What Town Is Atlanta Motor Speedway In?
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is not actually in the city of Atlanta itself. It’s located in the city of Hampton, Georgia, a small town in Henry County, about 25–30 miles south of Downtown Atlanta.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, this is helpful to know when planning a race weekend, a concert, or any major event at the track.
Where Exactly Is Atlanta Motor Speedway?
- Town: Hampton, Georgia
- County: Henry County
- General Area: South of Atlanta, just off U.S. Highway 19/41
Atlanta Motor Speedway sits in a mostly suburban and semi-rural area, surrounded by neighborhoods, small businesses, and local roads that can get busy during big events.
Full Address and Basic Details
Here is the key location information most Atlanta visitors look for:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Atlanta Motor Speedway |
| Town / City | Hampton, GA |
| County | Henry County |
| Approx. Distance | About 25–30 miles south of Downtown Atlanta |
| Main Access Routes | I-75, GA-20, GA-81, US-19/41 |
(Always confirm exact address and directions before you go, since event-day traffic patterns and entry points can change.)
How Far Is Hampton From Atlanta?
If you’re starting from Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the State Capitol):
- Driving distance: roughly 25–30 miles
- Typical drive time (no major traffic): about 35–45 minutes
- Rush hour or race day: can easily stretch to an hour or more
From other popular parts of the Atlanta metro area:
- Midtown/Buckhead: usually add 10–20 minutes to your drive compared to starting downtown.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: often 20–30 minutes away in light traffic, since you’re already on the south side.
Getting from Atlanta to Atlanta Motor Speedway
Main Driving Routes from Atlanta
Most people coming from Atlanta use Interstate 75:
- Head south on I-75 from Atlanta.
- Depending on where you are on the interstate, common exits include:
- GA-20 / GA-81 (McDonough), then local roads west toward Hampton.
- Or follow signs specifically posted for Atlanta Motor Speedway on event days.
- Transition to US-19/41 toward Hampton and follow event signage into the track.
Local law enforcement often directs traffic around the Speedway during large events, so allow extra time and be prepared for detours or one-way traffic patterns.
Parking Considerations
On big race weekends and major events:
- Parking areas can fill up early.
- You may be directed to different lots depending on your arrival time and ticket type.
- Walking distances from general parking to the gate can be significant, so plan footwear and arrival time with that in mind.
Why Isn’t It Just Called “Hampton Motor Speedway”?
Even though the track is in Hampton, it carries the Atlanta Motor Speedway name because:
- Atlanta is the primary metro area the track serves.
- The Atlanta name helps people across the country recognize where it is generally located.
For locals, this can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re expecting the Speedway to be close to Midtown or Buckhead. In reality, it’s more of a south-metro regional destination than an in-city venue.
What Should Atlanta Visitors Know Before Heading to Hampton?
If you live in Atlanta or are staying in town for a race or event, here are a few practical tips:
1. Plan Your Travel Time ⏱️
Leaving from inside the Perimeter (I-285):
- Aim to arrive in Hampton early, especially for major NASCAR events.
- Build in a buffer of at least 60–90 minutes beyond the “no-traffic” estimate.
2. Consider Where You’re Staying
You have two main options:
Stay in Atlanta
- Good if you want big-city amenities: restaurants, nightlife, MARTA access, and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or the BeltLine.
- You’ll need to drive or arrange transportation to Hampton on event days.
Stay closer to Hampton / Henry County
- More convenient if your priority is minimizing drive time to the Speedway.
- Expect more limited nightlife and entertainment than central Atlanta, but less race-day driving stress.
3. Know the General Area Around the Track
Hampton is a smaller, quieter town compared to Atlanta, with:
- Local restaurants and gas stations clustered around main roads.
- Residential neighborhoods near the Speedway.
- Heavy but temporary traffic surges on big event weekends.
Plan fuel, snacks, and any last-minute errands in advance, either in Atlanta or in larger commercial areas like McDonough or Stockbridge along I-75.
FAQs Atlanta Residents Often Ask
Is Atlanta Motor Speedway inside the Atlanta city limits?
No. The Speedway is outside Atlanta’s city limits, in the separate city of Hampton, GA.
Is Hampton considered part of “metro Atlanta”?
Yes. Hampton is generally regarded as part of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, specifically on the south side in Henry County.
Can I get there without a car from Atlanta?
Most people drive or use rideshare from Atlanta. Direct public transit options like MARTA do not typically extend all the way to the Speedway itself, so a car-based plan is usually necessary.
In short: Atlanta Motor Speedway is in the town of Hampton, Georgia, about half an hour south of Atlanta in typical traffic. If you’re planning an event there from Atlanta, treat it as a short out-of-town trip rather than a quick in-city hop, and plan your timing, parking, and route with the Hampton location clearly in mind.
