Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Back to our Roots: Atlanta

Sorry Westerners! You've had your chance, now here we come back to the Southeast, and some of the best stock car racing known to man. Atlanta Motor Speedway isn't actually in Atlanta, but a few miles south in Hampton, Ga. Atlanta has nary a bad seat in the stands, in my experience at least. Atlanta is a 1.5 mile high banked tri-oval, and the speeds that race cars run here is just off the hook.

In recent history, One driver has dominated here, and for a change it's not Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon. It's Bobby Labonte, who has won here 6 times, with all of his wins coming in the 18 Interstate Batteries car. Bill Elliot has won here 5 times, and Jeff has won 4 times, followed by Jimmie with 3 wins here. Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, and Mark Martin have all won here 2 times. Among the drivers with 1 win each are Kurt Busch, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, Kasey Kahne, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Probably the most remembered win from the last few years was Kevin Harvick's dramatic win at Atlanta only in his 3rd race driving the cup car for Richard Childress. Kevin is a true winner, and he celebrated the life of the driver whom he replaced, Dale Earnhardt.

Atlanta is almost always an exciting race, and I doubt that this week will be any different. Dale Jr. has been running good, and all the Hendrick cars are vowing for vengeance this week. Rouch driver has won 2 in a row, and he will certainly be in the mix. Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch and all of the Evernham drivers want to represent Dodge well also. And don't forget Toyota drivers Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin. All of these boys are hungry for a win.

Don't forget Bobby Labonte back there in a Petty Dodge. Bobby knows how to win here too.

Here's to good racing, good times, and good friends.

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