Preview - Atlanta Motor Speedway
INCLUDING Driver Appearances, Seating, Ticket Prices & Packages, Schedule, & More
1500 Tara Place, Hampton, GA 30228
Local Phone: 1-770-946-4211 Toll free: (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or (877) 926-7849.
TRACK NEWS: Fan Alert Text Message Program – Fans can text message issues, concerns or complaints to Atlanta Motor Speedway by texting number 69050 and writing keyword AMS <space> followed by your issue and location. A central dispatcher will promptly assist with the issue.
RACE TRACK/TRAFFIC INFORMATION - WSB-AM 750 AM nd WKHX Kicks 101.5 FM.
Georgia DOT also urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about road/lane closures or construction projects. 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.
Atlanta Motor Speedway has added 10 videos with traffic information - Click Here
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.
The new four-lane Georgia Highway 20 is finished. Spanning approximately 8 miles from I-75 directly to the speedway will give fans a second major traffic corridor to the track and should have a significant impact on race day traffic flow. The Bruton Smith Parkway will run from Exit 218 off I-75 to the speedway. It joins Georgia Highway 19/41, which runs south from I-75 Exit 235, as the two main event traffic routes to Atlanta Motor Speedway. In preparation for the new Georgia Highway 20, Atlanta Motor Speedway officials have made many improvements to entrances and parking areas, including the addition of shuttle vehicle loops around the speedway and to on-property camping areas. Fans attending the upcoming race weekend are encouraged to follow the direction of speedway parking crews to parking areas and either ride the Nationwide shuttle vehicles or walk to their seating areas via new sidewalks surrounding the speedway.
UPDATE FROM US: I can honestly say traffic is no big deal anymore at Atlanta. We have left just 2 hours after the checkered flag and we sat in no traffic to get to I-75. I think the police and speedway officials finally have it figured out!
Getting there 2011
TRAVELING SOUTH:
I-75 South to Exit #235 (15 miles South of downtown Atlanta) and continue on U.S. Highway 19 & 41 for 15 miles.
If traffic is backed up at Exit #235 travel South on I-75 to Exit #218. GA 20 West follow signs to Speedway. (15 miles)
TRAVELING NORTH:
I-75 North to Exit #205. GA 16 West into Griffin. U.S. Highway 19 & 41 North to Speedway.
I-75 North to Exit #218. GA 20 West to Speedway. I-75 North to Exit #205. GA 16 West into Griffin. U.S. Highway 19 & 41 North to Speedway. (20 miles)
I-75 to Exit #212. Hampton-Locust Grove Road West to GA 20. GA 20 to Speedway. (15 miles)
TIPS:
FROM JOANIE: As a local, I HIGHLY recommend using GA20 (I75, exit 218) to get to the track instead of hwy 19/41 (Tara Blvd) from exit 235. The traffic moves swiftly and the State troopers have it down to a near science.
UPDATE FROM A NICE FAN PBRED8 (THANKS): On race day coming From the north (Atlanta), avoid US 41/ Tara Blvd at all costs
2) One alternate is to stay on I-75 going south to Exit 205, GA 16 (Griffin/ Jackson) turn East on 16 to downtown Griffin and pick up US 41 in Griffin and proceed north to the track. The reverse is a good way out after the race.
3) Get off I-75 south @ the GA 85( 4 lane) exit just south of I-285 and proceed thru Riverdale to Fayetteville and turn SE on GA 92 to track (follow signs)
2011 ENTERING SPEEDWAY GROUNDS:
When approaching the Speedway from the south on US Highways 19 & 41, take Speedway Blvd. into the track. Stay in the right lane of US Highways 19 & 41 for Entrance A.
If heading north on Highways 19 & 41, use the Main Entrance of Richard Petty Blvd. Stay in the far left counterflow lane of US Highways 19 & 41.
2011 EXITING ROUTES: ( To I-75)
Take Speedway Blvd. to U.S. Highway 19 & 41 and head north. Continue north through Jonesboro to I-75 or head east on McDonough Road to I-75.
Fans can also take the Main exit of the Speedway and bear north or south on Highway 19 & 41. For those who head north on US Highway 19 & 41, pass through Jonesboro to I-75 or head east on McDonough Road to I-75. For those going south (right lane only) on US Highway 19 & 41, follow signs to Griffin and follow GA 16 to I-75.
For those exiting via Richard Petty Blvd., take US Highway 19 & 41 north or south. If heading north on US Highway 19 & 41, continue through Jonesboro to I-75 or head east at McDonough Road to I-75. Bearing south, take US Highway 19 & 41 and follow the signs to Griffin, then take GA 16 to I-75.
If exiting west on Richard Petty Blvd, take Woolsey Road and head West to GA 92 and bear north or south. Heading south, take GA 92 to US Highway 19 & 41 and follow the signs to Griffin, then take GA 16 to I-75. Heading north on GA 92, follow 92 to GA 85.
TRAFFIS TIPS FROM THE SPEEDWAY (VIDEOS)
PARKING AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Laidback Racing Tip: Do not park on Atlanta Speedway property unless you are directly in the parking lot on the front stretch. We do not care that it is free.
DO NOT PARK ON THE BACK STRETCH (unless you are going west)
OR IN THE TURNS.
This is where they funnel the infield traffic out of the infield and it is a cluster F*#%. You are better off looking at that detailed map and parking on the US Hwy or GA state road that will take you to the interstate you need to go home. Remember turn your car around to face the route you will take to leave the track. There are people parking fans in their yards along these roads for between $5.00 & $15.00.
RESERVED PARKING: Reserved parking for passenger cars is available for race weekend directly behind Champions Grandstand or Weaver Grandstand for $75 per event.
The entire speedway is surrounded by free parking if you are just there for the day.
Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office now at (770) 946-4211 to reserve your camping spaces.
MORE ON PARKING NEAR ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
All along Richard Petty Blvd. is free parking. It is easier to get out of Dodge after the race if you park along this road instead of heading into the parking lots. Many of the areas on the side of the road have enough room to tailgate next to your car. REMEMBER to turn your car around and park on the side of the road so you are heading out.
Also, even though there are signs all along Hwy 19/41 that have NO PARKING this goes out the window on race day. Fans park all along Hwy 19/41...didn't see one single parking ticket.
On Hwy 19/41 is Eagle's Landing Family Practice which is closed on the weekend. People parked there for free. This is almost right across from Richard Petty Blvd. and good if you are in the East Turn or sitting in turn 4. You won't get caught in much of the speedway parking traffic here
The First National Bank is right across from the main entrance which is also closed on the weekend. People parked there for free. Also there is a street across from the main entrance, Oak Street and that is where Jimmy and I used to park back when the frontstretch was the back stretch.
Across from Speedway Blvd. on the opposite side of Hwy 19/41 is a large field with parking for $15.00. Port O Potties
Also, I recommend Oak Street (directly across from the main entrance) for parking as you can get out of dodge quick by following Oak away from Hwy 19/41
SPEEDWAY PARKING
RESERVED PARKING: Reserved parking for passenger cars is available for race weekend directly behind Champions Grandstand for $75 per event.
The entire speedway is surrounded by free parking if you are just there for the day.
Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office now at (770) 946-4211 to reserve your camping spaces.
Infield Parking for those camping on the infield can be purchased for $50.
HANDICAPPED PARKING: Gate #2 (East Turn/Petty Grandstand), and Gates 12-15 (Earnhardt/Champions Grandstand). Golf cart assistance is provided at all gates. If you have any special handling needs, please notify us prior to arriving at the track for information and directions.
PREVIEW
Atlanta was reshaped a few years ago. Atlanta used to be a flat oval. Now it is the ever popular (to the builders), ever getting on my nerves, 1.5 mile D-Shaped Tri-Oval. However they didn't kill this track. Enough of it's old personality still comes through which separates it from other 1.5 mile D-Shaped Tri-Ovals. While it is a cookie-cutter track, there is something that separates it from the others that have been built recently. It's old personality just won't go away. It is fast. Real fast. Also has multiple grooves. Before they slap restrictor plates on the cars at Atlanta, go to a race there.
We have been there around 12 times in the past. I know people that will not go to Atlanta even if you give them free suite tickets because of the traffic and weather. However, if you do as Laidback Racing advises and do not leave any track right after the race, traffic will not be a problem. The police that funnel the traffic out of the track send you down back roads that are not clearly marked. Also, if you come in from the left and want to leave that way you won't be able to. They will make you go to the right. You will get funneled around the entire track just to end up back where you started in the right direction an hour later.
Please for your own good carry a detailed map that shows US Hwys and State roads. This is a good tip for any older track you attend a race. There are back roads that leave the track and can take you to the interstate you need while bypassing the city of Atlanta.
All that being said let me tell you; Atlanta Speedway is FUN. Even though we finally had enough of bad weather in the mid 90's to put Atlanta on hold, when we went back in the fall of 2003 I remembered immediately why I liked this track so much. The racing is great. The facility is TOP NOTCH like all of Bruton's that I have been to. The fans are the best. Lord, the bubbas & bubbates are out in full force at Atlanta Speedway. WHAT A SHOW in the parking lots. Makes the rain easier to take.
UPDATE FROM US: FINALLY, I can honestly say traffic was no big deal any longer. We left just 2 hours after the checkered flag and we sat in no traffic to get to I-75 after the last 4 races. I think the police and speedway officials finally have it figured out!
SEATING
All seating that I could see were the new aluminium bench seating. Standard amount of room like most tracks - NOT ENOUGH! I hate when those stupid bench seats are only around 9 inches deep. Even Jimmy's narrow ass is deeper than 9 inches!
In the old days we used to say: THE HIGH THE SEAT THE BETTER THE VIEW. That was when the grandstands went up maybe to row 30 and there were no towers above that. However this is simply not true anymore with grandstands & towers that go up 5 to 10 stories. You only need to sit high enough to see the whole track. After that it is a waste of money, energy & time because you are getting further away from the track. I have been on the top row of some towers and could not tell whose car was whose. I went down to the lower grandstand and sat where I could see the whole track and the view was a helluva lot better!
There are no bad seats at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I think it has to do with the infield almost being sunk in. When Bruton Flipped-Flopped this track he didn't just do it because he owned more property on that side like the owners or Darlington. He did it to improve the facility. And boy did he. It amazes me to see the new AMS ever time we pull up in front of it. He used Charlotte Motor Speedway as his blueprint then he improved on it.
CHAMPIONS GRANDSTAND
The Champions Grandstand are excellent from almost the bottom row all the way to the top. The only thing that blocked my view of the entire race track in Row 10 was the wide screen TV and the big ass chrome flag stand. The infield like I said is almost sunk down so there are no garages or motor homes blocking your view.
Only problem I noticed was the higher up in this grandstand you go the louder it is. The top row has a wall like structure built around it which keeps rain and wind off you (nice at Atlanta) but holds in the noise. It was louder up on the top row than in chicken bone alley! Above row 43 or so they have TV's that you can see in the rafters (must be because you are so high up you can hardly tell who is who!) Also, above row 43 is covered but that means there will be poles in the way of some seats. The front stretch grandstands is in the sun until sunset.
EAST TURN/ELLIOTT GRANDSTAND
This grandstand is absolutely the best grandstand ever built in a turn. I normally would rather sit in chicken bone alley on the frontstretch than on the top row of a grandstand in a turn but not at Atlanta. When Bruton built this grandstand he didn't do it to simply cram more fans into the track not caring whether they could see or not. He didn't build it at the angle most tracks build their new grandstands (the higher you sit at most of the new grandstands the less of the track right in front of you is visible). From the bottom row all the way up you can see the entire track. The only thing you lose when sitting down low was the bottom of the race cars (from the tires down). This is due to the SAFER barriers. When this grandstand was built they were no SAFER barriers. I feel sure that would have been taken into consideration by Bruton if they had already been used in nascar.
WINNERS GRANDSTAND
The upper sections have the individual seats but the lower sections have the bench seats. Caution: The front stretch grandstands is in the sun until sunset. .
CONCESSIONS
The Champion Grandstand and the East Turn Grandstands had a load of concessions stands located all along them. They had the usual race track food along with some other interesting stuff. The Wall of Corn was just popcorn loaded into this see thru vat but it was cool to see. They also had a guy during the fall race selling "redneck suckers". A fresh ear of corn dipped into melted butter.
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.
RESTROOMS
The fans in the high dollar seats in the Champion and East Turn Grandstand had to walk down the 70 or so rows to get to the bathrooms. However, every section had a men's and women's room with around 16 stalls but only a few sinks. At the main entrance to the Champions Grandstand (section 246-247) there were bathrooms on either side with 32 stalls BUT only around 6 sinks. Don't they realize that 6 sinks backs up a women's room almost as bad as 6 stalls?
Also, in the Champion Grandstand they kept the men's rooms from when it was the back stretch and built new ones. You almost miss the old ones. They are as soon as you come down the grandstand steps before you walk onto the concourse.
Also, in the Champion Grandstand they kept the men's rooms from when it was the back stretch and built new ones. You almost miss the old ones. They are as soon as you come down the grandstand steps before you walk onto the concourse.
STAFF
Staff was extremely helpful and well informed. If they didn't have the answer they sent me to some one who did.
SHUTTLES 2011
Tons of Shuttle Busses....There are 12 trams stops around Perimeter road. There is a 13th one at the corner of Mid State Campground and the free parking. THEY LINE THEM UP OUTSIDE OF THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND FILL THEM UP...THEY STOP AT EVERY GATE....Second only to Bristol!
ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2011 SCHEDULE
Thursday, Sept. 1 
12:30 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series haulers enter
7 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers enter
Friday, Sept. 2
8 a.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series haulers enter
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice
Noon-1:30 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice
2 p.m. Grandstand gates open
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Labor Day Legends Invitational
5:05 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
6 p.m.-7:20 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice
7:30 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Intros
8 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race (130 laps, 200 miles)
Saturday, Sept. 3
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series practice
10:30 a.m. - Noon NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice
1 p.m. Grandstand gates open
1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice
3:40 p.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying (2 laps, all positions)
5:10 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying (2 laps, all positions)
7 p.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Introductions
7:30 p.m. Great Clips 300 (195 Laps, 300 miles)
Sunday, Sept. 4
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Speedway Children’s Charities Track Walk
2 p.m. Grandstand gates open
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Fast Cars & Guitars Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd
7 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Introductions
7:30 p.m. AdvoCare 500 (325 laps, 500 miles)
Monday, Sept. 5
7:30 a.m. Breakfast on Bruton (in Nationwide Series garage)
ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY TICKET PRICES 2011
$19.00 (WITH STUDENT ID) AND 39.00 - 135.00 ORDER
Atlanta Motor Speedway Offers Smoke and Alcohol-Free Seating Option
Section 156 in the Champions grandstand will be smoke and alcohol-free. The entire Petty grandstand will be a smoke and alcohol-free family grandstand. Sunday’s smoke and alcohol-free sections include section 48 in the Elliott grandstand, section 113 in the Petty grandstand and section 168 in the Winners grandstand. Tickets in smoke and alcohol-free sections, as well as all tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500 event weekend, can be purchased by calling the AMS ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849) or online at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
TICKET DEALS Sept. 2011
AdvoCare 500 Ticket Buyers Entered To Be Part Of Sprint Cup Driver Autograph Session
Fans that purchase tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 by July 31 will be entered into a drawing to win autographs from select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. The inaugural autograph session will be held at the speedway on Friday, Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. 600 accounts will be selected during the week of August 1. Winning account holders will be notified in advance which drivers they have been randomly assigned.
Drawing winners will gain the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from two of the following Sprint Cup Series stars: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, Trevor Bayne, A.J. Allmendinger, Casey Mears, Travis Kvapil and Joe Nemechek.
$39 Adult Tickets In The Elliott Grandstand Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering specially-priced tickets for adults in the Elliott Grandstand for the AdvoCare 500! Adult tickets for Elliott are just $39 in rows one through 20. Also, tickets in rows 21 through 39 have been reduced to just $59. These offers exist while supplies last.
$88 Earnhardt Section Junior fans unite! Originally created to commemorate Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s move to the No. 88 Chevrolet, the $88 frontstretch section has turned into a cheering section for NASCAR's most-popular driver during the AdvoCare 500. Seats are located in the first 26 rows of the Earnhardt Grandstand, while supplies last.
Stagefront Pass For Fast Cars & Guitars Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd- $59 The only way to be stagefront for the Fast Cars and Guitars Pre-Race Concert Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd is with a stagefront pass! Priced at $59, this gets you stagefront access to both the concert and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver intros! Stagefront passes must be accompanied by a grandstand ticket.
Elliott Grandstand FANtastic Four Pack For just $159, fans can purchase four lower-level Elliott Grandstand tickets to the AdvoCare 500. This package also includes a voucher for four hot dogs and four Coca-Colas! Offer good while supplies last.
$149 Start/Finish Line Package - Save Over $100! For just $149, fans can purchase Upper Champions Grandstand tickets to both the AdvoCare 500 and the Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A Sunday Pre-Race Pit Pass is also included! Offer good while supplies last.
$59 Frontstretch Tickets Among the best values in all of racing, fans can get a view of the action on the frontstretch at the AdvoCare 500 for just $59! Tickets are located in the first nine rows of the Winner's and Petty Grandstands and are available while supplies last!
$19 Tickets For Students and Children As a special rate for students and children, Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering a specially-priced $19 ticket in the Elliott Grandstand for the AdvoCare 500. Seats are available in each row of the Elliott Grandstand that overlooks Turn 3, while supplies last.
Buy Five Tickets, Get The Sixth On Junior! Fans purchasing five tickets in either the upper or lower Earnhardt Grandstand get a sixth ticket free to the AdvoCare 500! Bring along your group of six family and friends, and one of those tickets is free! Offer good while supplies last!
$39 Friday and Saturday Upgrade Fans purchasing tickets to the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway can upgrade their tickets to an entire weekend of night racing for just $39! For this price, fans with Sunday tickets can add general admission tickets to both the Camping World Truck Series race and the Great Clips 300. Offer good while supplies last.
Upper Winners/Stagefront Package - $600 Watch the AdvoCare 500 from prime, chairback seats in the Upper Winner's Grandstand and get four Pre-Race Party Passes for just $600! Pre-Race Party Passes provide stagefront access to both driver introductions and the pre-race concert! Offer good while supplies last.
MORE INFO ON ALL DEALS AND TO BUY: CLICK HERE contact the AMS ticket office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211
PIT PASSES 2011
NEW FOR 2011: children of all ages have access to the pits via a new rule NASCAR instituted in 2011. There are a limited number of weekend pre-race pit passes available for $125 and Sunday-only pre-race pit passes for $100. All pit passes must be accompanied by a grandstand ticket. To purchase a pit pass, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com Also, no sleeveless shirt, open-toe shoes or shorts are allowed in the pit area
Gate openings
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: Saturday (11 a.m., gates 13 & 15, 4 p.m. gates 12 & 14), Sunday (2 p.m., all gates).
WHAT IS ALLOWED INTO THE GRANDSTANDS
Coolers are allowed. They may be made of any material, as long as they are 14x14x14 or smaller. Please, no glass is allowed. As always, please allow extra time if you are carrying in a cooler, as all bags are subject to search. You can also bring in other bags such as a back pack, scanner bags, camera bags or what ever else you need to carry your stuff
BRUTON DOESN'T HAVE ANY STUPID RULES "FOR OUR SAFETY"
WHAT TO DO
DRIVERS APPEARANCES
Appearances are posted from a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there isn't advanced notice, go by the souvenir haulers and look for the signs. (Go on Friday that is when they give out the tickets you need)
Reed Sorenson tries to visit his souvenir trailer at the race track each weekend to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by the trailer and check for times. AMS.com
Friday, Sept. 2
Ron Hornaday and Blake Feese – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 2:15 p.m. AMS.com
Elliott Sadler – Autograph Signing at OneMain Financial Branch at 1525 N. Expressway, Griffin, Ga. 30223, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. AMS.com
Justin Marks and Dakoda Armstrong – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 3:00 p.m. AMS.com
Johnny Sauter – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 3:15 p.m. AMS.com
Austin Dillon and Joey Coulter – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 3:30 p.m. AMS.com
Justin Lofton and Johanna Long – Q&A and Autograph Session, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 3:45 p.m. AMS.com
Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton, Justin Marks and Dakoda Armstrong – Q&A and Autograph Session, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 4:00 p.m. AMS.com
Ricky Carmichael and James Buescher – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 4:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m. AMS.com
Trevor Bayne Cup autograph session-4-5 (concourse beneath Earnhardt grandstands)
roushracing.com David Reutimann will also be there along with other drivers but these are the only ones I have found
Former Crew Chief Tim Brewer – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 7:15 p.m. AMS.com
Saturday, Sept. 3
1:00 p.m. in the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office. The first 150 fans ages 16 and under will get to participate in the “Future Stars for Future Fans” autograph session. Drivers participating in the autograph session include:
· Nationwide Series: Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse, Timmy Hill and Blake Koch
· Truck Series: Austin Dillon, James Buescher, and Joey Coulter
· K&N Pro Series: Chase Elliott and Max Gresham, Sergio Pena and Alex Bowman
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Inductees – Mike Head, Rex White and Randy Payne, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 12:35 p.m. AMS.com
Chase Elliott, Max Gresham, Sergio Pena and Alex Bowman – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 2:15 p.m. AMS.com
Miss Sprint Cup – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 3:40 p.m. AMS.com
Martin Truex, Jr. – Autograph Signing at Schick Get Fresh Mobile Display in Fan Zone, 3:55 p.m.-4:15 p.m. (Autographs will be guaranteed to the first 40 fans in line) AMS.com
Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 4:00 p.m. AMS.com
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Inductees – Mike Head, Rex White and Randy Payne, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 5:15 p.m. AMS.com
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Inductees – Meet Mike Head and Families of Inductees, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 11:25 a.m. AMS.com
Sunday Sept 4
Former NASCAR Driver Frank Warren – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 11:45 a.m.
Legendary Broadcaster Ken Squire and Track Promoter Jimmy Mosteller – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 12:45 p.m. AMS.com
Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 1:00 p.m. AMS.com
Former NASCAR Driver Ken Ragan – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 1:30 p.m. AMS.com
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Inductees – Q&A, Coca-Cola Fan Stage, 2:00 p.m. AMS.com
Tony Stewart – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone, 4:00 p.m. AMS.com
Martin Truex, Jr. – Autograph Signing at Michael Waltrip Racing Souvenir Hauler, 4:00 p.m.-4:20 p.m. (Tickets for autgraphs will be given out, so fans are encouraged to come early) AMS.com
Juan Pablo Montoya – Honda Q&A, Fan Zone, 4:10 p.m.-4:30 p.m. AMS.com
Jamie McMurray – Chevy Q&A, Fan Zone 4:15 p.m. AMS.com
David Reutimann – Autograph Signing at Michael Waltrip Racing Souvenir Hauler, 4:20 p.m.-4:50 p.m. AMS.com
Brian Vickers – Autograph Signing at Red Bull Merchandise Trailer, 4:30 p.m. (Fans can pick up tickets starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday)AMS.com
No. 1 Over-the-Wall Pit Crew – Chevy Autograph Signing, Fan Zone, 4:30 p.m. AMS.com
Army Question and Answer Session Ryan Newman will have a question and answer session from 3:55 p.m. until 4:10 p.m. local time. www.ryannewman.org
DRIVERS APPEARANCES IN THE ATLANTA AREA: CLICK HERE
FAN ZONE
Coca-Cola Fan Stage activities
Friday, Sept. 2
4:00 p.m. - Q & A Session with NCWTS Drivers: Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton, Justin Marks and Dakoda Armstrong followed by a performance from Running Down Romance and Tim Dugger
7:15 p.m. - Q & A Session with NSCS championship crew chief Tim Brewer
Saturday, Sept. 3
11:30 a.m. - Battle of the Bands
Sunday, Sept. 4
11:45 a.m. - Q & A Session with former NASCAR driver Frank Warren
12:00 p.m. - Musical performance by Tim Dugger
1:00 p.m. - Ashley Smith will perform God Bless America
1:30 p.m. - Q & A Session with former NASCAR driver Ken Ragan
1:45 p.m. - Papa John's Eating and Hula Hoop Contest
2:20 p.m. - Musical performance by Reluctant Saints
3:30 p.m. Lynyrd Skynyrd question-and-answer session with fans at
3:45 p.m. - Musical performance by Cartel
AdvoCare
Visit the AdvoCare tent in the Fan Zone to take part in interactive games and an iPad giveaway! The display will include a Quick Tire Changing Game from Richard Petty Motorsports, free sample packs of the new SPARK-Flavor and a chance to win one of 10 iPads! Winners will be notified via text and can claim their prize at the AdvoCare tent. Fans can also look forward to driver appearances by Aric Armirola, Blake Koch and David Starr.
Coca-Cola
Visit the Coca-Cola display for a wild ride in the Coca-Cola simulators and interactive displays.
Bennett
Bennett International Group will have distracted driving simulators as part of its safety awareness and recruitment campaign on Sept 2- 4, 2011. Attending fans will experience the effects of distracted driving, and the consequences, in a controlled environment using NASCAR and Mustang driving simulators that put participants in the driver's seat.
Schick
The Schick display, located by the main shower house across from Gate 13 will have free product samples for all race fans!
Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Gout Pit Stop Display
Race fans will have a chance to experience the "Gout Pit Stop" firsthand at a special destination in the Fan Zone at AMS on Labor Day weekend, featuring fun and engaging ways to learn about gout including a prize wheel, trivia game, sweepstakes entry kiosks and special appearances by racing personalities, who will share their personal gout stories and how it affects their lives in the fast lane. Gout patients and their friends and family can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE), where they will have the chance to ride in a race car on a track. For every person who enters, Takeda will make a $1 donation to Men's Health Network up to $25,000.
Papa John's Pizza
Pizza lovers will want to check-out the Papa John's Hula Hooping contest Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1:45 on the fan stage. Race fans can still enter for a chance to win free ticket to the race and participate in the contest by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com
Ride of a Lifetime
Here's your chance to bid online to win ride with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver during introductions prior to the AdvoCare 500! You can bid for Ride of a LifeTime Drivers at NascarFoundation.com. Online auction drivers include Kyle Busch, Brian Vickers, Marcos Ambrose, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton, David Reutimann, Greg Biffle, Ragan Smith and AJ Allmendiner. On line bids close August 28th.
Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Classic Sept 1
Reed Sorenson Charity Golf Classic benefiting Speedway Children's Charities on Sept. 1. This year's tournament will welcome a handful of NASCAR drivers as participants with Reed Sorenson, Brian Scott, Michael Annett, Justin Allgaier and James Buescher scheduled to be present.
The format is a shotgun start, at 10 a.m., with an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. following play. This year's tournament will be held at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Hampton. Register online at www.magnoliagolfgroup.com/reed. For additional information, call 770 946-3980.
Atlanta Track Walk Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011
Atlanta Motor Speedway Beginning at 11 a.m. fans will be given the opportunity to walk around the famous oval and see the venue from the infield. Cost is $25 prior to race weekend and $35 on race weekend. Kids 16 and under are free with a paid adult. All paid participants will receive a track walk t-shirt. Click on link below to register or visit the Speedway Children's Charities booth race weekend. All registrants must stop by SCC booth during race weekend to check-in, sign waiver and pick-up t-shirt.
Live Memorabilia Auction Sunday, Sept. 4 2:00 p.m. - Bruton Smith Garden
If you're a diehard race fan seeking a prize collectible for your personal NASCAR display, you don't want to miss this event! Race used items such as firesuits, helmet shields and gloves will be among the items live auctioned in addition to race-used sheet metal!
Also, parade lap rides with some of NASCAR's top drivers in the AdvoCare 500 will also be auctioned off. Driver rides up for live auction will be Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, David Ragan and Paul Menard.
Allgaier, Leffler & Sorenson to Hold Kids Autograph Session at Zoo Atlanta August 4
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the drivers will paint with one of Zoo Atlanta’s elephants. Kids in attendance will vote for their favorite painting, with the winning artwork being auctioned off to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities. At 12:30 p.m., drivers will then hold an autograph session with the kids.
Zoo patrons who wish to attend the event can mention “NASCAR” at the time of their ticket purchase and received a $3 discount off general admission to Zoo Atlanta for up to four people. The offer is not valid with other offers or discounts and is not redeemable with online ticket purchases. The discount offer is valid from August 4, 2011 through October 31, 2011.
Fast Cars & Guitars Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd Sunday, September 4, 2011
Fast Cars & Guitars featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd will get fans primed for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway! The biggest Labor Day Party in the USA is even bigger!
Get your stagefront passes for just $59 to be up-close and personal with a band that's a member of the rock & roll Hall of Fame! Upgrade your tickets to the race with a stagefront pass and be there as the band rocks out to hits like Simple Man, Gimme Three Steps, Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird and more! A grandstand ticket or infield wristband must accompany your stagefront pass.
Also, your tickets to the pre-race concert include being stagefront for driver intros - you'll be so close that you'll even be able to see the smallest logos on the firesuits of all the drivers before they take on Atlanta Motor Speedway for 500 miles under the lights!
Free Monday Breakfast Monday, Sept. 5 2011
Breakfast on Bruton will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the NASCAR Nationwide Series garage area on Monday, Sept. 5. Breakfast on Bruton was created by Atlanta Motor Speedway chairman Bruton Smith as a way to thank fans for attending the Sept. 2-4 racing events at the speedway. Fans will be asked to show their ticket from Sunday night's AdvoCare 500 for admission.
Hot Laps on the High Banks Monday, Sept. 5, 2011
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Atlanta Motor Speedway Speedway Children's Charities and Atlanta Motor Speedway want you to experience the thrill of driving your personal vehicle around the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Polish up your car, motorcycle or even your company vehicle and come on out Monday, September 5, 2011 for Laps for Charity. Feel the rush as you step on the gas and take three laps around the "High Banks" at Atlanta Motor Speedway, behind a pace vehicle for just $30. Then have your picture taken in Victory Lane for an additional $10. The event is open to the public and no reservations are required. Proceeds from Laps for Charity benefit the Atlanta Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
For more information call 770-946-3980 or email gingerm@atlantamotorspeedway.com.
JOIN THE ATLANTA RACEWAY MINISTRIES
Located by the shower house on the frontstretch in front of Champions Grandstands
DRIVING SCHOOLS AT AMS
FastTrack 704-455-1700
Richard Petty Driving Experience 1-800-BE-PETTY
Buck Baker Racing School 704-366-6224
Speed Tech Auto Racing School 1-877-80-SPEED
TRACK TOURS
Track tours are available daily and run every half hour during operating hours (Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 1-4:30 p.m.). Tours are just $5 for adults and $2 for children. Ages 6 and under are free. Group rates apply for 10 or more and require reservations. Track Tours and rides are depending upon track availability.
For more information, call the gift shop at (770) 707-7970.
TRACKSIDE ON SPEEDTV
The Speed Stage at Atlanta Motor Speedway is located outside the Main Grandstands at the East end of the Speedway.
OTHER STUFF TO DO
FALL RACE ONLY Henry County Parks and Recreation presents its 0.3 mile Haunted Trail at Heritage Park in nearby McDonough. The trail will be open from dark:30 until 10 p.m
FALL RACE ONLY Take the Tour of Southern Ghosts along the paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds at Stone Mountain Park. Costumed storytellers relate tales from the past and hilarious folk tales about rebellious ghosts of Civil War and Revolutionary War times.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site 501 Auburn Avenue, in Atlanta, Georgia. The birth place of Martin Luther King. Two blocks west of the home is Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King, his father and grandfather all preached.
Georgia Aquarium is billed as the World’s Largest Aquarium. It is located in downtown Atlanta across from Centennial Olympic Park. With 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, and more than 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe, you’re sure to see things you’ve never seen before! Featuring species from oceans, rivers, the cold waters, the coral reef and of course, Georgia.
While you are downtown go to the World of Coca-Cola Museum, located at 55 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (at Central Ave.), across from Underground Atlanta, one block west of the Georgia State Capitol. Browse the world's largest collection of memorabilia that celebrates the beverage that was created in Atlanta in 1886.
Six Flags Over Georgia – Go to Fright Fest, a Halloween extravaganza. 6 Flags is a theme park offering over 100 rides and attractions including thrilling roller coasters like the Superman Ultimate Flight and the Georgia Scorcher. Also the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Halloween has “Scarecrows in the Garden”.
Many Historical sites like Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. Also many Museums & Galleries like the Apex Museum, featuring black history; the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum; the Atlanta History Center featuring Interactive exhibitions on the Civil War, folk art, and the history of the region and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Atlanta’s night life is second to none. The metropolitan area boasts everything from wild dance clubs to intimate bars and upscale lounges. Tons of Nightlife located on Peachtree Street, in Buckhead and the Midtown neighborhoods. The crossroads of Virginia-Highland has many night clubs and bars. In Buckhead, where Peachtree Road and East Paces Ferry meet, you’ll find a number of clubs clustered in a relatively small area.
OTHER IMPORTANT SPEEDWAY INFO
ATM Machines
ATM Machines – ATM Machines – Bank of America will have 10 ATM machines at various locations throughout the property. You will find ATM machines at gates 13 and 15 (will call). There are also locations in the Champions, Earnhardt, Petty and Elliott Grandstands, as well as near the infield concessions area.
WILL CALL
All tickets held at Will Call can also be picked up at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Main Ticket Office Will Call is located at Gate 15 on Speedway property. Fans can utilize the Shuttle Serivice, exiting at Stop #2 to access Will Call.
11:00am-8:00pm Friday
8:00am-5:00pm Saturday
8:00am-4:00pm Sunday
PLEASE BRING A PICTURE ID, THE ACTUAL CREDIT CARD USED TO PURCHASE THE TICKETS, AND YOUR ORDER NUMBER.
TRAMS - Nationwide Fan Assistance Patrol
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 and 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.
LOST AND FOUN
The lost and found for race weekend is located at the front reception desk inside the AMS corporate office building outside Turn 4. For information concerning lost items, please call (770) 707-7904
