HAMPTON, Ga. - Atlanta Motor Speedway is declaring “Georgia Peanut Farmer Appreciation Day” at the March 8 Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race in recognition of Georgia's official state crop.

In a show of support to Georgia-based peanut farmers in lieu of the recent difficulties facing the industry, Atlanta Motor Speedway has partnered with the Georgia Peanut Commission to promote Georgia peanuts during the Kobalt Tools 500.

The Georgia Peanut Commission will have a trackside billboard advertising Georgia peanuts, sampling opportunities on race day and a role in the Kobalt Tools 500 pre-race festivities. In addition, the Commission will have a sampling location and display in the Atlanta Motor Speedway Display Lot.

“We are honored to work together with Atlanta Motor Speedway,” said Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “They have been wonderful to work with and we appreciate their efforts in helping us promote peanuts, the official state crop of Georgia.”

“Georgia farmers produce nearly half of the U.S. peanut crop,” Morris continued. “We are inviting fans to stop by our display to sample Georgia peanuts while at the race.”

A number of Georgia peanut farmers will be recognized as part of the pre-race activities.

“Peanuts have been a staple in the Georgia agriculture economy for a long time and Atlanta Motor Speedway is proud to show our support of the industry,” said Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark. “Many of the farmers are fans who have attended our races for years and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to show them our support during this time of need.”

For more information or tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849) or 770-946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

For more information on Georgia peanuts and the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.