Enthusiasts eager to kick their cars sideways and drive on the edge couldn't wait to experience the first-ever drifting exhibition at O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags.
"Oh yeah I definitely wanted to come out and have some fun," said Zachery Brown, who had just readied his car to go drifting one week earlier. Once he hit the track, his high hopes were met.
"It's a great time. It's the best thing out there," Brown said.
With the inaugural event sold out to participants last month and strong support from both drivers and fans, Atlanta Motor Speedway is putting on a second drifting exhibition during this Friday's edition of O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags.
That's good news for drifters looking to test their skills and their car's limits in a controlled, safe, and welcoming atmosphere.
"It's super laid back," added Paul Flannigan of Forsyth. "It has a good vibe and I got a lot of seat time."
Being able to take multiple trips through the sweeping course allows drivers to push the limits even further as the night goes on, putting on a show for those watching, and giving a wild ride to anyone who dares to jump in the passenger seat.
"He wants me to touch the wall so that's what we're working on," said Brown, gesturing to his buddy riding shotgun as they awaited their next run. "I'm going to throw it in third and let her eat! That's the fun part."
From daily drivers to full-blown drifters, just about any car with rear-wheel drive can put on a show.
"I've been seeing a bunch of different types of cars rolling by," said Flannigan. "It's cool to see that variety."
Most importantly, at the end of each trail of smoke and skid marks there's often a big smile, and an urge to drift some more.
"I'll be back," said Brown. "I'll definitely be back."
Spectators will be able to watch the drifting exhibition and the night's drag racing when Atlanta Motor Speedway's O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine return to the pit lane dragstrip on Friday, Aug. 9.
Grandstand gates open at 6:30 p.m., and nightly drag race eliminations start just after 9:00 p.m. Entry to drag race or for the Show-N-Shine is just $20 or competitors can purchase a combo ticket for $30. Spectator tickets are just $10, and children 5 and under are free.
More information can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/drags or by calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 770-946-4211.
