EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway and originally as Atlanta International Raceway, stands as one of the most iconic and evolving venues in American motorsports. Located in Hampton, Georgia, just south of Atlanta, the track has undergone dramatic changes since its inception, each transformation reshaping the way drivers and fans experience NASCAR racing.
Origins and Construction
The story of EchoPark Speedway begins in the late 1950s, when a group of visionaries led by Richard W. King and Carl Queen set out to build a world-class racing facility. On April 8, 1958, plans were announced for a $1 million, 50,000-seat, 400-acre facility along U.S. Route 41, about 20 miles south of Atlanta. The project was ambitious, intending to become the second-largest racing facility in the United States, behind only the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Despite high hopes, funding challenges plagued the early days. By the end of July 1958, only $40,000 in shares had been sold. By August, leadership changes saw Curtis Turner and Joe Weatherly step into roles as racing directors. Groundbreaking occurred on September 17, 1958, but actual construction did not begin until late November. The original founders faced financial difficulties, and four of the five original backers withdrew. Dr. Warren Gremmel, Bill Boyd, Jack Black, and Art Lester joined Garland Bagley to complete the facility, investing $1.8 million to bring the track to life.
When the 1.5-mile oval, then called Atlanta International Raceway, opened on July 31, 1960, it was still a work in progress. Journalists noted that the lower seats were so low fans couldn’t see over the retaining wall, and the only infield bathroom was a three-hole outhouse. Despite these humble beginnings, the track quickly established itself as a key venue for NASCAR’s top series.
Track Layout and Physical Characteristics
From its debut, EchoPark Speedway was designed as a classic superspeedway, joining the ranks of Darlington, Daytona, and Charlotte as one of the first paved tracks over a mile in length. The original layout was a 1.5-mile true oval, but over the years, the track has undergone several major reconfigurations and repaves, each altering its character and challenge.
The most significant changes came in 1997 and 2022. In 1997, the start/finish line was moved from the backstretch to a new frontstretch, and the track was lengthened slightly to 1.54 miles, adopting the quad-oval shape seen at many modern NASCAR tracks. The 2022 reconfiguration was even more dramatic: the banking was increased to 28 degrees, and the racing surface was narrowed from 55 feet to 40 feet, transforming the track into a superspeedway-style circuit reminiscent of Daytona and Talladega. This change forced drivers to race in tight packs at speeds exceeding 180 mph, adding a new layer of intensity and unpredictability.
The current configuration features:
- Length: 1.54 miles (2.48 km)
- Shape: Quad-oval
- Banking: 28 degrees in the turns, 5 degrees on the straights
- Surface: Asphalt (most recently repaved in 2021)
- Seating capacity: Over 70,000
Famous Races and Historic Moments
EchoPark Speedway has been the stage for some of NASCAR’s most memorable races and championship battles. The track’s history is filled with dramatic finishes, record-setting performances, and legendary drivers.
One of the most significant chapters in the track’s history began in 1987, when Atlanta became the site of the NASCAR Cup Series season finale. This tradition lasted until 2000, making EchoPark Speedway the backdrop for many championship-deciding races. The most famous of these was the 1992 finale, where a six-way battle for the championship unfolded. Alan Kulwicki edged Bill Elliott by just 10 points in one of the closest championship battles in NASCAR history. That race also marked the debut of Jeff Gordon and the final Cup Series start for Richard Petty, adding to its legendary status.
Other notable races include the 2001 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500, where Kevin Harvick won in one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history, edging Jeff Gordon by 0.006 seconds. The track has also been the site of multiple first-time winners and dramatic last-lap battles, cementing its reputation as a place where legends are made.
In recent years, the 2022 and 2023 races at the newly reconfigured EchoPark Speedway have featured some of the most intense, pack-style racing seen in NASCAR, with multiple lead changes and dramatic wrecks. The February 2024 race saw Daniel Suárez prevail over Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by just 0.003 seconds, one of the closest finishes in the sport’s history.
The Challenge for Drivers
EchoPark Speedway’s evolution has made it one of the most challenging tracks on the NASCAR schedule. The original 1.5-mile oval was known for its high speeds and abrasive surface, which wore out tires and demanded careful management of equipment. The 1997 reconfiguration added a new frontstretch and increased the track’s length, making it even faster and more demanding.
The 2022 reconfiguration, however, fundamentally changed the way drivers approach the track. With 28-degree banking and a narrower racing surface, EchoPark Speedway now races like a superspeedway. Drivers must navigate tight packs at speeds over 180 mph, with little room for error. The high banking allows for sustained high speeds through the corners, while the narrow surface forces drivers to race side by side, often three or four wide, for extended periods.
This style of racing is physically and mentally demanding. Drivers must constantly adjust their lines, manage their tires, and anticipate the moves of other cars. The risk of “the big one”—a multi-car wreck—is ever-present, adding to the tension and excitement. The close-quarters racing also means that small mistakes can have big consequences, making EchoPark Speedway a true test of skill, courage, and strategy.
Community and Cultural Impact
Beyond its role as a racing venue, EchoPark Speedway has become a vital part of the local community and the broader Southern racing culture. The track hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, car shows, and charity fundraisers. The annual NASCAR race weekends bring thousands of visitors to the area, providing a significant boost to local businesses and the regional economy.
The track’s commitment to community engagement is evident in its outreach programs, which include youth initiatives, educational tours, and partnerships with local schools. EchoPark Speedway also serves as a hub for motorsports education, offering driving experiences and racing schools for aspiring drivers.
The New Era: EchoPark Speedway
In 2025, the track entered a new chapter with its official rebranding as EchoPark Speedway, thanks to a seven-year, multimillion-dollar partnership with EchoPark Automotive, a subsidiary of Sonic Automotive. This new era is marked by a renewed focus on innovation, fan experience, and community engagement, while honoring the track’s rich heritage.
The 2025 season sees EchoPark Speedway hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races: the Ambetter Health 400 in February and the Quaker State 400 in June. The June race also marks the start of NASCAR’s new In-Season Challenge, a bracket-style tournament designed to add excitement and stakes to the summer stretch of the schedule.
Night Racing and Special Events
EchoPark Speedway has also played a pioneering role in night racing. For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, a NASCAR Cup Series race was scheduled to run at night, adding a new dimension to the track’s challenge and appeal. Night races at EchoPark Speedway are known for their electric atmosphere, with fans packing the grandstands to watch the action under the lights.
The track continues to innovate with special events, including concerts, fan festivals, and unique racing formats. These initiatives ensure that EchoPark Speedway remains at the forefront of motorsports entertainment, offering something for everyone from die-hard NASCAR fans to casual spectators.
Why EchoPark Speedway Stands Apart
What sets EchoPark Speedway apart is its unique combination of history, innovation, and challenge. The track’s evolution from a humble 1.5-mile oval to a modern, high-banked superspeedway reflects the changing landscape of NASCAR racing. Each reconfiguration has brought new challenges for drivers and new excitement for fans.
The track’s ability to host dramatic, championship-deciding races and its role as a community hub have made it a beloved institution in the world of motorsports. The recent partnership with EchoPark Automotive and the introduction of the In-Season Challenge signal a bright future for this iconic venue.
News in Brief: Atlanta Motor Speedway History and Legacy
EchoPark Speedway’s unique characteristics—its high banking, narrow surface, and superspeedway-style racing—make it one of the most demanding tracks on the NASCAR schedule. Drivers must be at the top of their game to succeed here, balancing speed, strategy, and risk management. For fans, the track offers some of the most thrilling and unpredictable racing in the sport, with the potential for photo finishes and historic moments every time the green flag drops.
The legacy of EchoPark Speedway is built on its ability to adapt and innovate, while staying true to its roots as a cornerstone of Southern racing culture. As the track enters its next chapter, it remains a must-visit destination for NASCAR fans and a true test for the sport’s best drivers.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is the new name of Atlanta Motor Speedway?
A. Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive unveiled the new identity of Georgia’s only NASCAR track today, renaming the historic 66-year-old venue in Hampton from Atlanta Motor Speedway to EchoPark Speedway.
Q. What was the old configuration of the Atlanta Motor Speedway?
A. The original layout of Atlanta International Raceway, later known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, featured a true oval design without the current dogleg. The track measured 1.54 miles with 24-degree banking in the turns.
