HAMPTON, Ga. -- For many years, Friday qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was a staple at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This year, evening qualifying makes a return to AMS with AdvoCare 500 pole qualifying taking place on Friday, Aug. 31.

A Friday tradition in the sport for many years, fans will have the opportunity to take in qualifying, plus a whole day of on-track action that will start at 10:00 a.m. with for two back-to-back NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practices, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying and the 200-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 1, the final practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series will start at 9:00 a.m., followed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying, the final “happy hour” practice session for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the running of the NASCAR Nationwide Series NRA American Warrior 300 at 7:00 p.m.

“This adds a tremendous amount of excitement to the Friday schedule for early-arriving fans,” said AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark. “Those attending Saturday night’s NRA American Warrior 300 will have the added attraction of seeing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice prior to the start of the event. This is a great enhancement of both nights’ schedules.”

Sunday, Sept. 2 will feature open gates at 2:00 p.m. with the Fast Cars & Guitars Pre-Race Concert featuring Montgomery Gentry, presented by Bad Boy Buggies at 5:30 p.m. Then at 7:30 p.m., the green flag will drop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ annual visit to AMS, the AdvoCare 500.

Below is the weekend schedule for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500, Friday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 2.

Friday, Aug. 31
10:00 a.m. Gate 13 opens
10:00 a.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice
11:30 a.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice
2:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice
4:35 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying
6:10 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying
8:00 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race

Saturday, Sept. 1
9:00 a.m. Gate 13 opens
9:00 a.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice
2:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice
3:35 p.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying
5:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice
7:00 p.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series NRA American Warrior 300 race

Sunday, Sept. 2
2:00 p.m. Gates open
5:30 p.m. Fast Cars & Guitars Pre-Race Concert featuring Montgomery Gentry, presented by Bad Boy Buggies
7:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 race

NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2012. Reserve your AdvoCare 500 tickets now. For more information, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.