EchoPark Speedway

EchoPark Speedway is a renowned motorsports and entertainment facility located near Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its rich history and vibrant racing culture, it serves as a cornerstone venue for NASCAR events and various other motorsport activities. The speedway is operated by Speedway Motorsports and stands as Georgia’s only NASCAR-sanctioned track, attracting passionate fans and elite drivers alike.

History

The speedway, originally known as Atlanta International Raceway, opened on July 31, 1960. It was established on approximately 850 acres just south of Atlanta in Hampton, Georgia. The 1.5-mile paved oval was the seventh superspeedway in the United States, contributing significantly to NASCAR’s growth during the mid-20th century. Despite initial challenges such as funding shortages and incomplete facilities, the track evolved into a premier racing venue over decades. In June 2023, the track was officially renamed EchoPark Speedway after an agreement with its sponsor EchoPark Automotive, reflecting its modern identity while maintaining links to its rich heritage.

Most Famous Races Held

EchoPark Speedway has hosted a variety of prestigious NASCAR events, including races in the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series. It is renowned for high-profile races such as the Quaker State 400 and other major NASCAR Cup Series events that have shaped the sport’s history. The track’s races have been notable for iconic moments, fierce competition, and several memorable driver achievements. EchoPark Speedway continues to be a key stop in NASCAR schedules, drawing large crowds and industry attention with its combination of speed and spectator experience.

Track Information

The track is a 1.54-mile (2.48 km) asphalt oval featuring progressive banking, designed to encourage multiple racing grooves and competitive racing. The facility spans 850 acres and includes substantial seating capacity, spectator amenities, and support infrastructure for large-scale motorsport events. EchoPark Speedway’s configuration allows for exciting racing dynamics and is considered one of NASCAR’s classic intermediate tracks. The speedway’s ownership and operations are managed by Speedway Motorsports, which also promotes other major NASCAR venues.

Although EchoPark Speedway shares a similar name with the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, which is a NASCAR road course race held at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, they are distinctly different venues. The Grand Prix race at Circuit of the Americas is a 3.426-mile road course event introduced in 2021 and also sponsored by EchoPark Automotive, but geographically and structurally separate from EchoPark Speedway in Georgia.