Some of the most exciting drag racing of the summer at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags is expected Friday as double points will be awarded to all competitors.
With only three points events remaining in the 2014 season, each race becomes more important for drivers seeking to win division titles and be honored during the Labor Day Weekend of NASCAR night racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. All O’Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags champions will be introduced on the driver introduction stage during Atlanta 500 pre-race festivities on Aug. 31. This Friday’s double points night creates the opportunity for drivers to make a final month charge.
“Who wouldn’t want to walk across that stage in front of thousands of race fans?” said Domestic Advanced points leader Jason KInard of Hampton. “It’s the biggest event in Georgia.”
Byrd Closing In On First Place
A hard-charging Tony Byrd has his eyes on first place in the Jailhouse Brewing Company Super Pro Division. The driver of a 1986 Ford Thunderbird trails Locust Grove’s Arnie Cobb in the standings.
“I’d love to catch him,” Byrd said. “I’d like to get closer and make the decision come down to the final night.”
Byrd has rallied toward the top of the standings as a result of strong finishes each week in the division. He has taken advantage of Cobb failing to advance past the first round in the previous two events to trim Cobb’s lead to three points.
Byrd, who previously raced in the pro division at Drags, is running nitrous in his car for the first time this year on the pit lane drag strip. He credits fellow competitors Eddie Chapman and Alan Kidd as having helped his racing efforts.
“I feel good about where I am,” Byrd said. “We have had pretty decent year.”
Path2College 529 Savings Plan Power Wheels Races Next Week
The kids will take center stage on Friday, Aug. 8 as the Path2College 529 College Savings Plan presents the Power Wheel Races.
The Power Wheel races will allow children ages 12 & under to race in their battery-powered car, truck or motorcycle.
The Power Wheel races will take place in the grass ball field area near the drag race starting line at 8:30 p.m. Kids wishing to participate should be in this area with their Power Wheel and ready to race following the Speedway Cruise. All participants will receive an award.
The 2014 Friday Night Drags season runs Friday nights through August 15, with the Fall Stampede taking place September 12 and September 19. 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 Speedway Parade at 8:05 p.m. Drag racing eliminations begin after 9 p.m.
Drag Racing is open to any licensed driver. Competitors must wear a DOT-approved helmet and have operational seat belts in their vehicle. All racers ages 16 and 17 must have a fully-executed minor’s release form on file at the speedway prior to competition. Forms are available at the Speedway or at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
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.
Fans are reminded that Atlanta Motor Speedway offers a non-smoking grandstand. Smoking is allowed in designated areas behind the grandstands or the infield, but not in the grandstands, concourse or seating areas.
For more information on O’Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/drags.
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