Atlanta Motor Speedway - Newman spotlight

Newman Tries to avoid "Friday Night Jinx" at Atlanta Motor Speedway

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 9, 2006) -- "Rocket Man" Ryan Newman will try and add his name to the record books at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday night, March 17 during Georgia Power qualifying night.

Newman is going for his seventh straight pole at AMS. Should he win the coveted first starting spot he would tie Buddy Baker for most career poles at AMS. Newman currently holds the record for most consecutive pole positions with six. Only five other drivers have won back to back poles at AMS. Alan Kulwicki, Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough, Dave Marcis and Fireball Roberts all recorded consecutive pole positions at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

"The Alltel/Mobil 1 team always takes a great qualifying car to Atlanta," said Newman. "I think our six consecutive poles have proven how good our cars are. Qualifying for us, is a total team effort and all of the guys put in just as much heart and effort as I do in getting the pole."

Winning the pole hasn't necessarily translated into stellar performances on race day for Newman. The 35-time career pole winner has failed to win a NEXTEL Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway despite posting the fastest lap time during Friday night qualifying sessions six races in a row. Even with an AMS career average starting spot of 1.75, Newman's average finish at AMS is 15th.

If Newman grabs his seventh straight pole and wins the Golden Corral 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday, March 19, he will become the first driver since Bobby Labonte in 1996 to accomplish the feat. In 1963 Fireball Roberts won the first race ever at AMS, the Dixie 300, from the pole.

A limited number of seats are still available for what the Golden Corral 500 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Tickets are available by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211, by calling Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, or by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

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