Turn on the lights
Airport races toward summer’s end with Park-Ride Reserve lot and new sweepstakes
By DeAllous Smith

Airport officials raced toward Labor Day with major announcements about a new parking service and a sweepstakes to rev up NASCAR fans and Airport customers.

In a press conference in the Airport Atrium on August 21, Aviation officials announced the opening of the Park-Ride Reserve lot, which gives motorists another affordable, speedy and convenient parking option on Airport property. The members-only lot offers all of the benefits of the other Park-Ride lots and more, including guaranteed spaces and automated entrance and exit, eliminating the wait for cashiers.

“It’s all about delivering more guaranteed parking options. And now we have this in the Airport’s closest Park-Ride service,” said Ben DeCosta, Aviation general manager.    

Racing fans and travelers who attended the conference also learned that Hartsfield-Jackson’s customers had a chance to win great prizes in an end-of-summer sweepstakes co-sponsored by Atlanta Motor Speedway. Top prizes were tickets to the NASCAR Pep Boys Auto 500 race in Atlanta on September 6 and one year of free parking in the Airport’s Park-Ride Reserve lot. 

“Oh, wow! This is too good to be true,” said Deborah Robinson of Sandy Springs. “More parking options and a chance to win NASCAR tickets? Where do I sign up?”

With “pit crew members” in red jumpsuits behind him, DeCosta said, “As passengers prepare to take to the skies this Labor Day holiday, Hartsfield-Jackson now will offer guaranteed, affordable and fast service to the terminal from the new Park-Ride Reserve lot.”

Greg Walter, vice president of sales for Atlanta Motor Speedway, was on hand to celebrate the announcement and applauded the Airport’s partnership with the city’s racing giant.

“I also want to thank Stewart-Haas Racing for being a part of this memorable event,” Walter added.

The moments seemed to build suspense until DeCosta and Walter finally removed a car cover to reveal Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet Impala SS show car, displayed in the Airport Atrium through September 6.

“Simply beautiful,” Robinson said.