HAMPTON, Ga. -- Week nine at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine marks the fifth week of points racing with always-changing standings, as well the always popular Kids’ Candy and Coin Scramble that is always sure to excite.

Last week’s theme was new faces finding their way victory lane, as several drivers got to taste the thrill of victory for the first time in 2012. This also shifted the points standings in multiple divisions, ensuring dramatic and competitive drag racing until the season’s championship night on Aug. 17.

Mark White’s feast-or-famine season in the Super Pro division continued, as the points leader was unable to run due to mechanical problems. This opened the door for Matt Mayben and his 1972 Chevrolet Nova to sweep in and take home the win.

Tony Morse, a veteran of the series’ Super Pro division, brought home the win for Jason Thomas in substitute driving action. With the points and victory credited to Thomas, Morse and the “Mighty Mouse” Chevrolet defeated points leader Daryl Stiles in the final round to move Thomas ever-closer to Stiles in the points standings.

Truck division points leader Buddy Patrick’s return to the eighth-mile pit lane drag strip was not as successful as prior events, as Mike Herron scored the upset over the popular “Milk Truck” with his 1984 Chevrolet.

While not a new winner, Truck Advanced racer Will Coots used week eight to build some serious steam as he moves towards the top of the standings. Coots built off the previous week’s victory to earn his third victory of the season, besting points leader Chuck Poole for the trophy. While claiming the win, Coots also moved to second in the standings and now trails Poole by the slimmest of margins.

With several new faces claiming victory, that only enforces the fact that each division at Friday Night Drags is wide-open on any given Friday night, and that any driver can snatch a win when placed in position to do so.

This Week and Upcoming at Friday Night Drags

This week’s Friday Night Drags will feature the always popular Kids’ Candy and Coin Scramble. Free candy for the kids as candy will be spread throughout the speedway’s infield and the youngsters will have to race to grab as much as they can.

Then on Friday, July 6, the speedway’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display returns prior to that evening’s drag race eliminations. Fans are encouraged to bring their grills and hang out in the infield for good times and fireworks as they watch some of the fastest machines in Atlanta race down the speedway’s quarter-mile pit lane drag strip.

With family-friendly activities that everyone can be a part of, Friday Night Drags and MCR Safety Show-N-Shine is a full evening of family fun and at a great bargain.

The 2012 Friday Night Drags season runs each Friday night through Aug. 17, with the Fall Stampede taking place Sept. 14 and Sept. 21. Practice runs begin at 6:15 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 6:30 p.m. Show-N-Shine car show judging begins at 6:15 p.m. with a track cruise at 8:15 p.m. Drag racing eliminations begin at 9:09 p.m.

All racers ages 16 and 17 must have a fully-executed minor’s release form on file at the speedway prior to competition and forms are available at the speedway or at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. Competitors must wear a DOT-approved helmet and have operational seat belts in their vehicle and pass a pre-race safety inspection.

Entry to drag race or for the Show-N-Shine is $20 or competitors can enter both for $30. Spectator admission is only $8 with children five and under free. Exterior parking is free, while infield parking is $20.

For more information on Friday Night Drags or Atlanta Motor Speedway, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/drags.