After 50 years of having two NASCAR Sprint Cup races Atlanta Motor Speedway will have only one Sprint Cup race in 2011.
On Thursday afternoon the 1.5 mile oval announced that its' only Cup race will take place on the US Labor Day weekend September 2nd to September 4th.
"Atlanta Motor speedway has provided top-quality racing entertainment to spectators from across the nation and around the world for 50 years," said speedway president, Ed Clark.
"While our schedule will change, our commitment to the racing fans who have been the heart and soul of Atlanta Motor Speedway through these years will be stronger than ever. Our entire staff will be even more driven to produce the top annual sporting event in Georgia for many years to come."
The track had moved up its' race date from near the end of the season, in cold weather to the Labor Day weekend to gain more attendance, and, to some effect it's been succeeding.
"We were thrilled with the acquisition of the Labor Day date two years ago and are proud to host such a prestigious, historical date on the NASCAR schedule," added Clark.
"This track produces some of the greatest racing the circuit sees, it remains one of the drivers' favourite tracks and we will continue to build a platform that sets this one date apart from the rest."
It's likely that this development is related to its' parent, SMI, desire to have a Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway in 2011 and beyond.
On Thursday afternoon the 1.5 mile oval announced that its' only Cup race will take place on the US Labor Day weekend September 2nd to September 4th.
"Atlanta Motor speedway has provided top-quality racing entertainment to spectators from across the nation and around the world for 50 years," said speedway president, Ed Clark.
"While our schedule will change, our commitment to the racing fans who have been the heart and soul of Atlanta Motor Speedway through these years will be stronger than ever. Our entire staff will be even more driven to produce the top annual sporting event in Georgia for many years to come."
The track had moved up its' race date from near the end of the season, in cold weather to the Labor Day weekend to gain more attendance, and, to some effect it's been succeeding.
"We were thrilled with the acquisition of the Labor Day date two years ago and are proud to host such a prestigious, historical date on the NASCAR schedule," added Clark.
"This track produces some of the greatest racing the circuit sees, it remains one of the drivers' favourite tracks and we will continue to build a platform that sets this one date apart from the rest."
It's likely that this development is related to its' parent, SMI, desire to have a Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway in 2011 and beyond.