Hello fans. Well I gathered some information about Atlanta Motor Speedway. Its not a lot, but this is what I have been able to find out about the track and its history.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is an incredible structure nestled on 870 acres in Hampton, Georgia which is 25 miles south of Atlanta. The first plans for the speedway developed by 5 businessman, originated in 1958.
Before construction had been completed 4 of the 5 original planners were forced out due to insufficient funds. Four new investors came on board and sank 1.8 million to get the speedway ready. The 1.5 mile track finally opened on July 30, 1960 and was one of 7 superspeedways open during those days to host a cup race. Of the original 7 superspeedways, only three are still in operation today. Those three are Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, and Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Atlanta suffered several financial setbacks during the 60′s and 70′s including a reorganization under chapter 10 bankruptcy during the 1970′s. They went through several general managers finally settling on one man who ran the speedway for much of the next 20 years except for a brief period when NASCAR president Mike Helton was in charge. On October 23, 1990 the speedway was purchased by Bruton Smith and the name was changed from Atlanta International Raceway to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The following transformation was fantastic. One year after purchase, the East Grandstand was constructed and expanded the seating capacity by some 25,000 seats. Since that time the expansion and renovation has continued to what has now become a modern motorsports marvel hosting everything from Nationwide Series, ARCA, drag and Indy car racing to dog shows, concerts and business conventions.
Here are a few miscellaneous facts that i found out along the way. Atlanta is a 1.54 mile quad oval track and has 24 degree banking in the turns and 5 degrees in the straightaways. The first NASCAR race was held here on July 31, 1960 and was called the Dixie 200 and was won by Fireball Roberts. Their world famous mascot is known as Monkey Wrench. Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a public corporation, was formed in 1995.
Well I hope that gives you a little history and knowledge of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dont forget that qualifying for the cup cars is Friday and final practice on Saturday.
On a side note from last weekend’s Martinsville race, the number 83 Red Bull Car, driven by Brian Vickers, was randomly selected for additional inspection after finishing 11th in the Martinsville race. The car was found to be in violation of several sections of the NASCAR sanctions, including actions detrimental to stock car racing, car, car parts or components not conforming to NASCAR’s rules, and exterior sheet metal that did not meet minimum thickness requirements. As a result of these infractions, crew chief Kevin Hamlin and car chief Craig Smokstad have been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR. Also Kevin Hamlin was heavily fined with a steep 100,000 dollar fine as well. Both driver and owner were fined 150 driver and owner points respectively.
Well have a good rest of the week. I will post again Sunday evening after the Atlanta race. Comments and information are always appreciated.
