- Interesting Streak: UPDATE: The past three winners of the fall race at Atlanta Motor Speedway have won at Texas Motor Speedway the following week [all three years since Texas got a 2nd date in 2005]. The year and winner: #48-Jimmie Johnson in 2007; #20-Tony Stewart; and #99-Carl Edwards.in 2005.(10-26-2008)
UPDATE: Make it 4 in a row with Edwards' win in the Dickies 500.(11-2-2008)
- Tickets on Sale for March's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta: Gearing up for the 2009 Sprint Cup season, tickets are now on sale for the March 8 Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Kobalt Tools 500, the fourth date in the 2009 Sprint Cup Series schedule. In addition, the race will hold a special significance for Atlanta Motor Speedway, as the 2009 Kobalt Tools 500 marks the track's 100th Sprint Cup race and 50th year of operation. With March's Kobalt Tools 500 race date sitting just more four months away, Atlanta Motor Speedway has already introduced a number of ticket specials for the event. Ticket prices for the event start at just $19 for a student ticket or $39 for an adult ticket located in the Elliott Grandstand. The Lowes Family Four Pack provides families with four tickets, four hot dogs and four Cokes for just $159. The Speedway is also offering an $88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. ticket in the Earnhardt Grandstand. To inquire about any of Atlanta Motor Speedway's ticket specials and to purchase great seats for the Kobalt Tools 500, please contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211, or by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS PR)(11-7--2008)
- Tickets for the Labor Day race at Atlanta up for sale: The 2009 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be the first Labor Day event and first NASCAR night race in track history and only the second NASCAR race held at AMS in September (the first was Sept. 17, 1961). Traditionally, the Labor Day race was held in Darlington before being moved to California three years ago. The Labor Day event will feature a Nationwide Series event on Saturday, Sept. 5 before the crown jewel, the Sprint Cup race on Sunday, Sept. 6, under the lights. Fans who purchased tickets to this weekend’s Pep Boys Auto 500 will have the first option to reserve tickets to the historic Labor Day race weekend by calling (877) 9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849) or by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, March 17, 2009.(AMS PR)(10-26-2008)
- Atlanta Concerts: Former US Army Ranger Keni Thomas will perform a special concert on Sunday of the Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend. The concert is presented by Vault and the USO and Thomas will be appearing on the VAULT Stage at 11am/et. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The VAULT Stage is located behind the Earnhardt Grandstand near Gate 15. Fans are encouraged to help the USO support our military members by making contributions into bottle-shaped bins beside the VAULT stage or by donating Coke Rewards points at mycokerewards.com. Thomas, a former Ranger, fought with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Rangers in Somalia and was engaged in part of the battle highlighted in “Blackhawk Down.” Since ending his military career, he has pursued music as his career and passion and was featured in the movie, “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Up-and-coming country act Brantley Gilbert will be performing “Georgia on my Mind” before the start of the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, Oct. 26. Gilbert, a native of Jefferson, is slated to perform at 1:53 p.m. preceding the Pep Boys Auto 500.(AMS PR)(10-24-2008)
- Pep Boys Auto 500 Weekend October 24-26 Traffic Plan:
Basic Traffic Plan for the Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend (October 24-26):
Fans have a choice of which major route to take, either Hwy. 19/41 or Hwy. 20 from I-75 southbound. I-75 northbound race fans can exit at either Exit 212 Hampton-Locust Grove Road or Exit 218, GA Hwy 20. Please choose which route to take based on where you would like to park on property; fans will be directed to a certain lot based on which way they enter the speedway. Trams, shuttle buses and sidewalks will allow fans to get to their seats easily regardless of where they park on property. Be advised that the direction fans enter speedway property is the same direction they will exit.
ENTERING THE SPEEDWAY: From Hwy. 19/41: FROM THE NORTH: Those traveling from the North (traveling southbound on Hwy. 19/41) will be directed to parking lots on the north side of the property and should utilize Speedway Blvd. Those traveling south on Hwy. 19/41 will turn right at Speedway Boulevard and park in the yellow, red or green parking lots off of Speedway Blvd. Those with vehicle credentials need to stay in the left lane, use the counter-flow lane as they approach the speedway and enter just south of the main entrance at entrance E or at entrance G off of Richard Petty Blvd.
FROM THE SOUTH: Those traveling from the South (traveling northbound on Hwy. 19/41 from Griffin) will turn at the main speedway entrance and will be directed to the blue parking lot.
From Hwy. 20: Those traveling on Hwy. 20 will be directed to the Weaver or orange parking lot on the south side of the property.
EXITING THE SPEEDWAY: Fans will leave the same way they came in. If they entered from the North, they will be directed northbound. Those who enter from the South will be directed southbound.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about road/lane closures or construction projects. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, construction, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. For its fans, Atlanta Motor Speedway provides a free shuttle and tram service from all parking lots to each gate.(AMS PR)(10-22-2008)
- Flyover Set for Pep Boys Auto 500: The 919th Special Operations Group from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida will conduct a military flyover before the Pep Boys Auto 500, including a Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The massive C-130 is the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide, used by more than 50 nations in more than 40 models and variations. Great seats are available for as little as $39 for an adult ticket. Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-AMS-TIX, 770-946-4211 or go to atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS PR)(10-21-2008)
- American Idol’s Michael Johns to Sing National Anthem at AMS: 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. In addition to Johns’ National Anthem performance preceding the Pep Boys Auto 500, singer Katie Lawhorne will sing the National Anthem before Saturday’s festivities and Thea Agnew will do so on Friday. Lawhorne, a 13-year old Stockbridge, Ga. native, will provide a local flair for the National Anthem performances. For fans interested in attending the Pep Boys Auto 500 and seeing Johns, Lawhorne and Agnew sing the National Anthem, great seats are available for as little as $39 for an adult ticket. Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-AMS-TIX or 770-946-4211 and reserve your seat today.(AMS PR)(10-20-2008)
- Record Purse Set for Atlanta Races: 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 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 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. Round two comes on Saturday, Oct. 25, when the action heats up as the Craftsman Truck series hits the track for Atlanta 200. Undefeated in a truck at AMS, Kyle Busch will put perfection on the line as he attempts to become just the third driver ever to win four NCTS races on one track. Race weekend comes to a head on Sunday, Oct. 26 for the Pep Boys Auto 500, the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Watch the top stars in NASCAR exchange blows for 500 miles on the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway, each competing for first place and a large piece of the record purse. Great seats are available for all Pep Boys Auto 500 race weekend events, October 24-26th. Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-AMS-TIX or 770-946-4211 and reserve your seat today.(AMS PR)(10-20-2008)
- Atlanta Motor Speedway To Honor Bill Elliott and 1988 Championship Team: Atlanta Motor Speedway will honor Bill Elliott's 1988 Melling Racing Team to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the team's 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship as part of the pre-race activities for the Oct. 26 Pep Boys Auto 500. Many of Elliott's crew members from the 1988 Championship team will join the Dawsonville native on stage for a recognition ceremony. Elliott's team, based in his hometown of Dawsonville, is the only team located outside of North Carolina to win both the driver and owner championships.(AMS PR)(10-14-2008)
- Pit Pass Gives Fans a Behind-The-Scenes View at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Racing is special, because fans can get more access to restricted areas than in any other sport. By purchasing a pre-race pit pass for the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Oct. 26, fans have the opportunity to stroll the same pit area used by NASCAR teams during the Pep Boys Auto 500, the Atlanta 200 Craftsman Truck Series race and Hot Shot Qualifying Night. For exclusive pit-area access, Atlanta Motor Speedway pit passes start at only $75 for Friday's Hot Shot Qualifying Night and access for all three days is just $125. Three three-day pass allows fans to get as close as possible for Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday, Oct. 24, the Atlanta 200 truck race on Saturday, Oct. 25, and the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, Oct. 26. A Sunday-only pass is $100. To purchase tickets and pre-race pit passes to the Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend, fans can call 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS PR)(9-24-2008)
- AMS's Club One Provides the Ultimate Racing Experience: For a one-of-a-kind luxury experience at the Pep Boys Auto 500 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. On top of giving fans the ultimate in luxury race viewing, Club One provides their ticket holders the opportunity to stay right next to where you’re going enjoying the race. Club One Camping offers 30 RV camping spots at the base of the Winners grandstand, right next to where Club One is located making it a convenient jaunt with easy access to the Winners grandstand and Club One. Race fans can purchase Club One seats for the entire Pep Boys Auto 500 Sprint Cup weekend, which includes tickets to Friday’s Hot Shot Qualifying Night and Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series Atlanta 200, or purchase a Club One ticket for just the Pep Boys Auto 500. For more information or to schedule your individual preview, call Mary Cason at 1-877-AMS-TIX or 770-946-4211.(AMS PR)(9-22-2008)
- Atlanta Motor Speedway Offers Facilities to Hurricane Evacuees: With weather forecasts calling for the potential Eastern seaboard landfall of tropical storm Hanna this week, Atlanta Motor Speedway has once again opened its facilities to aid those displaced by hurricanes striking the Atlantic or Gulf coasts. As tropical storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine lurk in the Atlantic Ocean and Hurricane Gustav evacuees are urged to allow time for recovery before returning, Atlanta Motor Speedway will extend a helping hand and allow those displaced to utilize the Speedway’s acres of camping. Atlanta Motor Speedway will provide facilities to both tent campers and RVs, including shower facilities. All unreserved camp areas will be available to pop-up tent campers, while East Turn will be used for dry RV camping. In addition, those with RVs in need of full hook-ups can reserve a premium RV spot for $35 per day. Traditionally, Atlanta Motor Speedway has annually offered its camping facilities to those fleeing tropical storms as a planned evacuation destination, including a number who recently fled Hurricane Gustav. For additional information, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-9-AMS-TIX or the Henry County Emergency Management Office at 770-957-9121.(AMS PR)(9-3-2008)
- 2009 Cup Schedule Announced, 4 "off" weeks: NASCAR announced today its national series schedules for the 2009 season, which features realigned dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Truck Series. In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series there will be a three-way date swap between Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) and Talladega Superspeedway.
• Atlanta’s second 2009 race will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6, taking the Labor Day weekend slot now held by Auto Club Speedway.
• Auto Club Speedway’s second race will be Sunday, Oct. 11 – the fourth week of the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” a slot formerly held by Talladega.
• Talladega’s second event will move to Sunday, Nov. 1, making it the seventh Chase event – the slot formerly held by Atlanta.
“The 2009 schedule reflects realigned dates that are good opportunities for everyone involved in our sport – fans, sponsors, tracks and teams," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. The season begins with a tripleheader weekend at Daytona International Speedway capped by the running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. In addition to that season-opening event for the Sprint Cup Series, the Truck Series starts its season on Friday night, Feb. 13, followed the next afternoon by the Nationwide Series opener. For all three series, the season will conclude with another tripleheader weekend, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20-22.
Other key NASCAR Sprint Cup dates in 2009:
• The 31st annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona – a non-points event – will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7.
• On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 12, Richmond International Raceway will again host the “Chase cut-off” race, affording the last opportunity for drivers to qualify for NASCAR’s championship playoffs.
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the first races in both the “Race to the Chase” (Sunday, June 28) and the Chase (Sunday, Sept. 20).
There also will be an additional off-week for NASCAR’s premier series in 2009, prior to the Labor Day weekend event, giving teams a final break before a 12-week stretch that will end the season. Because of the way the calendar falls, NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will have a total of four off-weeks during the 2009 season.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will have a 35-race schedule. Changes from this year include a new event at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 1, replacing Mexico City; a switch of the Atlanta Motor Speedway event from March to September; and moving the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event in Montreal to Sunday, Aug. 30.
The NASCAR Truck Series in 2009 again will have 25 races, with one realigned date: The series’ late-season race at Atlanta will be replaced by a night event at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, Aug. 28.(NASCAR PR)(8-19-2008)
- Family Four Pack for Atlanta Cup race: Responding to overwhelming demand, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Pep Boys are continuing a popular way for fans to save money while enjoying October's Pep Boys Auto 500 in person, the Pep Boys Family Four Pack.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is now offering this family special for the popular October race date during the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Pep Boys Family Four Pack includes four lower level Elliott Grandstand seats, four hot dogs and four 20-ounce Coca-Colas for just $159. In order to receive these ticket offers while supplies last, fans should call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-877-9-AMS-TIX or visit www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.(AMS PR)(8-16-2008)
- Camping Spaces Going Quick at Atlanta: While Atlanta Motor Speedway offers numerous camping options for NASCAR fans, less than 20 infield camping spaces remain available for the Pep Boys Auto 500 Sprint Cup Series weekend. Located on the infield in High Speed Corral between Turns Three and Four, fans wanting to take advantage of the weekend's infield activities need to act quickly in order to claim this prime viewing location. While camping spaces are being purchased at a rapid rate, significant quantities of outside reserved camping spaces are also available in the Mid-State Family camping lots, as well as Legends, East Turn, First Turn and Speedway Boulevard. Because of the quantities available, fans interested in purchasing a camping space are encouraged to reserve their space now.
In addition to reserved camping opportunities at AMS, unreserved camping will also be available during the race weekend for just $60 payable upon arrival. Camping spaces, as well as tickets to the Pep Boys Auto 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.(AMS PR)(8-8-2008)
- Atlanta retains agency to boost attendance: Atlanta Motor Speedway has retained Blue Sky Agency, an Atlanta-based advertising firm, to launch a brand campaign to increase attendance. Many tracks that host Sprint Cup races have reported flat or declining attendance the past few years, and AMS has seen a double-figure drop across all of its events in the past three to four years, according to Ed Clark, the speedway's president. Those tracks don't release specific attendance numbers. The decline is usually blamed on the expense of gas because NASCAR depends on fans to travel long distances, many in gas-guzzling RVs and campers. Part of the new marketing plan likely will involve shrinking the radius around Atlanta to which AMS markets, Clark said.(Sporting News)(7-19-2008)
- California race to move rumor returns: Speculation is mounting that NASCAR's Labor Day race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana could be moved to October, starting next year. The track has struggled to sell all of its 92,000 seats on Labor Day weekend partly because of the weekend's typically hot temperatures, and has petitioned NASCAR for another date. One proposal being weighed is a three-track swap, in which Fontana would receive Talladega Superspeedway's date in October, Atlanta Motor Speedway would get the Labor Day race and Talladega would receive Atlanta's fall date in October. That would put the California race in the middle of the 10-race Chase for the Cup that decides NASCAR's premier championship. But NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said the sanctioning body is still meeting with officials for all tracks and that next year's schedule "is still being determined." NASCAR hopes to announce the schedule by September, he added. Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker said "nothing has been decided yet" and that the three-track swap idea "is one of several scenarios that I have heard are being discussed." She also said "it's possible that [Labor Day] date will remain the same" next year but is hopeful of moving the race. "Everyone is in agreement that a later date for the second [Fontana] race is in the best interests of the sport," Zucker said. Her track also stages a Cup race in late February.(Los Angeles Times)(5-25-2008) Comment here
- Two SMI presidents deny tracks may lose race dates: The presidents of two Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks firmly dismissed the notions that their facilities could lose Sprint Cup dates in order to provide Kentucky Speedway with one. New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway have been mentioned as tracks that could lose a race, but NHIS President Jerry Gappens and AMS President Ed Clark shot down the idea that SMI Chairman Bruton Smith would ever do that. In fact, both presidents said they are planning to finalize sanctioning agreements with NASCAR on Friday morning for two races each in 2009. "Bruton has not given me any, any indication at all that he's looking to change anything," Gappens said. "...I don't think this will have any impact. I think there's more to the puzzle that he's got to finish completing to do some of the things he's thinking." Clark vehemently denied that his track, which has struggled with attendance recently, would have a date moved elsewhere. "I'm tired of people bringing that up, because I get so sick of answering it, I'm about to scream," he said. "You can go ask Bruton, you can ask me – there is no chance. It is not going to happen."(SceneDaily)(5-23-2008)
- Pep Boys Auto 500 Weekend Tickets Now On Sale: NASCAR returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Pep Boys Auto 500 weekend on October 24-26, and
tickets for all three days of racing action are on sale now. 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 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. See atlantamotorspeedway.com for more ticket packages.(AMS)(5-14-2008)
- Scouts to Race at AMS UPDATE: Saturday is Atlanta Motor Speedway's biannual Scout Day at the Races, when all Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in uniform are admitted free for the day's festivities, including the Nicorette 300 Nationwide Series race. New for this year will be a Pinewood Derby demonstration in front of the Petty Grandstand after the conclusion of the Nicorette 300. Sprint Cup owner Ray Everham and broadcaster Mike Joy will host the event, and all scouts participating will receive a commemorative
certificate and a T-shirt that says "I raced at Atlanta Motor Speedway." To get prepared for the big day, there was a special media flight of the Pinewood Derby held Friday morning in the media center, which was won by five-year-old Will Lanford, son of Atlanta Fox 5 sportscaster Buck Lanford. He clutched the winning Fox-5 "sponsored" car long after the end of the contest, and later had his carved wooden trophy autographed by Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards. The beautifully carved trophy was actually created by Atlanta Motor Speedway's own Grandstand Supervisor, Shaun Kelley, an accomplished woodworker.(AMS PR)(3-8-2008)
UPDATE jayski.com #7 finishes 3rd: Motor Racing Outreach and Speedway Children's Charities conducted the first autotrader.com Pinewood Derby event Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Nearly 100 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts braved the chilly weather to watch the Nicorette 300 and race their cars down the 30 foot extruded aluminum track. Sprint Cup Series team owner Ray Evernham built two sleek entries, which were awarded to the winning scouts. Every scout received a "I raced at Atlanta Motor Speedway" T-shirt and certificate.
In the MRO class for NASCAR participants' family members, Christian Yates raced his #28 to a one car length victory over John Hunter Nemechek's #78 Furniture Row entry, with Scott Joy's jayski.com #7 an inch behind in third, and Skylar Riggs' #66 fourth. Macy Waltrip, Layne Riggs, Todd Gilliland, and Emilia Reutimann also competed, racing cars that they and their dads had built.
A variety of strategies were employed. Waltrip's car was "loose" and benefitted from a tire change, while graphite lube was a hot commodity among drivers trying to keep up with Yates' "horsepower". Joe Nemechek served as honorary starter, From FOX Sports, Mike Joy was race director and Matt Yocum was finish line judge. Proud crew chiefs included Doug Yates, Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, Scott Riggs, David Gilliand, Ray Evernham, Nemechek and Joy. MRO President Billy Mauldin presented the awards. The next event is planned for Charlotte in May.(3-9-2008) Comment here
- GA Governor to host Atlanta Motor Speedway Day: Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will host the 6th annual Atlanta Motor Speedway Day at the Georgia State Capitol [Atlanta, GA], along with Georgia State Senator John Douglas, AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark, Past champion Rusty Wallace, David Ragan (Unadilla, Ga. native), Steve Wallace, David Stremme, Truck Series Owner Billy Ballew (Blairsville, Ga. native and resident), Andy Lally (Dacula, Ga. resident and driver for TRG Motorsports) outside the State Capitol on Mitchell Street [If it rains, the location will be inside the Capitol in the North Wing] on Thursday, March 6 @ 10:45am/et.(AMS PR)(3-5-2008)
- Kobalt Tools 500 Weekend March 7-9 Traffic Plan: Due to the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the south side of Atlanta will experience especially heavy traffic flow throughout the event weekend. Please help us advise the more than 120,000 fans expected for the Kobalt Tools 500 the best routes for entering and exiting the speedway. Traffic is expected to be heaviest during the Friday evening rush hour, as fans head to the track for Georgia Power Qualifying Night and the American Commercial Lines 200 Craftsman Truck race. Saturday afternoon will consist of the Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The weekend will culminate with Sunday’s (March 9) Kobalt Tools 500. Fans are encouraged to leave early to avoid the rush of traffic expected to reach the race track around 8 a.m.
Where: All racetrack-bound roads, especially Hwys. 19/41 and GA Hwy. 20 (Bruton Smith Parkway)
**Important Note: For its fans, Atlanta Motor Speedway provides a free shuttle and tram service from all parking lots to each gate.**
Basic Traffic Plan for the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend (March 7-9):
Fans have a choice of which major route to take, either Hwy. 19/41 or Hwy. 20 from I-75 southbound. I-75 northbound race fans can exit at either Exit 212 Hampton-Locust Grove Road or Exit 218, GA Hwy 20. Please choose which route to take based on where you would like to park on property, because fans will be directed to a certain lot based on which way they enter the speedway. Trams, shuttle buses and sidewalks will allow fans to get to their seats easily regardless of where they park on property. Be advised that the direction fans enter speedway property is the same direction they will exit.
ENTERING THE SPEEDWAY:
From Hwy. 19/41:
FROM THE NORTH: Those traveling from the North (traveling southbound on Hwy. 19/41) will be directed to parking lots on the north side of the property and should utilize Speedway Blvd.
Those traveling south on Hwy. 19/41 need to be in the right lane and will turn right at Speedway Boulevard and park in the yellow, red or green parking lots off of Speedway Blvd. Those with vehicle credentials need to stay in the left lane, use the counter-flow lane as they approach the speedway and enter just south of the main entrance at entrance E or at entrance G off of Richard Petty Blvd.
FROM THE SOUTH: Those traveling in from the South (traveling northbound on Hwy. 19/41 from Griffin) will turn at main speedway entrance and will be directed to the blue parking lot.
From Hwy. 20: Those traveling in on Hwy. 20 will be directed to the orange (Weaver) parking lots on the south side of the property.
EXITING THE SPEEDWAY:
Fans will leave the same way they came in. If they entered from the North, they will be directed northbound. Those who enter from the South will be directed southbound.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about road/lane closures or construction projects. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, construction, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.(AMS PR)(3-3-2008)
- Fan Tips for Those Attending the Race Weekend at Atlanta: Below are some tips that will help ensure fans have a memorable, exciting visit to NASCAR's fastest track, Atlanta Motor Speedway during the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend.
* 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.
* Nationwide Insurance Fan Assistance Patrol Program - The Nationwide Insurance Fan Assistance Patrol offers golf cart transportation and general assistance throughout the Atlanta Motor Speedway parking areas. This service is limited to the Atlanta Motor Speedway facility only, providing patrons with the ability to move to and from almost any area on the property. Patrons may inquire about any of these services at the Nationwide Insurance Information Booths located throughout the Atlanta Motor Speedway property.
Atlanta Motor Speedway provides tram service between the campgrounds and the entrance gates before and after events that will depart regularly from the designated Nationwide tram stops. Tram passengers under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Trams are provided as a courtesy service to speedway guests. Due to the demand for this service, continuous riding (joyriding) is prohibited
Campground tram route:
Runs along inner perimeter road. Through the and Legends camping area, with a stop at the northern entrance to the East Turn Campgrounds; adjacent to Entrance E. Trams will also run to Speedway Blvd. reserved and unreserved camping as well as the Mid-State Family Campground.
Infield tram route:
Runs from main entrance to the new tunnel along the road course.
* ATM Machines - Bank of America will have 12 ATM machines at various locations throughout the property. You will find ATM machines at gates 13, 14, and 15 (will call). There are also locations in the Champions, Earnhardt, Petty and Elliott Grandstands, as well as near the infield concessions area.
* Camping Guidelines - Quiet time in all camping areas is from midnight to 7 a.m. (except Mid-State Family Campground, which is 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) Although we do allow the use of generators, we ask that you turn them off by midnight. Also, no flatbed trucks (over 10 feet long), flatbed trailers, box trucks, or portable storage containers are allowed.
* Traffic Reports - Traffic information will be provided by WSB 750 AM. Tune in throughout the weekend for the latest traffic news. Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about road/lane closures or construction projects. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, construction, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
* Beer Cut-Off Times - Beer sales will conclude with 50 laps left in each race. For your convenience please be sure to make your purchases before this time.
* Outside food- While we pride ourselves on providing a variety of food and drink options for our guests, visitors are welcome to bring their own items if they prefer. Coolers larger than 14"x14"x14" and glass bottles are not allowed inside the gates of the speedway. Planning ahead will make your entrance to the speedway much simpler for both our visitors and security officers alike.
* Handicapped Parking Enforcement - Handicapped parking areas will be strictly enforced for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend and misuse could result in being fined and / or towed. These areas are reserved for those fans with a handicap, not for those who plan to use a friend or relative's handicap permit to gain access to these areas. The person who is the owner of that handicapped parking sticker is required to be a passenger in the vehicle.
* Ticket Resale - No tickets may be resold on Speedway property. This will be strictly enforced. Fans can also utilize TicketExchange, Ticketmaster's new online service that enables safe and secure fan-to-fan ticket transactions. Buyers simply select the tickets they want based on price and seat location, without having to bid against other buyers, without having to coordinate delivery from anonymous sellers, and without the gamble that the tickets are fraudulent. Sellers are guaranteed payment for tickets sold, without having to collect payment or deliver the tickets to the buyer.
* Directions to Atlanta Motor Speedway- Directions to AMS, including traffic patterns and facility maps can be found by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com
* To Purchase Tickets - Fans can purchase tickets several ways. Tickets are available through the AMS ticket office by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211, online at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or through an authorized Ticketmaster retail outlet.(AMS PR)(3-3-2008)
- AMS Announces record purse: NASCAR drivers competing in the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500, the March 8 Nicorette 300 and the March 7 American Commercial Lines 200 Craftsman Truck Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be battling for nearly $7 million in posted prize money. The awards for the events are part of a $6,763,848 purse
announced for the three days of racing that comprise the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend schedule of events. This exciting weekend of racing will kick off Friday night,
March 7 with Georgia Power Sprint Cup Qualifying night, immediately followed by the American Commercial Line 200 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. Racing action will heat up on Saturday, March 8 when the Nationwide Series regulars try and beat select Sprint Cup drivers in the Nicorette 300, with $1,151,315 up for grabs. On Sunday, the stars of the Sprint Cup series will take on the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Kobalt Tools 500, racing for a record purse of $5,060,012. This is the first time in Atlanta Motor Speedway's history the purse has exceeded five million dollars. Great seats are available for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, March 7-9. Contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or visit atlantamotorspeedway.com for more information.(AMS PR)(3-2-2008)
- Deal to swap [California/Atlanta] race dates near, Smith suggests: Bruton Smith worked the room in the media center Friday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, confirming he has proposed swapping his Atlanta track’s October date for the Labor Day weekend slot at Auto Club Speedway in California. “It is the thing to do,” said Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. “I hope that we will have an answer on that in the very near future.”(Charlotte Observer)(3-1-2008)
- AMS Offers Fans Simple Ordering Options at Concession Stands with "Combo" Meals: Cuisine is a large part of any race weekend experience and Levy Restaurants has ensured that fans attending the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway will have a multitude of food options to choose from, including several new items. 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. To help fulfill a southern race experience, stands will offer new additions such as Brunswick stew and for the first time ever at AMS, race fans will be able to take advantage of in-seat service. Race fans can enjoy a wonderful dining experience as well as incredible racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the March 7-9 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend. Tickets are available by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or by visiting atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS PR)(3-1-2008)
- Calif and Atlanta to switch dates? UPDATE: Rowdy.com reports: "According to our good buddy David Poole, we might find ourselves watching the Labor Day race in Atlanta. There is talk of California and Atlanta switching dates with Cali getting the October Chase race and Atlanta getting Labor Day."(Rowdy.com)(2-22-2008)
UPDATE: Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark said Friday that the track has had no discussions with Auto Club Speedway of Southern California about swapping each track's respective fall race date. "I don't know where that's coming from," Clark said. "We'd certainly have to take a look at it and have to talk with our fans and employees and get their views on it. We'd have to at least look at it. If it would be a win-win deal for both sides, it would make sense."(Macon Telegraph)(2-23-2008) Comment here.
