HAMPTON, Ga. (June 30, 2011) – After trying his hand at professional soccer and riding a bull, Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco came to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Thursday to get a taste of NASCAR racing.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Veteran Jeff Burton and crew were on hand to provide Ochocinco with a high speed tutorial, both on and off the track. After taking a few hot laps in the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet, Ochocinco received a lesson on how a pit stop works with the Caterpillar pit crew. He then tried his hand at changing tires and jacking up the car.
“This ranks right up there with the bull riding, man,” said Ochocinco. “It’s not until you actually get in a car with these guys, like today with Jeff Burton, that you realize how dangerous this sport is and the amount of skill it takes to run out there with other drivers.
“The pit crew was difficult. I tried to do some of the things that they’ve been doing, as far as changing tires and jack the car up. Other than that, it’s difficult. Especially because I’m out of my element, but it was fun, it was a great experience.”
Ochocinco told track officials, should he not have any NFL obligations, he would love to attend the AdvoCare 500 on Sept. 4 to see it in person.
NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4. Tickets for the AdvoCare 500 start at $39 and $19 for students. Children 12 and under admitted free for the Great Clips 300 and the Atlanta 200 with an adult ticket. For more information, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211 or visit http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
