Friday, June 4, 2004

From the office to the track

AMS chief Clark competing in Thursday Thunder

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Peachtree City resident Ed Clark has been with Atlanta Motor Speedway since 1992. He is the president and general manager of the speedway and is a big fan of racing. In 1979, Clark drove in a Goody’s Dash race at Rockingham and finished 12th. He thought that might have been the end of his racing career, but he was wrong. Clark raced in six of the 10 races in the Thursday Thunder series at Atlanta Motor Speedway last year and is back this year in the Masters division searching for his first win. His best finish last year was fifth place.

“As a driver, I make a good track manager,” said Clark.

Clark has had a lot of success at the speedway and he credits much of the success to the staff. Atlanta Motor Speedway has 100 days of driving schools throughout the year, hosts the NOPI Nationals each year, as well as two NASCAR weekends and, of course, the increasingly popular Thursday Thunder series. The series features racers of all ages competing on Thunder Ring, a smaller track off of the main track at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Thursday Thunder is in its seventh season and each Thursday fans from all over gather to watch competitive races and lots of family-friendly entertainment for a price that doesn’t come close to breaking the bank.

“I love the guys I race against,” said Clark, who states that the friendly atmosphere is on the track as well as in the stands. ‘Last year, I wrecked one night in a race and right afterwards four of the guys I raced against came over and helped fix it for the next race.”

Clark admits he is a competitive person and he is hoping to finish better than last year when he finished 10th. “It’s simple looking but it’s hard to master,” said Clark. “The more laps you do, the better you get. Plus, this is the best stress release I can find.”

Clark has been a Peachtree City resident since 1992. He resides there with his wife, Teresa, and his children, Nicki and Collin.

Thursday Thunder runs every Thursday June 3-Aug. 5. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children age 6-11. The gates open at 6 p.m. each Thursday. For more information on Thursday Thunder, phone 770-946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorpeedway.com.