Atlanta Motor Speedway to Host 2009 Bandolero Nationals

HAMPTON, Ga. April 7, 2009: – Further enhancing Atlanta Motor Speedway’s reputation for churning out champions in Bandolero, Legends and Thunder Roadster racing, Atlanta Motor Speedway will play host to the 2009 Bandolero Nationals on July 24 and 25.

For the third time in the track’s history, Atlanta Motor Speedway will serve as the host location for an INEX National Championship, as the 2009 Bandolero Nationals will take place on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring,” a quarter-mile oval on the Speedway’s frontstretch.

“In our 12 years of hosting Bandolero racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, playing host to the 2009 Bandolero Nationals will be one of the highlights,” said Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark. “Atlanta Motor Speedway has long been a national destination for racing fans seeking the best NASCAR action and we’re continuing to build our reputation as a national host track for Bandolero and Legends racing.”

Atlanta Motor Speedway previously hosted the third annual Bandolero Nationals in 2000 and the fifth annual event in 2002.

Atlanta Motor Speedway and INEX are expecting more than 100 Bandolero racers from across the country to descend on the very “Thunder Ring” that served as a training ground for NASCAR upstarts David Ragan, Reed Sorenson and Joey Logano.

Ragan won the first ever Bandolero race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1998, while Logano still holds the Speedway’s record for consecutive feature wins with 14.

The Bandolero National Championship is open to all competitors, providing both experienced and novice drivers the opportunity to compare their skills against national competition. In addition, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring” provides a track similar in style to what many competitors also race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway – a flat, paved, quarter-mile oval.

For Bandolero drivers eager to test drive and compete on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring,” the Speedway’s Thursday Thunder racing series begins on June 4 and runs each Thursday until August 6. Competitors also have the opportunity to practice on the “Thunder Ring” the Wednesday before each race.

For more information on the 2009 Bandolero National Championship, please visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or www.600racing.com.