O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags is known for its fast cars, but they're not the only vehicles that stand out on Friday nights.
Before the drag races start, a variety of vehicles from all eras converge in the Atlanta Motor Speedway infield for the Show-N-Shine.
During the show enthusiasts share what they've done to make their ride special, including William Wright, of Marietta, who brought his 1985 Buick T-Type for opening night.
"I've been building this thing for about a year and a half," Wright said. "It's had five motors and three transmissions in it and this is the last setup it'll see. It's got a 6-liter V-8 in it with an 80 millimeter turbo. The suspension's been fully redone, there's custom tires and wheels on here. The interior I kept stock because I like the originality.
"I got stopped here and people were looking at the car so I figured I'd open it up so they could look at it. I appreciate getting stopped for my car. It's a labor of love."
Last week's season opener was the first time Wright took part in the Show-N-Shine. From the moment he arrived, he says he was impressed.
"It's pretty cool," Wright said. "There's a lot of people here. It's always fun being around gearheads, people that appreciate the same thing."
Anyone can bring their ride the next Show-N-Shine at O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags. Vehicles of all kinds are always welcome and entry is just $20. Show-N-Shine entry includes a spot in the Speedway Cruise, which parades the night's assortment of unique vehicles around Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous 1.54-mile Speedway. Show-N-Shine participants also get admission to the night's slate of drag racing with their entry.
Fans who aren't entered in the Show-N-Shine can still appreciate the variety of vehicles on display each Friday night; spectators can go to the infield to check out all the rides, too.
O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags continues this Friday with the Show-N-Shine and 19 divisions of vehicles drag racing on the pit lane drag strip. 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.
