Atlanta a Big Part of Earnhardt's History

In many ways, it's hard not to think of Atlanta Motor Speedway and have Dale Earnhardt Sr. come to mind. 

In fact, a quick stroll around the AMS corporate offices reveals memories of Earnhardt Sr. After all, his nine victories at Atlanta Motor Speedway remain the most of any driver in NASCAR history.

So with the arrival of late April, a special time of year for Earnhardt's fans with what would have been his birthday rolling around, it's worth nothing that many of Earnhardt's career highlights came at
Atlanta.

"Dale loved racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It was always a fast track, in both of its configurations, and it suited his style of driving - all out," Childress said earlier this year. "He won in 1980 and 2000 and seven times in between. The No. 3 team went to the racetrack with the belief that the trophy and the prize money was ours and the success we had at Atlanta gave us a little more swagger when we walked through the gates." 

In the main conference room at the Speedway, where many meetings amongst the AMS staff take place, two large pictures adorn the wall - one of Earnhardt's photo-finish victory over Bobby Labonte in 2000 and a similar finish from a year later when Kevin Harvick edged Jeff Gordon in another photo-finish. 

"The 2000 win was vintage Dale, racing hard with Bobby Labonte to the checkered flag and never giving an inch," Childress said. "The 2001 win with Kevin was such an emotional victory. We were all so numb from the loss of Dale. But with some extra help from above, Kevin did a great job behind the wheel and brought home the win."

That 2001 finish still sticks heavy for many of our staff that were here then. AMS President and GM Ed Clark still recalls the post-race celebration, when many fans just kept cheering and cheering after the race - one that came three races after Earnhardt Sr.'s untimely death at the Daytona 500.

But there was much more to Earnhardt's career at AMS than his dramatic 2000 victory. Take, for instance, in 1995 when he won at AMS in the No. 3 car in a race completed in three hours, three minutes and three seconds. How's that for hitting the numbers? 

Atlanta's placement on the Cup schedule as the season's final race for a number of years also created many a fond memory for Earnhardt and his many fans. AMS hosting the season finale up until 2001 meant that each season's championship was celebrated and sometimes clinched at Atlanta. That means that Atlanta was usually a fun place for any driver when it came time to celebrate a championship, and that included the No. 3 team. 

Get To Know An AMS Employee!

Ever wanted to get to know some of staff of Atlanta Motor Speedway, find out more about some of those that keep the Speedway going? Well look no further!

This installment of the Atlanta Motor Speedway staff Q & A features Monica Donaldson, a ticket office supervisor here at AMS!

What is your job title?
Ticket office Supervisor.

How long have you been at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
I was part-time for one year and I've been here full-time for three years.

Briefly describe what you do at the track.
Assist with ticket sales and customer service to assure every fan has a memorable experience.  I also create training manuals to assist ticket office staff and compile information on prices in a brochure to provide to customers.  I also search for local hotels to join us in offering our fans great rates during their stay and assist with other events when needed.

What was your first race at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
Friday night drags 2006.

How did you end up at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
I had previously worked in banking operations for over 13 years. I later received an offer to become a part of a great team here at AMS. I must have been in the right place at the right time.

What's your most vivid memory of Atlanta Motor Speedway?
My first ride around the track in the pace car was full of excitement and fear at the same time. This ride was a complete adrenaline rush as I thought we would crash and hit the walls riding into the turns. The driver stopped the car between turns 1 and 2 and I was so afraid the car would just tip over because the car seemed to be on its side. To gather your own experience call our gift shop that offers daily tours including your ride around the track!

What's the favorite thing about your job?
An opportunity to interact with fans from around the world. Helping customers achieve an unforgettable experience and make them feel a part of our team here at AMS.

What's something that typical fans may not know about Atlanta Motor Speedway?
We are open year around with different events throughout the year. We offer non event camping for $35 a night full hookup and $25 a night for dry camping.

Do you have any hobbies or other activities that you take part in away from the track that you'd like to share?
Hanging out with friends and family. I enjoy listening to karaoke (not singing karaoke, though!), movies, and relaxing at the beach.

Spring Has Sprung...And So Has The Excitement!

You can tell by the warmer temperatures and pollen that spring is here, bringing anticipation of excitement with it...

While the yellow pollen may not be a welcome sight, one thing that is welcome is that it means we're getting closer and closer to lots of excitement during the coming months at Atlanta Motor Speedway!

Sure it's around five months away, but we're building toward the Labor Day weekend night race! We're making preparations on many fronts, even though it's only April, to give our fans a fantastic and first-class experience when they arrive here in September to see racing under the lights on one of racing's most exciting tracks! 

But before September gets here, there will still be plenty of racing going on with our summer racing series! Friday Night Drags, heads-up drag racing on pit road, starts April 30 and the first points night is June 4. We've got an exciting schedule planned - including some new Show-N-Shine classes! Spectator entry for Friday Night Drags is just $7.

Competitors pay $20 to drag race or enter the Show-N-Shine, or a combo-ticket to enter both can be purchased for $30. Outside parking is free and infield parking is $20.

And then on Thursday Nights, Thursday Thunder is back - the first race is June 3. Folks, this is racing at the grassroots, small track level! Some of today's NASCAR stars such as Joey Logano and David Ragan began to carve out their racing careers at Thursday Thunder, and you never know what future star you might see! Plus with all the fun promotions, it's a great way to have a night out with the family! Tickets are $5 and kids ages 6-11 get in for $1!

No matter what form of racing you prefer, you're going to want to be here during the next few months. See you at the track!