With three weeks of points racing in the books at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Friday Night Drags, the season standings have begun to take shape and tell the story of what racers will be the top competition in each respective division in the remaining events for 2012.
However last week offered proof that it’s never too late to get back into contention for a season points championship, especially if drivers trailing in the standings can maneuver themselves through each elimination round and take advantage of when the division leaders suffer misfortune.
The Super Pro division saw a new winner last week as John Bonner broke the stranglehold on the division that had been held by Mark White and Matt Carden. White still maintains the lead in the points standings, but his overall performance has often been far from consistent. White has claimed the most victories with four, but he has suffered mechanical issues in the other three events. This has solidified his standing as a very fast car, at least when his 1967 Shelby Mustang has been dependable, which has also left the door open for other Super Pro racers to get in competition.
In Truck Advanced action, Will Coots defeated then co-points leader Chuck Poole, as Andrew Pride suffered a rear-end failure and lost his grip atop the standings. Other divisions that featured drivers jumping back into contention or taking advantage of misfortune by fellow competitors were David Sisk in Pro action and Brian Leath in the Truck division
The third week of points racing will feature a variety of agendas for each racer, as those who found racing success last week will look to continue the good momentum and seize another solid run. Meanwhile those that did not run as well as desired or suffered misfortune down the eighth-mile pit lane drag strip will be striving to shake off the bad luck and get the season headed back down the right path, which all drivers hope will ultimately lead to an overall season points championship on Aug. 17.
This Week at Friday Night Drags
This week’s Show-N-Shine will be a special night for the two-wheel machines, as ABATE’s Motorcycle Mania will be featured. All motorcycles are encouraged to come out and show off their hot rods and take part in the track cruise following judging. Plus, motorcycles can enter the drag racing portion of the evening’s festivities with a combo ticket for only $30.
Also in attendance at Friday Night Drags this week will be the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame with a vintage race car display. Among those vehicles making an appearance will be the Dixie Twister, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car, one of the few during that era. The Chevy will also make an exhibition run down AMS’ eighth-mile pit lane drag strip on Friday. The Twister has been fully restored to its previous racing condition and meets all current NHRA standards following its retrieval from Nova Scotia in 2004.
With family-friendly activities that everyone can be a part of, Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine is a full evening of family fun and at a great bargain.
The 2012 Friday Night Drags season runs each Friday night through Aug. 17, with the Fall Stampede taking place Sept. 14 and Sept. 21. Practice runs begin at 6:15 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 6:30 p.m. Show-N-Shine car show judging begins at 6:15 p.m. with a track cruise at 8:15 p.m. Drag racing eliminations begin at 9:09 p.m.
All racers ages 16 and 17 must have a fully-executed minor’s release form on file at the speedway prior to competition and forms are available at the speedway or at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. Competitors must wear a DOT-approved helmet and have operational seat belts in their vehicle and pass a pre-race safety inspection.
Entry to drag race or for the Show-N-Shine is $20 or competitors can enter both for $30. Spectator admission is only $8 with children five and under free. Exterior parking is free, while infield parking is $20.
For more information on Friday Night Drags or Atlanta Motor Speedway, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/