The title of this stream update comes directly from a press release sent to me from Kaleb Frady of the Atlanta Motor Speedway. You know me, I don't need any reason to go to a race other than it is a race, but we want to make sure there is a butt in all 125,000 seats at the facility come Labor Day Weekend.
Without further adieu, here's the list of reasons you'll want to be in Henry County from August 31-September 2 for the Biggest Labor Day Party in the USA.
The Wild Card Battle: Atlanta sports fans are all to familiar with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat when it comes to wild card spots. The Atlanta Braves have subjected us to both these last two years. Well, the Advocare 500 will go a long way toward determining who'll claim the Sprint Cup Series' two wild cards. After Atlanta, only one race - the Chase cutoff at Richmond International Raceway - will remain. Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, and defending Atlanta champ Jeff Gordon are past AMS winners seeking to make the 10-race playoff. A repeat performance will be a big boost to their hopes.
Affordable Entertainment For the Whole Family: What's the greatest word in the world? "Free." What's the second greatest? "Affordable." And the Labor Day Weekend at AMS is very affordable. In fact, for kids 12 and under, Friday's Camping World Truck Series Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200 (is that a Georgia race name or what?) and Saturday's Nationwide Series NRA American Warrior 300 are free. Best of all, there's no limit to how many young'ns you can bring along. The Advocare 500 is not free, but tickets in the Elliott Grandstand are just $39. Students can lop twenty bucks off that and enjoy the third turn of NASCAR's most exciting venue - in my humble opinion - for just $19. One of the best deals, also in the Elliott Grandstand, is the FANtastic 4 Pack, which features four Cokes, four hot dogs, and of course four tickets for $159.
More than just racing at AMS: In addition to all the tremendous racing fans will get to see on the track over the three day, there will be plenty of other entertainment to take in at Atlanta. Of course the highlight for country music fans is the pre-race Fast Cars and Guitars Concert featuring superstar duo Montgomery Gentry. The Coca-Cola Fan Stage outside the race track will have plenty of fun to take in, not to mention appearances by such superstar drivers as Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, and Denny Hamlin. Fans can also enjoy Souvenir Row - the village of merchandise trailers around the track, several sponsor displays, and more. Oh, and when the checkered flag flies, whether your favorite driver or the guy you love to hate is headed to victory lane, keep your fanny right where it's parked because AMS is going to have a fireworks show to remember once the race is over.
The New Taste of Coca-Cola Concession Stand: Section 123 below the Earnhardt Grandstand will be the place to be Labor Day Weekend. That is where the all-new Taste of Coca-Cola concession stand will be located. Listen to this menu of items that will be available: Coke Zero-braised beef tacos, Coca-Cola chili dogs, fries with Coca-Cola dipping sauce, Georgia Peaches with Sprite elephant ear, and a Cherry Coke BBQ pork sandwich with Vidalia onion rings. Mouth watering yet? Go ahead, wipe yourself off, I'll wait.
Done? Good.
Breakfast on Bruton: Fans with a ticket from the Advocare 500 will be treated to a free Monday morning breakfast in the same garage the Nationwide Series teams will be using as they prepare for the NRA American Warrior 300. "Breakfast on Bruton," as it's known, will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. In addition to the free eats, fans will get to talk with AMS track president (and recently-crowned Thursday Night Thunder Legends Master class champion) Ed Clark.
Five-hundred miles of thrilling stock car racing should be enough to draw anyone to the Atlanta Moor Speedway, but if you weren't ready to go before, hopefully now you're as geared up to get to the race track as I am.