Atlanta Motor Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway, located in Hampton, Georgia, approximately 20 miles south of Atlanta, is one of NASCAR’s premier racing venues. Known for its high-speed, 1.54-mile quad-oval layout and rich racing history dating back to 1960, the speedway has played a crucial role in shaping American stock car racing traditions. It hosts key NASCAR events annually that showcase top-tier competition and draw large crowds.

History

Plans to build the Atlanta Motor Speedway originated in 1958 under the First Georgia Securities Corporation, aiming to establish a major racing facility rivaling the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Construction began in late 1959, and the track officially opened on July 31, 1960, initially named Atlanta International Raceway. The inaugural race was won by Glenn “Fireball” Roberts in front of a 25,000-strong crowd. Early years saw financial struggles and management changes, but the track remained a staple on the NASCAR calendar, hosting events such as the Atlanta 500 and Dixie 500.

A major turning point came in 1990 when businessman Bruton Smith purchased the facility for $19.8 million. Under his leadership, the track was renamed Atlanta Motor Speedway and underwent significant renovations, including the addition of new grandstands, luxury suites, and modernization of fan amenities. In 1997, the track was reconfigured from its original oval into a 1.54-mile quad-oval with two doglegs on the front stretch, making it one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Further improvements included a repaving and re-profiling in 2021 that increased corner banking to 28 degrees, enhancing speeds and racing quality.

Legacy drivers like Dale Earnhardt have left their mark with multiple victories, cementing Atlanta’s status as a key NASCAR venue. Across decades, the speedway has hosted not only NASCAR but also a variety of racing series, solidifying its motorsports heritage.

Most Famous Races Held

Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series events annually: the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 in the spring and the NASCAR Championship Weekend race in the fall. These races are known for their high speeds and close competition, often influencing championship outcomes. The track also features NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series races, providing opportunities for emerging talents.

Historic moments at Atlanta include memorable wins by legends such as Dale Earnhardt, who holds the record for nine victories at the track, and thrilling races broadcast nationally. Its races are notable for their strategic complexity due to tire wear and aerodynamic grip at the high banking.

Track Information

The speedway features a 1.54-mile (2.48 km) asphalt quad-oval layout with 28 degrees of banking in the turns and 5 degrees on the straights as per its latest re-profiling in 2021. This banking allows for very high cornering speeds, contributing to its reputation as one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks. The two doglegs on the front stretch create challenging passing zones and add to the excitement of the racing.

Originally constructed as a flatter oval, the 1997 reconfiguration changed the racing dynamics profoundly. The venue boasts seating capacity for over 71,000 spectators, modern press facilities, garages, and fan amenities. Its location in the southeastern United States positions it as a vital stop in the NASCAR schedule.