Latest news with #AlisonMastrangelo
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Atlanta Motor Speedway gets a new name
Say goodbye to the Atlanta Motor Speedway and hello to EchoPark Speedway. Gov. Brian Kemp joined officials on Tuesday morning at the iconic track in Hampton to announce the new name. EchoPark Automotive has secured a seven-year, multimillion dollar agreement for the naming rights. Advertisement [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2's Alison Mastrangelo was there as the new name and branding were unveiled around the speedway. 'We're thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,' said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. 'This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.' After the announcement, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain took Gov. Kemp on a ride around the newly renamed track. Fans will get their first chance to see the new track logo along the track walls and Victory Lane at the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday, June 28. Advertisement EchoPark Automotive specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales and is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in the U.S. According to a news release, EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, where a majority of Atlanta NASCAR fans travel from each year to visit the historic speedway. 'We have enjoyed serving guests in the Atlanta metro area since EchoPark Atlanta opened its doors in 2020,' said David B. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive. 'This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The Masters: The magic of Augusta National is still there 6 months after Hurricane Helene
The Masters: The magic of Augusta National is still there 6 months after Hurricane Helene Augusta National is known for its amazing azaleas, challenging greens and towering pine trees. But when Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast last fall, the club reportedly lost hundreds of trees throughout the course — but the spirit of Augusta National remained. Advertisement [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Chip Kern has been coming to the Masters for 28 years. He told Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo that he noticed the changes right away. '16 Lost trees behind it, 15 dramatically two trees are gone— it's going to be really interesting to see how they play it,' Kern said. John Easley is attending his first Masters. He couldn't point out any major differences walking around the course — he's just in awe that crews were able to get the course ready in time for the first grand slam major of the year. 'It's just pristine here. You can't tell that one of the worst disasters that came through the United States came through this area,' Easley said. 'Walking around here at Augusta, it's amazing what they've done.' Advertisement While most patrons might not notice any significant changes to the golf course after Helene, players like Jon Rahm said they really need to go out and experience it first hand. The golfers have heard about it, but now it's time to play it in the practice rounds. 'The one thing I've heard from members is if you've been here before you can tell there's a difference. When you're looking down the property, you can see a little bit further down,' Rahm said. 'It doesn't necessarily play significantly different but visually there is change there.' No matter how many trees may or may not be missing from the Masters, patrons and golfers alike can agree it does not take away from the beauty and the magic of the Masters. Advertisement RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
First-time patrons at the Masters make the most of a rainy situation
First-time patrons at the Masters make the most of a rainy situation Monday's practice round at the Masters had to shut down early because of the weather. Patrons were allowed on the golf course for nearly three and a half hours before they were evacuated from the grounds. Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo caught up with a few patrons who tried to find a silver lining in the rainy situation. Advertisement 'It is worth every penny dollar penny that I would spend. It's an incredible and magical experience,' said Jake Dudley about his first-time at the Masters. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Some patrons have waited their entire life to come to the Masters. Susie Labriola waited 70 years. 'What does it mean to be here now?' Mastrangelo asked Labriola. 'I can't even tell you it's fabulous ... It's everything,' she said. John Decker waited 18 years to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National and finally won his ticket via the lottery. He let his friends wait in the nearly two-hour line to buy the coveted Master merchandise. Decker wanted to walk the challenging and majestic course that he has watched on TV for years. Advertisement 'The golf course is amazing. The driving range looks better than any golf course I've every played so we are here let's do it,' he said. Even though the sun never graced the grounds of Augusta National on Monday, patrons made the best of what little time they had. They either left with a full shopping bag or a lifetime of memories — or in most cases, a little of both. People who purchased tickets for Monday's practice round will be refunded and have the chance to purchase tickets for next year's Monday practice round. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
