Atlanta Motor Speedway's second date of the 2008-09 Winter Flurry Racing Series featured both left and right-hand turns, as the competitors took to the Speedway's one-mile infield road course for the first time this season. Austin Hill stood out in the year's first road course event, winning the Legends Main Event from the pole position following his Legends A Qualifier win

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry season started in furious fashion, as the evening featured two late passes for wins and a back-to-back Thursday Thunder champion denied a late move for a victory.

The Kobalt Tools 500 should prove to be a critical race, as NASCAR's top drivers will be vying to capture early season points towards their season championship push. In addition, the race will hold a special significance for Atlanta Motor Speedway, as the 2009 Kobalt Tools 500 marks the track's 100th NASCAR Sprint Cup race and 50th year of operation.

E-Z-GO 200 Results

There isn't much Ryan Newman can't do, and he made that point loud and clear Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, winning the E-Z-GO 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race in his first series start.

"I'm not sure if I should just retire now," Newman deadpanned in the post-race interviews.

Video Traffic Information Added to AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com

10 traffic information videos posted under 'Traffic Tips' within 'Fan Guide' tab

Sunday, October 26, 2008, 2:00 pm (EST), Atlanta Motor Speedway

Six NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers to Appear in E-Z-GO 200 NCTS Race

Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Newman, Kvapil, Speed, McCumbee to Compete on Sat.

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Time: 1:30 p.m. (EST)

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

Atlanta Motor Speedway has secured singer and heartthrob Michael Johns to sing the National Anthem and a mini concert as part of the Kroger Pre-Race Show before the Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 26.

Johns, who quickly gained national fame for his soulful voice and handsome looks on American Idol’s seventh season, recently wrapped up performing on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008. The Perth, Australia native with ties to Georgia is geared up to perform before the Pep Boys Auto 500.

Elliott, Ragan, Sorenson and Logano seek home-field advantage at Atlanta

Sweeping both races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1992, Bill Elliott relished his role as a fan favorite - a hometown hero winning in his backyard.

For Team Owner, Ballew, Atlanta Motor Speedway is a Homecoming

For Kyle Busch, returning to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Atlanta 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race is a positive omen, having won all three NCTS events he has entered at AMS. For Billy Ballew Motorsports team owner, Billy Ballew, the event is quite literally a homecoming.

"Atlanta Motor Speedway actually is my home," said Ballew with a laugh. "I own a condo there at the track."

Together, since partnering in 2005, the duo has had unparalleled success in the Craftsman Truck series.

In his first year with the team, Busch won three races for Billy Ballew Motorsports and he has continued to win on the Truck series since. With a win in 2006 and two in 2007, Busch became the first NASCAR Sprint Cup series regular to win Truck races in three-straight years. Now, add three wins from 2008 and Busch has extended his record. He is now looking to help Ballew win a NCTS championship.

Nearly $7 million dollars up for grabs throughout race weekend

With nearly $7 million dollars in posted prize money on the line, NASCAR's top drivers will go head-to-head during the Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend for the largest purse offered in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

When all is said and done, $6,799,225 in prize money will be awarded to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in the Pep Boys Auto 500 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers in the Atlanta 200, all battling for a cut of the record purse on the high banks of AMS.

The fight for the record purse begins on Friday, Oct. 24 with Hot Shot Qualifying Night. Watch the brightest stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series shine under the lights of Atlanta Motor Speedway's 1.54-mile quad-oval, as they compete for the pole position to lead the field to the green flag come race day on Sunday.

Thursday Thunder Drivers Prep for 2008-09 Winter Flurry Schedule at AMS

The winter Legends racing season kicked off at Atlanta Motor Speedway with an INEX points race on Friday night, allowing competitors the opportunity to gear up for the 2008-09 Winter Flurry season that is slated to open on Nov. 14 at AMS.

The Friday event, one of the final INEX points races preceding the INEX Legend Nationals in Minnesota, gave drivers a last chance to gain needed points for national standings and to prepare for the six-date Winter Flurry season at Atlanta Motor Speedway that runs from Nov. 14 through March 7.

The Chargers feature began with Melina Rolo leading the way. Rolo spun out in the first corner allowing Griffin's Jacob Wallace to claim the lead. He would battle with Chris Bowie for position early in the race, but Wallace was able to establish the advantage and claim the win.

Jeremy Reling held the pole position for the Roadsters feature. In the second position, Ed Clark chased close behind early, but Reling steadily added to his advantage and claimed the Roadsters victory.

Opportunity to Cruise High Banking of AMS After Atlanta 200 NCTS Race

Racing fans will have the opportunity to circle the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway in the AMS Track Cruise during the Pep Boys Auto 500 Sprint Cup weekend this October.

To drive your car on the same track the Sprint Cup stars will use hours later, fans can simply purchase a ticket to the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Oct. 26 and reference promo code TRKRDE to participate in the Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Cruise. Fans referencing promo code TRKRDE will receive a voucher to cruise the 1.54-mile quad-oval track that features some of the fastest racing in NASCAR.

In addition to purchasing a ticket to participate in the Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Cruise, each passenger must have a ticket to Sunday, Oct. 26's Pep Boys Auto 500, the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, to ride along.   

Bowtie weekend to feature drag racing, auto auction and a huge Show N' Shine 

For the first time, the Super Chevy Show is making its way to Atlanta Motor Speedway for a weekend of bowtie fun, October 3-5.

The Atlanta edition of the Super Chevy Show will feature the King of the Street drag racing competition. This "old school" event will shun the use of an electronic ‘tree' for timing, but instead use hand-flagged starts for 1/8-mile racing exclusively showcasing Chevy power. In addition, the event will feature a huge GM Show N' Shine, a jet car showcase, a vendor midway and a collector car auction in the Sprint Cup garage.

In conjunction with the Super Chevy Show, Potts Auction Company will hold a collector and classic car auction on Saturday, October 4 in Atlanta Motor Speedway's infield Sprint Cup garage. The event will also include a trade show, swap meet and car corral.

22 cars. 100 laps. $10,000. One Winner.   

Atlanta Motor Speedway has partnered with the Fastrak Racing Series to bring upwards of 70 dirt late models to the asphalt ‘Thunder Ring' during the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend.

The 100-lap shootout will happen after Hot Shot NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying on Friday, October 24. As many as 70, 700-horsepower dirt late models can be expected for the event. Heat races will determine the final 22 cars that will run 100 laps on the asphalt, quarter-mile ‘Thunder Ring' to decide the winner.

Fans can attend Hot Shot NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying and the dirt late model race on Friday for just $20. In addition, children ages 12 and under are admitted free of charge with the purchase of an adult ticket.

For a one-of-a-kind luxury experience at the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, look no further than Atlanta Motor Speedway's Club One.

Perched atop the Winners grandstand in turn one, Club One provides luxurious, reserved theatre-style seating, a lounge area, and premium food and beverage accommodations. As if those entertainment highlights aren't enough to draw racing's best fans, Club One also provides pre-race pit passes, reserved parking and exclusive rooftop access, which was previously available to just race spotters and photographers.

"Club One is a first-class facility. You get a very nice perspective and, unlike suite seats, you can be outside as well as sit inside. To be able to get the sights and sounds from a first-class facility is awesome," said Virginia resident Leo Coleman, referencing Club One's roof-top observation deck.

The inaugural event will unite hot rods, tuners and drag cars for the biggest two-day straight-line racing event in Atlanta Motor Speedway history. The weekend culminates with the final run of an eight-car championship bracket, crowning the fastest car in each of 10 divisions. In addition to heart-pounding drag racing, the ACDelco Street Drag Nationals will feature a Show-N-Shine competition with both single-day and weekend awards, a speedway cruise around Atlanta Motor Speedway's high banked 1.54-mile quad-oval, a burnout contest and a spectacular Friday night fireworks show.  Additionally, more features will be added to the event.

Event benefits AMS chapter of Speedway Children's Charities

The Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Classic presented by Autotrader.com will be held Thursday, October 23 at renowned Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Ga.

Sorenson's event will help kickoff the Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Classic is a major fundraiser for the Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. In addition to Sorenson, other drivers and local celebrities will be in attendance.

"AutoTrader.com has taken a vital role in helping to increase the number of organizations Speedway Children's Charities can assist," said Shaun Birindelli, director of the AMS chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. "Their time and contributions have been amazing, and we are very proud to have AutoTrader.com as the presenting sponsor of the Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Classic."

Championship Night Concludes Friday Night Drags Season presented by ACDelco

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10th and final points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco saw the crowning of champions in each Friday Night Drags points division.

While four drivers had already locked up championships in their respective classes, two divisions were decided on the final night of the 2008 Friday Night Drags season. Neil Skipper of Covington fought his way to the Domestic Advanced championship, winning his class' week 10 races to jump Mike Munoz for first. Meanwhile, Tony Morse claimed the title in the Pro division by virtue of just starting his vehicle for the first race.

In addition to Skipper and Morse, four drivers had already claimed their class championship entering week 10 - John Bonner (Street Outlaw), Mike Chambers (Pro Four), Bill Hatfield (Sportsman), Dwayne Bethune (Trucks) and Rodney Tolbert (ATV

Labor Day 2009 Under the Lights
(click here for details)

Atlanta Motor Speedway will move it's October NASCAR Sprint Cup race date to a September 5 - 6, 2009 Labor Day race weekend that will include a companion NASCAR Nationwide Series event.

Starting in 2009, AMS will host the stars of the Sprint Cup Series racing under the lights on Sunday night, Sept. 6 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday night, Sept. 5. Traditionally, AMS has hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup and Craftsman Truck Series events in October.

"Fans have been clamoring for a Sprint Cup Series race under the lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway," said AMS president and general manager Ed Clark. "It's thrilling to bring Labor Day racing back to the south on NASCAR's fastest track. This will be a great opportunity for Atlanta Motor Speedway to celebrate our 50th year of racing."

Final Points | Street Drag Nationals Ladder

Atlanta Motor Speedway will serve as the national host for thunderous drag cars and meticulously-detailed show cars at the ACDelco Street Drag Nationals on Sept. 19 and 20.

The inaugural event will unite hot rods, tuners and drag cars for the biggest two-day straight-line racing event in Atlanta Motor Speedway history. The weekend culminates with the final run of an eight-car championship bracket, crowning the fastest car in each of 10 divisions.

In addition to heart-pounding drag racing, the ACDelco Street Drag Nationals will feature a Show-N-Shine competition with both single-day and weekend awards, a speedway cruise around Atlanta Motor Speedway's high-banked 1.54-mile quad-oval, a burnout contest and a spectacular Friday night fireworks show. Additionally, more features will be added to the event.

After successfully collecting 3,410 pints of blood in the national event's first year, the third annual NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive return's to Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 11. Teaming with the American Red Cross and the Nascar Foundation, Atlanta Motor Speedway is aiming for 300 donor appointments during the one-day event.

In order to help meet demand of more than 38,000 blood donations needed daily and approximately 6,000 people who are seeking a marrow match each day, the NASCAR Foundation is utilizing dedicated race fans to give at more than 30 racing facilities nationwide. Over two years, the NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive has received enough donations to potentially save 17,000 lives since 2006.

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 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 11 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. In addition, donors will be entered for a grand prize drawing that will include two tickets, plus pre-race pit passes, to the entire Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR weekend. Additionally, donors will have an opportunity to receive NASCAR goodies, with one lucky donor receiving a signed Jimmie Johnson diecast.

Chevys and Motorcycles Featured at Friday Night Drags

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week season of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on August 15 with the ninth week of points racing, featuring the "Chevy Challenge" and motorcycles added to the schedule.

The ninth week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco will feature a special showcase solely for Chevrolets during the "Chevy Challenge," in addition to the weekly elimination, drag racing action in each of Friday Night Drags' nine classes. Any Chevrolet owner is encouraged to attend Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco and participate in the "Chevrolet Challenge."

In addition to week nine's "Chevy Challenge," a motorcycle class has been added to the schedule due to tremendous fan support for the motorcycles. Motorcycles are already schedule for week 10's "Points Championship" event.

Double Features Make for Rousing Conclusion, presented by Papa John's Pizza

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder season came to a conclusion on Championship Night presented by Papa John's Pizza as two class champions claimed their division title by just one point.

Bryce Walker entered the Pep Boys Auto Semi-Pro division with a noteworthy lead, but escaped with the title by a point with sixth and third-place finished. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry claimed the Charter Communications Pro title by a lone point with finishes of first and second after entering the night down four points.

Johnny Rucker held the pole position for the first of two Roadsters features, the final race in the Speedway Challenge Cup. Upon the start, Brian Weimer and Skip Nichols drafted together and jump ahead. Riding bumper-to-bumper into the final turn, Weimer and Nichols separated and Weimer crossed the finish first to claim the Speedway Challenge Cup Thunder Roadsters championship.

Mustangs To Have Feature Class at Friday Night Drags           

Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week season of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on August 8 with the eighth week of points racing and "Mustang Mania."

The eighth week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco will feature a special class solely for Ford Mustangs during "Mustang Mania," in addition to the weekly elimination, drag racing action. Any Mustang owner is encouraged to participate in "Mustang Mania" and any other driver interested in competing is welcome to participate in any of Friday Night Drags' nine-weekly classes.

Now in the event's third season, Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco features heads up, street-style drag racing on AMS' 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 2008 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, ensuring a tight points battle throughout the season.

Championship Night presented by Papa John's Pizza

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" on Thursday, August 7 for Championship Night presented by Papa John's Pizza.

Week 10's Championship Night presented by Papa John's Pizza will include a Kids' Bike, Trike & Power Wheels race around the "Thunder Ring" during intermission, double features to determine the year's class champions and the first 500 fans will receive a Fan Appreciation Gift Bags. The evening will also include an autograph session featuring the drivers of each Thursday Thunder class as well as weekly concourse activities and grandstand games.

Tonight's running of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder series has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder will return on August 7 for final event of 10-week season of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing. Each division will run double features next week to complete a full 10 weeks of points racing.            

Prior to the weather issues, the Roadsters class ran the Speedway Challenge No. 2 race, a make-up from the week six cancellation.

Motorcycles Return to AMS' Eighth-Mile Strip for the Second Time In 2008           

Atlanta Motor Speedway's seventh week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on August 1 with the seventh of 10 weeks of points racing and a feature class of motorcycle drag racing.

For the second of three 2008 Friday Night Drag dates, the motorcycle class will return to AMS' eighth-mile pit lane drag strip. Motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to come participate in the action and competitors are required to wear denim or leather pants, a long-sleeve shirt and appropriate helmet.

Friday Night Drags will also feature the normal weekly drag racing excitement with elimination drag racing in nine classes.

In addition to seeing the best compete on the fastest track in NASCAR, Atlanta Motor Speedway fans can now use their Sprint Cup Series ticket stub to receive a $100 rewards card from Sprint.

Sprint recently introduced the, "Switch to Sprint and the Race is on Us," program that gives race fans a $100 rewards card by showing a ticket from any 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, including either Atlanta date - March's Kobalt Tools 500 or the upcoming Pep Boys Auto 500 - at any participating Sprint store. 

For Atlanta Motor Speedway fans to receive their $100 rewards card, patrons must activate a new line of Sprint service or upgrade their service through the Sprint New For You Upgrade Program.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's sixth points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco saw two undefeated streaks fall and featured two runs by Dick Rosberg in the Thriller Viper Jet Car.

Two divisions ended with new winners for the first time in 2008 as Covington's David Brand and McDonough's Juan Colmernero won the ATV and Tuner class respectively. With their wins, the undefeated streaks of Rodney Tolbert (ATV) and Jose Samaniego (Tuner) came to an end in Friday Night Drags' sixth week.

Making two runs during the night, Rosberg amazed the crowd in the Thriller Viper Jet Car as he exceeded 250 mph on Atlanta Motor Speedway's eighth-mile drag strip. Producing near deafening sounds with a General Electric J-85 jet engine from an F-16, the crowd erupted with applause as Rosberg ended the night with a final run.

Daryl Stiles might know the cars of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco better than anyone.

At one time or another, the Williamson native has owned three cars that currently compete in Friday Night Drags and, in addition, he has built, tuned or repaired numerous others. Operating Stiles Body Shop in Riverdale as his full-time business, Stiles also caters to race cars at his home shop.

"I just love cars and racing," said Stiles, who has twice appeared in the finals of the Street Outlaw class in 2008 with one win. "All my life, my dad and his brothers were messing with cars and that's where I got into it. I have fun working on cars and I'll help anybody; I'm willing to give a hand to whoever needs help."

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader Kyle Busch, along with Cup Series drivers Travis Kvapil and Scott Riggs, each participated in the second and final day of tire testing by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

In an effort by Goodyear to produce the best tire for the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in October, the three drivers, their crews and Goodyear engineers spent two days testing a variety of builds, compounds and configurations on AMS' 1.54-mile quad-oval track.

"The way the surface is here [at Atlanta], it's always pretty hard to find a tire that will cooperate with it," said Busch, who has seven wins this year. "The tire was just too hard here in the spring and we didn't even really wear on the tire at all.

Joe Momma Night and the Jet Car to Reach 250 mph

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" on July 24 for round eight of the 10-week racing series that runs each Thursday through August 7.

Joe Momma Night will feature a full-slate of Thursday Thunder racing action, a showcase by the Thriller Viper Jet Car and anyone named Joe who brings their mother will both get in free of charge. The evening will also include an autograph session featuring the Charter Communications Pro class drivers as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track excitement.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's fifth points week of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco saw two class points leaders remain undefeated and featured a rousing spectacle, a best two-out-of-three reverse drag race.

Locust Grove's Rodney Tolbert remained undefeated in the ATV class, while Jose Samaniego of Jonesboro raced his 1988 CRX to its fifth-straight victory of 2008. Both competitors are flawless on the year with 15 points in their respective class.

For the first-time ever, Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags featured backwards drag racing. Delighting the crowd, a pair of track officials raced a pair of bomber cars in reverse. Rubbing paint the entire way, the crowd roared with approval as the blue-lane driver claimed the win in the rubber match.

Danny Lowry had to rush from work early to ensure he had time for his two-part evening agenda last Friday.

Of course he was anticipating getting married that night - he went straight from work to the Henry County courthouse with haste for his nuptials - but he was just as eager to get to Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco after his wedding.

A life-long motorsports fan, Lowry began coming to Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1976 when he saw David Pearson win the Atlanta 500 NASCAR Cup event. Since, he has missed only a few races at the track and has been attending Friday Night Drags since its inaugural year. So fittingly, when he and his significant other discussed Friday matrimony, Friday Night Drags was close to his thoughts.

Separated by a mere six points at the season's midway point, three young drivers are leading the way in the Semi Pro division in Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder summer racing series.

Dylan Ames, Bryce Walker and Austin Hill sit atop the Pep Boys Auto Semi Pro division, arguably the year's most competitive class, and each has an opportunity to claim the class championship. With three victories in five races between the trio - each driver with one victory - this group is poised for a three-way championship run.

"Semi Pro is turning out to be our most competitive division this season," said Brandon Hutchinson, vice president of events at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "We've started nearly 20 cars in every race and three of the races have been caution free. I anticipate this points battle will continue through the last week of the season."

The Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend kicks off with the fastest qualifying session in NASCAR during Hot Shot Qualifying Night on Friday, Oct. 24. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers will showcase their door-banging action in the Atlanta 200. The weekend will culminate on Sunday, Oct. 26, with the running of the Pep Boys Auto 500, a pivotal race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Tonight's running 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 17 for the seventh of 10 weeks of Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing. Each division will run double features next week to complete a full 10 weeks of points racing.          

Featuring a full slate of competitive racing, 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 6-11 (children under 6 are free) for each evening of family fun and grass-roots racing. For more information about Thursday Thunder, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Utilizing a family's shared interest in custom cars spearheaded by their father's expertise, three members of the Lozano family have garnered Show N' Shine awards during the 2008 Friday Night Drags season, including two top prizes. While Mike Lozano enjoys the recognition, he takes greater pleasure working with his family and enjoying the Friday Night Drags atmosphere.

"We just try to go out, have fun and be proud of our work," said Mike, who owns and operates Lozano Customz & Motorsports in Jonesboro. "We don't go out just to win, but to present our work. Winning a trophy is just extra cream on top."

After three weeks of competition, two racers are undefeated, Rodney Tolbert in the ATV class and Jose Samaniego in the Tuner division. Two other competitors claimed their second win in three weeks, Alan Kidd in the Pros and Danny Lowry from the Street Outlaws.

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.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile frontstretch "Thunder Ring" on July 3 for round five of the 10-week racing series that runs each Thursday through August 7.

Week five will be highlighted by a fireworks display for Red, White & Blue Night presented by Papa John's Pizza, a Bomber race featuring Rock 100.5's The Regular Guys, and an autograph session featuring every competitor from each class, as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track racing action.

An adult ticket to Thursday Thunder is just $5 while kids ages six to 11 are just $1. Kids five and under are free. In addition, parking for the event will be $5 and includes one complimentary regular gate entry. Gates open at 6 p.m., heat races start at 6:15 p.m. and feature races start at approximately 7:50 p.m.

Featuring an extensive fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, Atlanta Motor Speedway's 10-week season of Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco continues on July 4 with the third week of points competition and Fourth of July festivities.

Following the opening-round drag races, a Fourth of July fireworks celebration will precede semi-final round runs with the largest fireworks show on the south side of Atlanta. The patriotic fireworks presentation will be launched from the AMS infield and is presented by Charter Communications. 

Spectators can watch the show from the grandstands and infield with admission or by purchasing a parking pass to view the fireworks from the purple lot. All Friday Night Drags patrons will need to purchase a $5 parking pass for the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration presented by Charter Communications, but those attending the drag races will receive $5 off a regular admission ticket with their parking pass.

He didn't climb the fence again, but Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue celebrated another racing win at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This time he was victorious drag racing an AMS pace car down the facility's eighth-mile drag strip during Friday Night Drags presented by ACDelco. 

Gov. Perdue squared off against AMS president and general manager, Ed Clark. The Georgia Governor was quick off the starting line and Clark closed the gap, but the Governor was the first to cross the finish line. 

Of his win, Gov. Perdue remarked, "It was exciting; I don't know if Ed had his foot all the way down or not. I think he may have let me have it tonight. It was great to go 2 for 2 at Atlanta Motor Speedway."

Atlanta Motor Speedway's fourth week of Thursday Thunder action featured two television celebrities competing in the Chargers division in addition to the usual weekly fanfare and on-track excitement. 

Featuring John Schneider, best known as Bo Duke from the TV classic Dukes of Hazzard, and Men In Trees' Scott Elrod in the Chargers class, Mark Swan led the field to the start. In their first Thursday Thunder competition, Elrod and Schneider avoided calamity on the first lap by dodging a pileup coming out of turn one. Schneider and Elrod proved capable in the beginning laps until Jordan Coker's No. 22 spun in front of Schneider on lap seven, resulting in a race-ending collision for Coker and Schneider. 

On the restart, Swan jumped back out to the lead before Amber Colvin pulled ahead. Colvin and Swan made contact coming out of the corner when Colvin was jolted into the wall, resulting in the race's second caution and giving Mike Weed the lead. Weed worked his way to his second-consecutive victory, while television's Elrod cruised to an impressive fourth-place finish in his first race.

Thursday Thunder - June 26

Week four of Thursday Thunder will feature two Hollywood celebrities competing in Legends cars. John Schneider, famous for his role as Bo Duke in the Dukes of Hazzard, will compete with his good friend, Scott Elrod, who stars as Cash in the current hit ABC series, Men in Trees, in the Chargers division, a class for novice racers.

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.

Hundreds of competitors put on a drag racing slugfest for the fans in the grandstands and standing room only pit road area.  Below is a complete list of the June 20 winners:

Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit road drag strip will come to life this Friday night as hundreds of drag racers start accumulating championship points for the 2008 season.

The competition will be heads up, street-style drag racing on AMS' 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 2008 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, ensuring a tight points battle throughout the season.

After tech and tune sessions and non-point drag racing events, both racers and fans are ready to start the season.

Atlanta Motor Speedway's summer racing series, Thursday Thunder, returns to AMS' quarter-mile frontstretch "Thunder Ring" on June 19 for round three of the 10-week racing series that runs through August 7. 

Military Appreciation Night sponsored by Atreus Homes will feature the Amazing Afghan Al-Qaeda Obliteration van drop from 125 feet, Thunder Roadsters racing on the 1.54-mile quad-oval for the first time during Thursday Thunder, a Greencastle Dental Bandits driver-autograph session, the first Speedway Challenge Cup race, as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track racing action.

Daniel, from Thomaston, Ga., races in the Masters Division, a division reserved for racers at least 40-years-old. At 51, Daniel is actually classified as a Golden Master, a moniker worn by drivers age 50 and over.

"About the only thing a Golden Master does is take an extra dose of Geritol before getting in the car," Daniel joked.

Week two will be highlighted by Mascot Mania Night, a Goodguys classic car display, as well as weekly concourse activities, grandstand games and on-track racing action.

An adult ticket to Thursday Thunder is just $5 while kids ages six to 11 are just $1. Kids five and under are free. Gates open at 6 p.m., heat races start at 6:15 p.m. and feature races start at approximately 7:50 p.m.

The Pep Boys Auto Semi Pro division began with Scott Hensley on the pole. On lap three, Justin Swilling passed Hensley for the race lead. Swilling's left-rear tire was smoking through every turn, allowing Austin Hill to close the gap on the leader. Hill made a pass for the lead with two laps to go, clinching his second Thursday Thunder win in the Semi-Pro division.   

Jim Daniel brought the field to the green for the Masters feature. On the first lap, Randy Thornton took over the top spot. On lap nine, Skip Nichols piloted his way to the front, pulling away from the field. Nichols scored his 19th Thursday Thunder Masters win with over a half a straightaway lead.

The 2007 inaugural season of the drag racing series was a tremendous success with more than 1,000 different competitors, ranging in age from 16 to 74, participating in the street drags or the car show portion of the event.

Registration begins at Atlanta Motor Speedway at 1:00 p.m. and the ride departs at 2:30 p.m.  Enjoy the scenic ride and lap around the track followed by food, fun and entertainment in the infield at Atlanta Motor Speedway.  The ride is open to all motorcycles; the entry fee is a $25 donation per motorcycle and $10 per passenger. To register or learn more about the sponsorship opportunities, contact Shaun Birindelli via e-mail at shaunb@atlantamotorspeedway.com or register online at www.speedwaycharities.org.

Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the second annual Southeastern RV SuperShow and Outdoor Extravaganza on the facility's infield on April 18-20. Packed with educational seminars, informative vendors and entertainment, the SuperShow is a must see event for anyone interested in RVing or the outdoors.

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.

"The Atlanta Motor Speedway is an amazing place to host the RV SuperShow," said Bobby Smith, president of Hardman Productions. "The sheer excitement of the track, plus the incredible values offered by each vendor, makes this a great family weekend."

Kyle Busch accomplished three historical NASCAR milestones when he raced his way to victory in the Kobalt Tools 500 Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Busch became the youngest driver to win a Cup event at AMS and delivered Toyota their first Cup Series win, becoming the first driver to race a foreign nameplate to victory lane in the Cup Series since Al Keller in a Jaguar in 1954. Busch also became the first driver to win both the Craftsman Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series events on the same weekend.

Busch dominated much of the Nicorette 300 Nationwide Series race, leading more than 150 laps before suffering from a tire failure, relegating him to a 24th-place finish.

Tony Stewart, a teammate to Busch claimed the runner-up spot with Dale Earnhardt wheeling his No. 88 Chevrolet to a third-place finish.

Busch staved off a late race charge from Greg Biffle, but in the end he had nothing for the eventual race winner.

Kyle Busch has found the sweet spot, winning Friday’s American Commercial Lines 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his third win in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at the fast track.

It also marked his second straight win, his eighth overall in the series, and gave him a commanding 72-point lead over Todd Bodine in the standings.

And he did all this in spite of a late pit stop for adjustments that dropped him all the way back to 21st and forced him to quickly work his way back up through the field.

“That baby was evil loose; she was all over the place,” Busch said. “We were finally able to get it handling really well there on the last pit stop, and she was a rocket from there.”

The function included NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and ESPN analyst Rusty Wallace, drivers David Ragan, Steven Wallace, Andy Lally and David Stremme as well as Craftsman Truck Series team owner Billy Ballew and Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark.

Fans in attendance were treated to a parade lap around the State Capitol that saw Gov. Perdue, behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup style stock car.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will race in the Saturday, March 8 Nicorette 300, the first Nationwide race he has entered at AMS since he drove the AC Delco Chevrolet to a third-place finish in 1999. Earnhardt Jr.'s first Nationwide Series start at AMS in 1998 resulted in a runner-up finish. He will make his 100^th career Nationwide Series start this weekend.

Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 5 National Guard Chevrolet in the event, owned by his company, JR Motorsports. Last weekend, Mark Martin piloted the No. 5 Chevrolet to victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, scoring JR Motorsports its first-ever Nationwide Series win. 

"We always look forward to Atlanta, it is the best track we race at," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It's bad-fast, fun to drive, and we seem to find ourselves near the front most of the time."

Date:               March 9, 2008

Time:               2:00 p.m. (ET)

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

Date:                           Friday, March 7, 2008

Time:                           9:00 p.m. (ET)

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

Sanctioning Body:       National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Daytona Beach, Fla.

• Gate openings - Various gates will be open each day for fans to access the facility. The following is the schedule with opening times and gates available that day: Friday (12 p.m., gates 12-15), Saturday (9 a.m., Gates 1, 2, 3 and 12-15), Sunday (9 a.m., all gates).
•  Important Note: For its fans, Atlanta Motor Speedway provides a free shuttle and tram service from all parking lots to each gate. Fans will be shuttled to their gate regardless of where they park.

To speed service, fans will be able to order one of four different food options as a combination meal, in addition to an already full line-up of items. The combo meals will be available at select stands which will still feature a full line-up of food items.

"This is a completely new option for fans attending the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway," said Weezy Motzel, director of operations for Levy Restaurants. "From a customer service standpoint, this new addition will speed service while continuing to offer a wide variety of options to fans."

Butwith 43 of the world's best stock car drivers taking the green flag in the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a host of teams are now confident their programs are comparable to Hendrick's effort.

Stellar efforts last season at Dover, Bristol, Richmond and Phoenix have Roush Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards optimistic about his new campaign in the newly configured NASCAR Sprint Cup race car.

The Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort is located in Griffin, Georgia just a few minutes from Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Rose has a beautiful, state of the art sporting clays range. The fully automated course is set among towering pines and beautiful old hardwoods and offers exciting targets for all shooters, from the beginner to the experienced competitor. 

Registration and lunch provided by Huckleberry's Barbecue will begin at 11:30 a.m.  Shooters can warm-up, receive instruction while preparing for the shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Awards will be presented immediately following the shoot.

But when it comes to getting her actual racing fix each weekend, the owner of Kevin Harvick Inc. can hardly wait to climb atop the pit box prior to the start of events in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"I think the truck series has some of the best racing that you will see," said DeLana Harvick, the owner of Kevin Harvick Inc., which fields entries in the truck series for Ron Hornaday Jr. and Jack Sprague.   

A licensed and ordained minister will be provided to conduct each ceremony in victory lane. All couples participating will receive complimentary access to the pre-race stage area where the 43-car starting field will be introduced, a wedding day photo in victory lane and a special gift from Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Each couple that registers on Valentine's Day beginning at 9 a.m. will also have their initials painted in a heart on the retaining wall for the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend. 

In one of the most exclusive ticket specials offered by Atlanta Motor Speedway, 325 lucky fans have the opportunity to put their name on a lap during the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

With Atlanta Motor Speedway's lap sponsorship packages, fans select a lap to sponsor in the Kobalt Tools 500 and in return receive two coveted pre-race pit passes as well as two tickets to March 7 Georgia Power qualifying night followed by the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and the Nicorette 300 Nationwide Series event on Saturday, March 8.

In addition, lap sponsors will receive a commemorative certificate of their lap. Pre-race pit passes allow race fans ages 14 years of age and older access to the sights and sounds of race morning. The pit area is open at select times Friday through Sunday and close 45 minutes before race time.

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.

Tickets are available for all three days of racing excitement including Friday night's Georgia Power Sprint Cup Qualifying and the American Commercial Lines 200 Craftsman Truck Series event, Saturday's Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Sunday, March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race.

The tough trucks of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series recently made a stop at Atlanta Motor Speedway and spent two days feverishly tweaking and tuning in preparation for the March 7 American Commercial Lines 200. While there were several hot topics during the January 22-23 test, none caused a bigger stir than recent rule changes for the Craftsman Trucks.

Approved Spacer - New for 2008, NASCAR has implemented a cone-shaped spacer that sits between the intake manifold and carburetor, limiting air flow into the engine and resulting in a loss of approximately 60 horsepower. Both drivers and crew chiefs at the AMS test all agreed the recent addition has sent teams scrambling for more power.

"With this new spacer, we are challenged to find ways to modify our set-up to make up for the loss of horsepower we are experiencing," said Rick Ren, crew chief for defending Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. "One thing is certain though, this will bunch up the competition and at a track like Atlanta, we're going to see a heck of a great show; that's a good thing."

Testing began shortly after 9 a.m. when Andy Lally took to the track. The second day of testing is scheduled for Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Defending Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. was the quickest truck to circle the 1.54-mile quad-oval with a time of 31.529 seconds, (171.271 mph). Hornaday was followed by former AMS winner Todd Bodine and Terry Cook.

The test allowed drivers the opportunity to test at a non-restrictor plate track for the first time in 2008 and gave new teams and drivers a chance to gain consistency for the upcoming season. Second-year Craftsman Truck Series driver Joey Clanton, who grew up racing Legends cars around Atlanta Motor Speedway's frontstretch quarter-mile oval, is among those looking to today's test to help build a solid foundation for the 2008 season.

"It's great to be back at Atlanta Motor Speedway, since this is my home track," said an optimistic Clanton, who is driving for Roush Racing in 2008. "I've got a great group of guys behind me who are committed to winning. There have always been great opportunities here at Atlanta, and I'm hoping to win one for the home crowd."

Located in Turn three, the Elliott Grandstand offers fans a fantastic view of the stars of NASCAR as they race down the backstretch towards the 200 mph mark.

Students looking for an entire weekend of excitement can indulge in a three-day display of high-speed action as the Kobalt Tools 500 will be accompanied by the Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 8. Friday, March 7 will feature the American Commercial Lines 200 Craftsman Truck Series race and Georgia Power Sprint Cup qualifying under the lights, offering students the perfect prelude to their spring break festivities.

Tent camping spaces remain, in small quantity, on the infield in the High Speed Corral between Turns Three and Four. Located between Turns One and Two of the infield, the Flock Brothers Corral has a limited number of RV parking spots available for purchase.

A number of outside reserved camping spaces are also available in the Legends, East Turn, First Turn, Speedway Boulevard and Mid-State Family camping lots.

Because of the quantities available, fans interested in purchasing a camping space are encouraged to act quickly. 

In addition to reserved camping opportunities at AMS, unreserved camping will also be available during the Kobalt Tools 500 event weekend for just $60.

Camping spaces, as well as tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, can be purchased by calling the AMS ticket office at 770-946-4211, 877-9-AMS-TIX (1-877-926-7849), or online at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. Fans are welcome to stop by the AMS ticket office, speak to a staff member about various camping options and purchase directly from the ticket office during regular office hours, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Bandolero Bandits were the first feature race of the day, with Kyle Plott on the pole. Plott and Evan Bell raced their way into the first-turn chicane with Bell eventually tucking behind Plott for the first lap. Matt Dooley grabbed the lead early on lap one, but Plott was eventually able to re-take the lead, thanks in part to a late race caution, and went on to claim the victory.

Chase Elliott paced the combined Young Guns and Outlaws field to the green flag for the eight-lap feature race. Elliott charged out to a sizeable lead, but Dustyn Cunningham methodically tracked Elliott, narrowing the margin. Despite Cunningham's best efforts, Elliott was able to hang on for the win, his first career Winter Flurry Series victory.

The Kobalt Tools 500 will help usher in a new era in motorsports when Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes his first competition laps in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Fans who take advantage of the ticket special are encouraged to don their No.88 gear in support of Earnhardt Jr. as they sit in the grandstand named after his father, the winningest driver in AMS history.