Thursday Thunder getting ready to roll

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Atlanta summers heat up each Thursday with Thursday Thunder, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 10-week Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing series. One of the most affordable family activities in Atlanta, Thursday Thunder is a bonanza of games, contests, giveaways and exciting racing. The 2004 season is set to kick off its seventh year of competition Thursday, June 3.

Citizens of Fayette County can go out to the races and cheer on their neighbors as Fayette County is well-represented on the track. Fayetteville resident and Starr’s Mill graduate Trey Maughan was last year’s Young Guns champion. This year, Maughan hopes to be an Outlaw champion before heading to college at the University of Tennessee. Peachtree City resident Ed Clark, President and General Manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway, will be racing in the Masters division this year. Other racers from the county that will be questing for glory this season are Fayetteville residents Jonathan Chandler, Matt Cox, Douglas Ludwig, Robert Mowery and Briana Sharp, Brooks resident Vince Ponder and Tyrone residents Michael W. Herrington and Ted Studley.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-12 (children under 6 are free) for each evening of fun and grass-roots racing on the paved quarter-mile Thunder Ring at AMS. A family of four can attend these weekly races for as little as $10. Thursday Thunder fans also enjoy reduced concession prices during summer races, and coolers are allowed for all events at AMS.

There’s plenty for the whole family at Thursday Thunder. For the kids, there is the new Monkey Wrench Club, which provides opportunities to meet Atlanta Motor Speedway’s mascot, wave the green flag for races and much more. There is also a rock-climbing wall, a Boy Scout activity area and a host of games and prizes.

For the adults, there’s the blazing-hot racing of the best up-and-coming drivers in the nation. Racers agedÊ 8 to 68 come from all over to battle each night in eight different classes for the right to be called champions at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Former Legends racers include NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Casey Atwood. This year, the next Dale Jr. might be racing right here in the Thursday Thunder series.

There is also much more, including NASCAR tickets giveaways, Richard Petty Driving Experience ride-alongs, intermission activities and weekly contests. This year will feature the return of several popular theme nights as well, including the Faster Pastor race (June 3 and July 15), Rhubarb’s March Across Georgia (June 17), Fireworks Fiesta (July 1), Mascot Mania (July 22) and Fan Appreciation Night (Aug. 5).

Don’t miss this summer’s most fun and affordable activity. Be part of the fun each Thursday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Call 770-946-4211 for information or visit www.legendsofga.com or www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.