When Is the Atlanta NASCAR Race? Dates, Times, and How to Plan Your Trip

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering “When is the Atlanta NASCAR race?”, you’re really asking about events held at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, GA, just south of the city.

NASCAR’s national series typically visit Atlanta twice a year: once in the late winter/early spring and once in the summer. Exact dates change every season, so it’s important to check the current schedule before you make plans.

Where the Atlanta NASCAR Race Is Held

All major NASCAR races in the Atlanta area happen at:

Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228
Main phone: (770) 946-4211

This track is roughly 25–35 miles south of downtown Atlanta, depending on your starting point, and is a straight shot down I‑75 toward Henry County / Clayton County before you turn off toward Hampton.

Typical NASCAR Race Weekends in Atlanta

NASCAR usually brings several events to Atlanta Motor Speedway over a race weekend:

• NASCAR Cup Series race – the main “Atlanta NASCAR race” most people ask about
• NASCAR Xfinity Series race – usually on the same weekend
• Sometimes a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race or regional series event

General Pattern (Subject to Change Each Year)

While exact dates vary, the pattern over recent seasons has often looked like this:

*Days and times are approximate; night races and schedule shifts happen.

If you live in Atlanta, it helps to think of it this way: one early-season race weekend when it’s still a bit cool, and one hot-weather summer race weekend, sometimes under the lights.

How to Find the Exact Date for This Year’s Atlanta NASCAR Race

Because NASCAR releases its schedule season by season, and dates can shift, the best way to get this year’s exact Atlanta race dates and start times is to:

1. Check the current NASCAR Cup Series schedule
   Look specifically for the event listed as Atlanta Motor Speedway – Atlanta, GA.

2. Confirm on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s event calendar
   They usually list:

   • Cup Series race name and date
   • Companion races (Xfinity, Trucks)
   • Gate opening times, fan zone hours, and special events

3. Call Atlanta Motor Speedway directly
   If you prefer to talk to a person or want the latest local info:
   Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office: (770) 946-4211
   You can ask:

   • “What dates are the NASCAR Cup Series races this year?”
   • “What time is green flag for the Atlanta NASCAR race?”
   • “What days are qualifying and support races?”

Because traffic, weather, and TV broadcast changes can shift start times, it’s wise to reconfirm the week of the race, especially if you’re driving down from midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or the northern suburbs.

What Time of Day Does the Atlanta NASCAR Race Usually Start?

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta commonly starts in the:

• Early to mid‑afternoon for spring races
• Late afternoon or evening for some summer races, especially if scheduled as a night event

However, the TV window and daylight play a big role, so start times can move. If you’re in Atlanta and want to arrive on time without rushing:

• Plan to be parked at the track at least 2–3 hours before green flag
• Add extra time if you’re driving down from:
  • Downtown / Midtown Atlanta on a weekend with other events
  • Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Fulton, where I‑75, I‑85, and the Downtown Connector can back up
• Watch weather forecasts; rain delays can push the start later or even move it to another day.

Getting from Atlanta to the NASCAR Race

Driving from Key Atlanta Areas

Many locals drive from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta – usually 30–45 minutes in light traffic, much longer on race day
• Buckhead / Brookhaven / Sandy Springs – often 45–75 minutes with race day volume
• Decatur / East Atlanta – often 35–60 minutes

You’ll generally head toward:

• I‑75 South out of Atlanta
• Then follow signs and directions for Hampton and Atlanta Motor Speedway

On race weekend, law enforcement and event staff often direct traffic near Tara Boulevard (US‑19/41) and surrounding roads.

Parking Considerations

Atlanta Motor Speedway typically offers:

• General parking in large surface lots around the track
• Reserved or preferred parking (extra cost, closer to certain gates)
• Accessible parking for guests with disability placards or plates

🏁 Tip for Atlanta drivers:
Leave earlier than you think you need to. Traffic can back up well north of Hampton, especially if you’re coming down from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, College Park, or Forest Park areas at the same time as race fans.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the Race

If you’re traveling into Atlanta specifically for the NASCAR race, you’ll likely fly into:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

From the airport, Atlanta Motor Speedway is usually a 25–35 minute drive south, depending on traffic.

Most visitors either:

• Stay near downtown or midtown Atlanta for access to restaurants, MARTA, and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, then drive down to the track on race day; or
• Stay closer to the track in Henry County / Clayton County / Hampton / McDonough to shorten the race-day commute.

What Happens on Atlanta NASCAR Race Weekend?

When you ask “When is the Atlanta NASCAR race?” it often helps to know what else is happening on that same weekend.

A typical Atlanta NASCAR weekend might include:

• Friday
  • Practice sessions
  • Sometimes qualifying or support events
• Saturday
  • NASCAR Xfinity Series race
  • Possible Truck Series or regional racing
  • Fan activities, autograph sessions, and midway displays
• Sunday
  • NASCAR Cup Series race (the main event)

For Atlanta residents, this means even if you can’t attend Sunday’s big race, you might still catch:

• A Saturday race that’s often cheaper and less crowded
• Fan zone activities that are more relaxed earlier in the weekend

Local Tips for Atlanta Fans Heading to the NASCAR Race

To make the most of your Atlanta NASCAR race day:

• Check the schedule twice

  • Look up Cup Series, Xfinity, and Trucks separately
  • Confirm gates open time and green flag time before race weekend

• Plan around Atlanta traffic

  • I‑75 southbound can be heavy, especially if there are other major events (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, concerts, or conventions) in the city
  • Leaving early in the morning is usually less stressful than cutting it close

• Watch the weather

  • Atlanta weather in spring can be cool and rainy
  • Summer races can be very hot and humid, so build in time for shade, hydration, and sunscreen

• Use official sources for any last-minute changes

  • Weather delays, schedule tweaks, and parking changes are usually posted by Atlanta Motor Speedway and NASCAR close to event time
  • If in doubt, you can always call the speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211

Quick Reference: How to Answer “When Is the Atlanta NASCAR Race?” Right Now

Since the dates change every year, here’s how to quickly get the current answer if you’re in or near Atlanta:

1. Find the current NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
   Look for the races labeled Atlanta Motor Speedway – Atlanta, GA (typically two dates).

2. Confirm with Atlanta Motor Speedway.

   • Visit their events or calendar section
   • Or call (770) 946-4211 to ask for:
     • The next NASCAR Cup Series race date and time
     • Any companion races that weekend

3. Plan your trip from Atlanta.

   • Block off most of the day for race day
   • Add extra travel time from your neighborhood or hotel to Hampton, GA

With those steps, you’ll have the exact day and time of the Atlanta NASCAR race and can plan your travel, parking, and weekend around it—whether you’re a local from Inman Park or Marietta, or a visitor using Atlanta as your base for race weekend.