separating the top-three Chase for the NEXTEL Cup contenders, the atmosphere at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be electric when the Cup Series visits NASCAR's fastest track October 27-29. Leading the charge is Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet. Roush Racing teammates Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin trail Burton for the Series lead in a very close championship chase.
-
10/05/06With just six races remaining before the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crowns its champion, two trucks are battling for supremacy and have a legitimate shot at claiming the series title. Todd Bodine, who won the John Deere 200 in March at AMS, currently holds a 91-point lead over second-place Johnny Benson. Just four races ago, Benson's deficit was nearly 200 points, but Benson, who is tied with Mark Martin in series wins this year with four, has closed the points gap quickly.
-
10/02/06Bill Elliott will sign copies of his new book, Awesome Bill From Dawsonville, My Life in NASCAR, on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2-3:30 p.m. Elliott will be signing at an SMI Souvenir trailer at Gate 13. The weekend will celebrate 30 years of racing at Elliott's hometown track, Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- September 2006
-
09/29/06One Month Left to Buy Bass Pro Shops 500 Tickets and March 2007 NEXTEL Cup Tickets on Sale October 2Fans wanting to attend the largest party in Georgia have just one month left to purchase tickets. The Bass Pro Shops 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend will feature three days of racing at NASCAR's fastest track with Georgia-Pacific Qualifying slated for Friday, Oct. 27 under the lights. Saturday, Oct. 28 features the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 Craftsman Truck race and the Crown Royal IROC season finale. Sunday, Oct. 29, will give fans the opportunity to catch the stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series battle for 500 high-speed miles in the Bass Pro Shops 500.
-
09/22/06Statistics, facts and figures dominate any sport and NASCAR is no different. Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Bobby Labonte battle for supremacy in the Atlanta Motor Speedway record books, with Labonte the leader in money won at AMS and Earnhardt recording the most wins at the 1.54-mile quad-oval. Below is a numerical look at some interesting historical feats, facts and figures at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
-
09/19/06Atlanta Motor Speedway announced on March 1, 2006 major facility changes that will be in place for the October 27-29 Bass Pro Shops 500. These changes include replacing the Weaver Grandstands along the backstretch with an all-new Trackside Terrace RV camping area plus the addition of the new Winners Grandstand and Club One overlooking Turn 1. Below are updates of work completed to date. Look for periodic updates following this one. Trackside Terrace RV Camping area: · Sixty percent of the sod along the Trackside Terrace berm is laid, with the remaining 40 percent to be complete soon. · Approximately 35 percent of the retaining walls for the terraces on the berm are complete. · Crews have finished grading and 50 percent of the water, sewage and electrical connections have been placed.
-
09/18/06
With more than 80,000 high-speed miles driven around Atlanta Motor Speedway among them, this year's class of Chase for the NEXTEL Cup chasers is a great blend of youth and experience. From rookie sensation Denny Hamlin, to the crafty veteran Mark Martin, the 2006 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup is comprised of NASCAR's elite drivers, and with the slate being wiped clean for the start of the Chase, it is anyone's Cup to claim.
Below is a look at the contenders for the 2006 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and their history at Atlanta Motor Speedway:
-
09/17/06Race fans attending Georgia-Pacific Qualifying on Friday, October 27 will get more entertainment for their dollar when the ASA Southern Modified Tour rolls into the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Papa John's Pizza Shootout. The Modified cars will fill the Thunder Ring, Atlanta Motor Speedway's front-stretch quarter-mile oval, creating an exciting 75-lap slug-fest.
-
09/17/06
When an F2 tornado ripped through Atlanta Motor Speedway one-year ago, it left what could have been mistaken for a high-speed jig-saw puzzle. This week, the final piece of the puzzle was locked into place when the giant scoring tower that sits in Turn One was re-erected after its collapse following the twister.
Like its twin in Turn Four, the 100-foot behemoth has indicators for lap times and the number of laps completed, the top-20 cars in the running order and the ability to scroll through the entire fields running order.
-
09/17/06
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.
- August 2006
-
08/30/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway will play host to the NOPI NATIONALS Motorsports Supershow for the ninth consecutive year September 16 and 17 when sport compact enthusiasts from across the nation visit AMS for the annual event.
A full slate of activities and competitions are on tap for this year's automotive supershow. Hydraulic, drift, burnout, audio and swimsuit competitions are all on the card for this year's event, as well as over 7,000 vehicles on display in the car show portion of the event. Atlanta hip-hop artist Ludacris and 1980's rock 'n' roll band Skid Row will perform shows during the weekend.
-
08/21/06
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.
-
08/09/06NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers Jamie McMurray and Robby Gordon tested tires today at Atlanta Motor Speedway, finishing a two-day test for Goodyear.
After a slow start to yesterday's session, McMurray, driving the same unnumbered car he drove yesterday, laid down the fast lap today with a circuit of 177.69 mph (31.20 seconds). Robby Gordon drove his yellow No. 7 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to a lap of 176.22 mph (31.46 seconds).
-
08/08/06NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers Jamie McMurray and Robby Gordon tested tires today at Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of a two-day tire test for Goodyear at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
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).
-
08/08/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway announced today winners of a three-day public suite ticket promotion. For the Bass Pro Shops 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 Bass Pro Shops 500 weekend and take home a lasting memory of their experience.
-
08/05/06Tire Smoke and Thunderous Applause Fill the Night Air at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night DragsWeek three of Atlanta Motor Speedway's pavement pounding new Friday Night Drags series sent spectators and competitors home happy for a third straight week. On-track action was highlighted by a Pro series, tire smoking 1997 Dodge Stealth and a beautiful 1933 Ford 3-window coupe could be found in the Show-N-Shine area.
-
08/03/06The final week of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured a match race between Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and WSB-AM radio personality, Captain Herb Emory. In honor of the Governor's appearance, all public safety personnel (police, firefighters, etc.) were admitted free. The Thursday Thunder season was capped off with Papa John's Fan Appreciation Night where the fans were treated to many prizes for their support the weekly racing series.
In the match race, Gov. Perdue and Capt. Herb took turns spinning each other out, with the Governor eventually winning the race. Capt. Herb congratulated the Governor on his win by rear-ending him; causing Capt. Herb to lose both his headlights. The Governor celebrated his win Tony Stewart-style, by climbing the fence on the frontstretch.
-
08/02/06
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.
- July 2006
-
07/29/06Two weeks into Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags and Show and Shine car show, it's clear both fans and competitors are excited about this new venture. Fans filled the Earnhardt grandstand and infield pit area to watch some great heads-up drag racing along with viewing some incredible custom cars. Clearly one of the highlights was the Pro Class which saw some of the fastest action of the night with Valorie Mitchell (Monticello, GA) in her '55 Chevy taking home the coveted trophy besting her husband. The newly created Pro-Street Division saw Daryl Stiles (Williamson, GA) in his '73 Chevy Love truck grab the win. Driving an '82 Ford Mustang, Matt Mayne (Gay, GA) grabbed the Domestic Class hardware while Kaleb Mashburn (Covington, GA) in an '03 Mitsubishi Evolution was the Import winner.
-
07/27/06
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.
-
07/25/06
The first round of Friday Night Drags at Atlanta Motor Speedway was a tremendous success. In an effort to build on an already great event, some new policies and procedures will be implemented this Friday night, creating a safer, more fan friendly environment for both participants and spectators.
The need to make a few changes to insure quicker access in the facility for both competitors and fans was obvious, and AMS officials have taken the initial steps to remedy these issues.
-
07/24/06
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.
-
07/20/06
Wade Tractor and Adrenalin Powersports of Griffin, Ga. sponsored the eighth week of competition of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder. Jimmy Wade and Melissa Wade, owners of the two companies, are first year competitors in the Tanger Outlet Center Masters and McDonough Hospitality and Tourism Chargers divisions respectively, and they are thrilled to be involved with the summer racing series.
Daniel Moore led the field to the start for the Back Yard Burgers Semi-Pro feature. On lap one, Ryan Gandee took the lead. No one could get close to Gandee's rear bumper; he won the event by three car lengths. It was his third win of the season.
-
07/19/06Drag cars will rip down pit road at Atlanta Motor Speedway this Friday and the NASCAR garages will be full of show cars, trucks, motocycles and hot rods. This Friday signals the start of AMS's "Friday Night Street Drags" series. The grassroots drag racing series will feature domestic and import divisions as well as a professional division for participants who want to "Drag to Brag." In addition to the bleacher rattling drag cars, a "Show and Shine" car show and a motorcycle show coordinated by Big Dog Motorcycles of McDonough, Ga. will be incorporated into the action.
-
07/14/06
A few laps around Atlanta Motor Speedway's famed high banks have caused Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to catch a fever; the racing fever.
While at AMS last Saturday, Gov. Perdue drove a Jeff Gordon Racing School car around the 1.54-mile quad-oval. His fastest lap of the day clocked in at 164 mph.
Gov. Perdue will parlay his driving skills learned on a large track in a NEXTEL Cup style stock car onto a much smaller track, in a much tamer car against a serious competitor.
-
07/13/06
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.
-
07/12/06
Thursday Thunder is a 10-week 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.
"Run What Ya Brung": For the first time ever at AMS, fans will have the opportunity to race their personal vehicles around the Thunder Ring, the one-fourth-mile track located along the frontstretch at AMS. Any street legal passenger car or truck with working seatbelts will be permitted to race. Drivers must have a helmet and a valid drivers' license. Entries are still being accepted and fans can call Ted Austad in the events department at (770) 946-3954 for more information.
-
07/10/06
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.
-
07/09/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway's pavement pounding new Friday Night Drags series ended its 2006 season with plenty of action for both competitors and fans.
In addition to the Imports, Domestics, ATVs, Trucks, Pro, and Pro Street classes, fans were entertained by two types of motorcycle shows. A local super bike acrobat group performed a variety of stunts including wheelies and front-wheel stands. Following the stunt show, professional riders from the Southeastern Motorcycle Drag Racing Association took to the grid for a drag exhibition. A combination of street, top gas and pro-mod bikes put on a show for the fans, with some classes traveling the entire AMS eighth-mile drag strip in under five seconds.
-
07/06/06
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.
-
07/06/06
Thursday Thunder is a 10-week 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.
Half Way for the 2006 Season: The crossed flags are in the air, signaling the halfway point of the 2006 Thursday Thunder season. This season has been high lighted with first time winners, great finishes and a lot of fun for both drivers and spectators.
- June 2006
-
06/30/06
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.
-
06/29/06
Papa John's Pizza Red, White and Blue Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder featured Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters "rocketing" around the track with Georgia's first holiday fireworks show to end the night.
Brennan Poole started on the pole for the Pro feature. Casey Roderick leaned on Poole lap after lap, but was unable to make the pass for the win. In only his second Thursday Thunder start this summer, Poole posted his first win.
-
06/27/06
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.
-
06/26/06
Countless stories have been told about the 16-year-old surprised with a new car on their birthday. Few stories however, include a 40-year-old surprised with a Legends race car on their birthday, but Griffin business owner Jimmy Wade got just such a surprise.
Wade, owner of Wade Tractor and Equipment, Inc. in Griffin, Ga., his wife Melissa and their four children regularly attended Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekly Legends racing series, as spectators. Eventually Wade grew eager to climb behind the wheel of a race car; if it could be a family event.
-
06/22/06
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.
-
06/20/06
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 one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas 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.
-
06/20/06
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.
-
06/16/06
When he is not selling insurance at his insurance office in Hampton, Ga., Wade Brewer is probably enjoying an outdoor activity with his family, and that activity most likely involves octane.
The 42-year-old University of Georgia graduate and father of three balances dirt bike riding, boating, softball, baseball, football and racing. Regardless of the activity, Brewer makes sure it involves his family.
-
06/15/06
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.
-
06/13/06Alpharetta Georgia's Paige Monette can attribute her racing successes to two things; persistence and dedication.
Racing is in Paige's family and has been for years. Paige's father, Bob, has had racing in his blood since he was old enough to walk.
"My uncle built South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va. and I can remember working at the track when I was about 6-years-old," Monette said. "I've never seen a child go to a race track and not have fun. It is a great environment for my family."
-
06/08/06
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.
-
06/07/06Thursday Thunder is back in action for the second week of the 10-week summer Legends racing series at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This week features HomeLife Communities night featuring Rhubarb Jones' March Across Georgia.
Rhubarb Jones' March Across Georgia Stops at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Rhubarb Jones' annual March Across Georgia will stop at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Thursday, June 8 to collect funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Money collected during Rhubarb's march will help fund blood cancer research and improve the quality of life of ill patients and their families. Atlanta Motor Speedway will donate $1 from each adult admission to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
-
06/01/06
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.
-
06/01/06
Fans who want to get a shot at the best seats for the Bass Pro Shops 500 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway can do so today, as tickets for all three days of racing action are on sale now.
Today only, fans who stop by the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office and purchase a Bass Pro Shops 500 ticket will receive a free ticket to the first Thursday Thunder race of the season. Thursday Thunder is Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week Legends racing series and starts on tonight at 6:00 p.m.
- May 2006
-
05/30/06
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.
-
05/24/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway announced today the return of the "Once-in-a-Lifetime" opportunities for the October Bass Pro Shops 500. For a limited time, fans that purchase a three-day public suite ticket will be entered into a drawing for five exciting once-in-a-lifetime race weekend experiences. However, 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.
-
05/23/06
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.
-
05/19/06
The ninth season of Thursday Thunder is only 13 days 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.
The Bandolero Bandits were the first division of the evening to take the green flag with Kyle Plott (Marietta) on the pole. Plott held the top spot for three circuits around the Thunder Ring before surrendering the lead to Ronnie Bassett (Winston Salem, N.C.). Bassett led the remainder of the race.
-
05/08/06Atlanta's summers are about to get a lot hotter as Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekly racing series gets set to take the green flag for the 2006 season. Thursday Thunder, a 10-week series that hosts Bandolero, Legends and Thunder Roadster racing is one of the most affordable, exciting family activities in Atlanta. Every Thursday night from June 1 to August 3, is a smorgasbord of games, contests, giveaways and hot on-track racing excitement. Thursday Thunder will be celebrating its ninth anniversary in 2006 and this year promises to be the most exciting yet.
- April 2006
-
04/25/06The deadline for fans wishing to renew their race tickets for the October 27-29 Bass Pro Shops 500 is May 12. Fans can renew online using their account number and PIN number provided on their renewal statement. Click here to renew online: Renew Online Fans may also call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, or (877) 9-AMS-TIX to renew their tickets. Tickets for the Bass Pro Shops 500 will go on sale Monday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m. This October will be the first opportunity for fans to take advantage of new seating options at AMS. The all new Winners Grandstands overlooks the entrance of Turn One and has a great view of the Start\Finish Line and the exit of pit road. Above the Winners Grandstands will be Club One, an exclusive new club style atmosphere offering patrons a seat in a climate controlled suite that has theater seats as well as a bar and premium menu.
-
04/21/06
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.
-
04/18/06
The Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities held its spring fundraiser on Saint Patrick's Day. Because of the generosity of participating corporate suite holders at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities was able to sponsor a unique "Festival of Suites" fundraiser during the Golden Corral 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend.
In total, the event raised more than $122,000 for local charities. Approximately $18,500 in personal and corporate donations were collected, $36,500 in sponsorship money was donated, nearly $12,000 in auction items were purchased and more than $56,000 came from individual suite tickets sales.
-
04/10/06
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.
-
04/07/06Opening for the Bass Pro Shops 500 this October, Club One spacious interior surrounds members in a grandly appointed decor unlike any other at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Exquisitely designed bars along with lavish serving stations immerse members in a relaxed yet refined setting. From black marble accented floor to the richly appointed theater-style seating, no detail has been overlooked in providing a stylish setting for you and your guest to enjoy a race weekend.
- March 2006
-
03/23/06The cornerstone of the new improvements opening this October for the Bass Pro Shops 500 weekend will be the 13,000-plus seat Winners Grandstand to be located at the turn one end of the front straightway.
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)
-
03/20/06Kasey Kahne held off a late charge by veteran Mark Martin to claim the second victory of his career today at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kahne's win put a Dodge back in victory lane at Atlanta Motor Speedway after a 29 year drought. And it was 29 years to day, as the last time a Dodge visited victory lane at AMS was with Richard Petty on March 20, 1977. In two starts in the spring race at AMS, Kahne has finished fifth and third, climbing his way to victory lane in his third spring event. His great success in the spring race, also transferred over into Georgia Power Cup qualifying and the Nicorette 300 this weekend as well. "This weekend we ran second in the Busch race, qualified first in the Cup race and ended up winning it today," Kahne said of his weekend. "It was just a great effort by the guys and I'm proud to be driving for Ray (Evernham) right now, that's for sure." Kahne was not only fastest during Friday night's qualifying session; he stayed in the top-five of the speed charts all weekend long.
-
03/19/06The Golden Corral 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race is set to take the green flag today at 11:00 a.m. Existing tickets and credentials will be honored at the gate and the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office is open for fans still wishing to purchase tickets.
-
03/18/06Jeff Burton won his first NASCAR Busch Series race in more than three years Saturday, cruising to victory in the Nicorette 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "It was a good day for us, hopefully we can do it again tomorrow," Burton said. "It was a great race. If you were to go to race two guys, you couldn't ask for two better racers than Kasey Kahne and Matt Kenseth. I couldn't ask for a better competitor than Kenseth. I look at everything he's done and it's just awesome. "Mark Martin taught me that you're never guaranteed to be in victory lane and to appreciate it every time, and I remembered that today," said Burton. "When you can beat those guys it means a lot. I'm proud of myself for continuing to fight and giving 100 percent." When asked about repaving tracks, Burton commented, "This race track is how it ought to be. It's wore out, it eats tires up. It's 190 mph to the corner when you need to slow down to 40. It's a riot and it's what makes the racing so good."
-
03/18/06Todd Bodine made a wild four-wide pass in the closing laps to win the John Deere 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race Friday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mark Martin dominated much of the race, so when Bodine saw his opportunity, he seized it, threading the needle between two lapped trucks. Martin moved low, making it four wide, and all four trucks were sliding as the dust cleared. Bodine, still swerving and trying to regain control, took the lead, while Timothy Peters couldn't straighten out, spinning to bring out the yellow flag. When the race restarted for another green-white-checkered finish, Bodine and Martin battled door-to-door for the final laps until a multi-car crash brought out the caution to end the race. "That's Craftsman Truck racing at its best," Bodine said. "I was hoping and praying I wasn't going (to lose it). I never lifted. Even a blind squirrel gets a nut now and again."
-
03/17/06Ryan Newman is no longer the fastest man in NASCAR. Kasey Kahne wrested the title away from Newman Friday by clinching his first pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway, circling the 1.54-mile quad-oval in 28.792 seconds (192.553 mph). That fast lap ended Newman's streak of six straight (and seven overall) pole positions at NASCAR's fastest track. "I wish I could give up a couple tenths on a couple poles I've had here before to have three thousandths here tonight," said Newman, who will start next to Kahne for Sunday's Golden Corral 500 after turning a lap of 28.794 seconds (192.540 mph). "To be that close, it's disappointing, but I guess we'll just have to start a new streak now." The pole position was the seventh of Kahne's career and his first at Atlanta. "We're excited to win a pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway, one of the tracks you look forward to qualifying at every single year, and really happy to beat Ryan Newman, who is hard to beat here," Kahne said. "We barely did it." Jeff Burton was third in his Cingular Wireless Chevrolet, 28. 858 seconds (191.914 mph). "I'm qualifying challenged, especially at Atlanta," Burton said. "This place has really been a challenge for us. Doesn't mean we're gonna win the race and everything's great, but it's an accomplishment for us. It doesn't hurt."
-
03/17/06Atlanta resident Bill Lester will make history during tonight's Georgia Power Qualifying session, when he will be the first African American in 20 years to attempt to qualify for a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race. Lester will pilot the No. 23 Waste Management car, fielded by Bill Davis Racing, in his attempt for Sunday's Golden Corral 500. Lester will also race in tonight's John Deere 200 Craftsman Truck race for BDR. "I love Atlanta Motor Speedway; I love tracks like this. I'm in my hometown, I feel very comfortable here, and the city has embraced me," Lester said during a press conference Friday to announce his three-race NEXTEL Cup schedule with Waste Management, a program termed the "Drive Into History". "I have extremely high confidence going into tonight based on our test at Kentucky." Lester said he also hopes his presence in NASCAR helps propel the sport's diversity program.
-
03/16/06
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Rep. Mike Barnes and Sen. John Douglas hosted the fourth annual Atlanta Motor Speedway Day Thursday on the front steps of the Georgia State Capitol building.
Along with Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark, NASCAR drivers Jeff Burton, Reed Sorenson, John Andretti and Bill Lester attended the rally to support the strong racing tradition in Atlanta.
-
03/14/06
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.
-
03/13/06
With the longest season of any professional sport and venues stretching from Atlanta to California, members of the NASCAR community look forward to getting back to their hometown every chance they get.
Four drivers and three owners currently competing in NASCAR's elite divisions have strong Atlanta ties.
-
03/10/06
"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.
-
03/09/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway announced three major facility additions that will be in place for the October 27-29 Bass Pro Shops 500 race weekend.
More than 13,000 new grandstand seats will be added in the newly created Winners Grandstand, located at the Turn One end of the front straightaway. The new grandstand will feature more than 7,700 comfortable, individual style chair seats with drink holders and an additional 5,300 bench style seats. The chairback seats will be available for purchase annually for $495, including all six days both NEXTEL Cup race weekends and the bench seats will be available on an event by event basis. Click the links for more information. Club One; Winners Grandstand; Trackside Terrace;
-
03/09/06
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.
-
03/08/06
Even with his semi-retirement looming around the corner, Mark Martin is busier than he has ever been in his 20th season of competition in NASCAR's elite divisions.
Martin was supposed to tighten the reigns on his storied racing career in 2005, but to help fill previous contract obligations the loyal Martin helped his car owner, Jack Roush, when Roush asked him to drive in the NEXTEL Cup Series for the 2006 season.
-
03/03/06
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."
-
03/03/06HAMPTON, Ga. (March 3, 2006) - NASCAR drivers competing in the March 19 Golden Corral 500, the March 18 Nicorette 300 and the March 17 John Deere 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be battling for nearly $6.5 million in posted prize money. The awards for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series events are part of a $6,452,858 purse announced for the three days of racing that comprise the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race week schedule of events. This exciting weekend of racing will kick off Friday night, March 17 with Georgia Power Qualifying night, immediately followed by the John Deere 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.
-
03/02/06
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.
- February 2006
-
02/28/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced today that John Deere, the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural, consumer and commercial turf care and forestry equipment, will sponsor the speedway's Friday night March 17 Craftsman Truck Series race.
The race, which will be held during the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 weekend, will be officially known as the John Deere 200. Starting at approximately 9:15 p.m., the John Deere 200 will immediately follow Georgia Power NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying.
-
02/23/06
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.
-
02/20/06
There is only three weeks left until the start of the Golden Corral 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend and Atlanta Motor Speedway is bustling with activity.
Last spring's Golden Corral 500 provided fans with a photo finish with Carl Edwards inching past Jimmie Johnson for the win. Fans can expect the same intense, door to door battle this year.
-
02/20/06
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.
-
02/20/06
Atlanta Motor Speedway's newest advertisement campaign for the Golden Corral 500 race weekend launched this week in select markets around the southeast. The 30-second spots, titled "National Sport of the South," focus on NASCAR's national prominence and its southern roots.
The idea for the new advertisements spun from research conducted at AMS during past races. The new creative further builds speedway's branding campaign, Real Racing, Real Fast. Real Racing includes people from all backgrounds enjoying and attending NASCAR events, the commercials depict six people from different professions in rural settings expressing their love for NASCAR.
Click picture to start video.
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced today the creation of 80 new Premium reserved camping spots in the Mid-State Family Campgrounds.
Located north of the speedway's main entrance, the new campground will provide water and electricity and is conveniently located next to the main camper shower facility.
Thanks to the generosity of participating corporate suite holders at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will sponsor a "Festival of Suites" on Friday, March 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Event guests will have the opportunity to visit participating suites, bid on a selection of unique auction items and sample foods from a variety of cuisines. This event offers each guest an opportunity to enjoy Georgia Power NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying night as well as watch an exciting NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race from a luxury suite. Join us for a fun filled evening and a chance to meet some of NASCAR's top drivers.
NASCAR's top drivers don't just race on Sundays. Fans wanting to get a double-dose of their favorite NEXTEL Cup stars can watch them compete in the Nicorette 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, March 18 as well as the Golden Corral 500 NEXTEL Cup race on March 19.
More than 15 NEXTEL Cup regulars are slated to compete in the 300-mile event on Saturday.
With the first event of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season only four days away, fans will have the first opportunity to see their favorite drivers for the first time this season. There were over 20 driver and team changes made during the off-season, so fans will have to pay close attention to who is driving what car this year. Atlanta Motor Speedway, host of the fourth race of the 2006 season, the Golden Corral 500, has provided a tool for fans for the start of the season to help track all the changes.
Highlighting this year's driver changes are seven rookie drivers that will be competing for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors. Among them are two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and Peachtree City, Ga. native Reed Sorenson.
The fourth race of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry season was scheduled to be held on January 21; however inclement weather postponed the event until today. The competitors were challenged with a newly configured half-mile road course to compete on.
The Bandolero Bandits was the first feature of the day with the top two finishers advancing to the Young Guns and Outlaws feature. Taylor Bryant (Juliette) started on the pole. On lap eight, Austin Hill (Winston) made a bold move to take over the lead and he held on to claim the win. Hill and Joseph Pilato (Cropwell, Ala.) advance to the next feature.
With the 2005 season in his rearview mirror, Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot car for Roush Racing, is already gearing up for 2006, where he hopes to build on the success of his strong campaign last year.
Edwards left Atlanta Motor Speedway with a broom in his hand after sweeping both NEXTEL Cup races and winning the lone Busch Series event at AMS in 2005. Edwards will be going for his third straight NEXTEL Cup win and has the chance to win his fourth and fifth straight races at AMS if he takes the checkered flag in both the Busch and NEXTEL Cup Series races.
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced today a limited number of reserved camping spaces are still available for the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race weekend.
The East Turn, Legends and Ragu First Turn campgrounds are all in close proximity to the speedway entrances and still have spaces available for recreational vehicles
In what could rival the talent level of the 1979 rookie class, the seven drivers that comprise the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidates are prepared to attempt to conquer the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway in March.
This year's rookies comprise nearly 100 years of combined racing experience. The 1979 class has set the mark for successful rookie classes to date as it is the only group to produce drivers winning multiple Cup Series championships. The group contained Dale Earnhardt Sr., Terry Labonte, Harry Gant and Joe Millikan, with Earnhardt and Labonte going on to win nine championships; Earnhardt with seven and Labonte with two.
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 March 19 Golden Corral 500.
With Atlanta Motor Speedway's lap sponsorship packages, fans select a lap to sponsor in the March 19 race. Their name and lap number will be published in the race program if purchased before the printing deadline of February 17.
Oglethorpe Speedway Park announced today that Ed Clark, president and general manager of the Atlanta Motor Speedway, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2nd Annual Coca-Cola Young Guns Shoot-Out presented by Stock Car Racing and Circle Track Magazines along with Sport Clips. The event featuring drivers 23 years of age and younger competing in dirt late models and open wheel modifieds will take place on Saturday, February 4th at the historic half mile speedway just west of downtown Savannah.
"I am excited to be a part of this event," said Clark. "What a great opportunity to see the next generation of racing at a single venue on the same night."
With its wide, sweeping turns, more than 200 mph speeds, aged asphalt and famed two and three wide racing, Atlanta Motor Speedway is a favorite track among both the fans and drivers in NASCAR's elite divisions.
It is not by luck however, that great racing and AMS go hand-in-hand. Countless hours are spent every year ensuring drivers will have a nearly identical surface to race on twice a year.
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced today a limited number of infield camping spaces are still available for the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race weekend.
The Flock Brothers Corral, which sits between turns one and two, and the High Speed Corral, which is situated between turns three and four on the infield of AMS, each have less than 30 spaces remaining. There are still plenty of Reserved and Unreserved outside camping spaces available.
Attention race fans, you can order your tickets at any time of the day! In preparation for the upcoming Golden Corral 500 weekend on March 17-19, Atlanta Motor Speedway's ticket office has extended their hours.
The ticket office is always open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but has added Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) hours to accommodate fans.
While his Hendrick Motorsports teammates were hitting the Daytona pavement testing their stock cars, Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus were hitting the big screen at Atlanta Motor Speedway today, filming an upcoming episode of the hit NBC TV series "Las Vegas."
Johnson, playing himself, starred with Nikki Cox, who gets driving tips from a winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Knaus, Johnson's crew chief, also plays himself in the episode which is tentatively set to air on February 6.
The only thing hotter than the action on the track this March at Atlanta Motor Speedway is the ticket deals being offered.
The three-day super-saver ticket package will allow race fans to attend the entire Golden Corral 500 race weekend, which will feature three different races among NASCAR's top three divisions, as well as Georgia Power qualifying and practice, for one low price.
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch completed today the second of a two-day tire test at Atlanta Motor Speedway for Goodyear tires.
Busch was fastest today with an unoffical best lap of 184.62 mph (30.03 seconds). Edwards' fastest lap was 183.45 mph (30.22 seconds).
Kurt Busch sported new colors today at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dressed in a brand new blue firesuit, Busch took his first laps in the historic No. 2 Miller Lite car.
Busch and three-time Atlanta Motor Speedway winner, Carl Edwards, were at the track today to assist Goodyear Racing Tires with the first of a two-day test session.
The Thursday Thunder weekly racing series 2005 season has been complete for nearly five months, but drivers gathered one last time for the second annual awards banquet on January 7. Honoring drivers for their on and off track talents, the banquet was held at the Tara Place Ballroom at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The following division champions were crowned:
The third race of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry season had the competitors return for the second time to the 1.3-mile road course.
The Bandolero Bandits was the first feature of the day with the top two finishers advancing to the Young Guns and Outlaws feature. On lap two, Austin Hill (Winston) took over the lead and led every lap for the rest of the race. Hill and Kyle Plott (Marietta) advanced to the next feature.
Featured Event
Speedway Motorsports
-
© 2013 Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
