HAMPTON, Ga. - Friday night's high-velocity competition on Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit lane drag strip will be the penultimate opportunity for drivers seeking a championship to earn much needed points.

Championship battles remain close in several of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags' 18 divisions; the key for competitors hoping to emerge victorious in these title fights will be blasting their chosen vehicle down the 1/8 mile pit lane drag strip as fast as possible.

One of the closest battles can be found in the Super Pro division, where four competitors are separated by just five points; Robert Cheney leads with 19 points, closely followed by 2^nd place Mike Chambers (17 points), 3^rd place Cliff Waters (15 points) and 4^th place Arnie Cobb (14 points).

However, while the everlasting pursuit of higher speeds and the glory that comes with them is paramount to winning a title, it can also trump a championship run.

Such is the case for Cobb, whose 1974 Chevy Nova thundered its way to back-to-back wins in the Super Pro division and into title contention last. Despite the Nova's success, Cobb says he'll vacate his chances at earning the title to see if he can go even faster in his other hot rod: a 1991 Chevrolet S-10.

When it last raced on June 10, Cobb's S-10 wasn't able to advance to the semifinals, but after tinkering with the S-10's setup Cobb now believes it can make a lot more noise.

"If we get the S-10 situated then the S-10 will actually outrun the Nova hands down," Cobb said. "If it'll go down this track I think nobody can beat it."

That constant drive to go faster is just one reason why Friday night is sure to feature thrilling head-to-head drag racing across 18 different divisions, in addition to the ever popular Show-N-Shine and track cruise featuring cool custom and classic cars.

On top the on-track action, this week fans can enjoy Eats and Sweets benefitting Speedway Children's Charities. For $50 (which includes admission to the night's drag racing) fans can savor samples of the best mouth-watering delectables from the sandwiches and desserts categories at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Restart Bar, as well as a free beverage and VIP seating for the night's drag racing. More information can be found at www.speedwaycharities.org/atlanta or by calling 770-946-3980.

Next Friday night, Aug. 24, is season finale for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags and will be the deciding event for competitors locked into tight title fights and the last chance for everyone else to earn bragging rights.

Gates for both spectators and Show-N-Shine participants open at 6:30 p.m., and the speedway cruise gets underway at 8 p.m. Eliminations in O'Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags Week 13 get underway after 9 p.m., as some of the fastest racing in Georgia across 18 different divisions hits the pit lane drag strip in a high-octane battle for a trophy, bragging rights and season championship points. Competing vehicles range from supercharged cars to stock vehicles, daily drivers and even motorcycles and ATVs.

Drag racing is open to any driver and nearly any vehicle. Entry fees are just $20, and drivers are required to have a working seat belt and a DOT-approved helmet to race.

For more information, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.