This Sunday at the Atlanta Motor Speedway the Kobalt Tools 500 will be raced. It is the 4th race of this year’s Sprint Cup Series. Earlier today, I talked briefly with Sean Pragano about this week’s big race. He is the host of ‘Around the Track’ a comprehensive NASCAR show on SportsSouth and on the FSN family of networks…     

Dave McMahon: What makes the Atlanta Motor Speedway so special?

Sean Pragano: It’s fast, super fast. The drivers love the track and when the drivers are happy, everyone is happy. Also it is the place where 3 of the 12 closest NASCAR finishes have happened.

DM: Why are fans so excited about the race?

SP: The fans are super passionate and there are a lot of drivers from the past and current drivers from Georgia so they have drivers to cheer for. There is also not a bad seat in the house.

DM: What is your best memory there (in person or not in person) ?

SP: It has got to be Richard Petty’s last ever race and Jeff Gordon’s first, back in 1992.

DM: What about in person?

SP: The year that Dale Sr. died and a month later Kevin Harvick took over his car and won the race.

DM: Which drivers best fit this track?

SP: Ryan Newman usually qualifies well, but not necessarily races there well. Bobby Labonte has done great. He has won 6 races in Atlanta. Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards are also good.

DM: Who will win the race and who will surprise people?

SP: I think Kasey Kahne has a good chance and look out for Juan Pablo Montoya.

‘Around the Track’ can be seen at 10:00 pm on Fridays and 10:30 pm on Sunday’s on SportSouth in Atlanta and it can also be seen at various times on the FSN family of networks.
Creative Commons License photo credit: BiggerPictureImages.com

Dave McMahon

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