When Is the Atlanta NASCAR Race? Dates, Times, and What Atlanta Fans Should Know

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering “When is the Atlanta NASCAR race?”, there are actually two major NASCAR weekends most years at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in nearby Hampton, just south of the city.

Because NASCAR schedules change slightly every season, you’ll want to confirm the exact dates for the current year. But the pattern is generally:

• One NASCAR Cup Series race weekend in early spring
• One NASCAR Cup Series race weekend in summer

Below is how the schedule usually works and how to plan around it if you live in or are visiting the Atlanta area.

Where the Atlanta NASCAR Race Is Held

Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS)
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228

• Located about 25–35 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your starting point and traffic.
• Expect heavy race-day traffic on I-75 and surrounding local roads (Tara Blvd, GA-20, GA-81).

All of the main NASCAR events branded as the “Atlanta” races are run here, not inside the Atlanta city limits.

Typical Timing of the Atlanta NASCAR Races

NASCAR adjusts its schedule each year, but Atlanta Motor Speedway has settled into a predictable pattern:

1. Spring Atlanta NASCAR Race Weekend

Most seasons, AMS hosts:

• A NASCAR Cup Series race (the main event)
• A NASCAR Xfinity Series race
• Sometimes additional companion series over the same weekend

These usually fall in the late winter or early spring months, commonly February or March. The main Cup race is often scheduled for:

• Sunday afternoon or early evening, local time (Eastern)

2. Summer Atlanta NASCAR Race Weekend

Atlanta also typically gets a second NASCAR Cup Series race in the mid-summer months, often:

• June, July, or early August
• Again, with a Sunday Cup Series race as the headliner
• Often paired with an Xfinity Series race the day before

NASCAR has recently experimented with night racing at Atlanta, so you may see:

• Saturday night races
• Later Sunday start times under the lights

Because this can change year to year, it’s important to check the current season’s schedule specifically.

Quick Reference: What To Expect Each Year

Here’s a simple way to think about the Atlanta NASCAR race dates in a typical season:

📝 Key Tip: The exact weekend changes each season, so always verify the current year’s dates before planning travel, hotels, or large group outings.

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

If you need this year’s specific dates and start times, use one or more of these approaches:

1. Check the Official NASCAR Schedule

Look for:

• NASCAR Cup Series schedule
• Filter by track: Atlanta Motor Speedway

You’ll see:

• Race name
• Date
• Approximate start time (listed in Eastern Time)

2. Look Up Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Event Calendar

Atlanta Motor Speedway typically posts:

• Full race weekend schedules
• Gate opening times
• Practice and qualifying sessions
• Other events like concerts or fan zones

This is helpful if you want more than just the main Cup race and plan to make it a full weekend trip from Atlanta.

3. Call or Contact Atlanta Motor Speedway

If you prefer to talk to someone or want clarification on parking, camping, or accessibility, you can contact the speedway directly.

Atlanta Motor Speedway – General Information
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
Main Office (commonly listed): (770) 946-4211
Ticket Office (commonly listed): (877) 9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849)

Phone numbers can change, but AMS has long used these lines. They can confirm:

• This year’s NASCAR race dates and times
• Which events are family-friendly
• Ticket options for locals vs. out-of-town fans

If You Live in Atlanta: Planning Around Race Weekend

Even if you’re not a NASCAR fan, the Atlanta NASCAR race can affect your weekend plans.

Traffic and Travel Considerations

On race weekend, expect:

• Heavy congestion on I-75 South toward Hampton on race day, especially:
  • Late morning through early afternoon (before race)
  • After the main race ends
• Delays on:
  • Exit 216 (GA-155)
  • Exit 218 (GA-20/GA-81)
  • Local roads around McDonough, Hampton, and Lovejoy

If you live in Atlanta and are not going to the race:

• Avoid nonessential trips southbound on I-75 during peak race times.
• Use alternate north–south routes if possible (depending on your location).

If you are going to the race:

• Leave earlier than you think necessary; lines to enter parking lots can back up.
• Plan your route in advance and consider:
  • Carpooling with fellow fans
  • Pre-purchasing parking if available

If You’re Visiting Atlanta: How the NASCAR Race Fits Into Your Trip

Many visitors stay in or near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, then drive to the track.

Travel Time Estimates (Without Race-Day Traffic)

• Downtown Atlanta → Atlanta Motor Speedway: 30–45 minutes
• Hartsfield-Jackson Airport area → AMS: 25–35 minutes
• Midtown/Buckhead → AMS: 35–55 minutes

On race day, you should add significant buffer time:

• Double those drive times is common around major events.
• Plan to arrive at the track hours before the green flag if you want a low-stress experience.

Where to Stay

Visitors often choose:

• Airport-area hotels (College Park, Hapeville, East Point)

  • Shorter drive to the track than Midtown/Buckhead
  • Easier access to I-75 and I-285

• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

  • Best if you want to mix NASCAR with other Atlanta attractions, like:
    • Georgia Aquarium
    • World of Coca-Cola
    • Centennial Olympic Park

What Else Happens During Atlanta NASCAR Race Weekends?

If you’re planning a full weekend from Atlanta, race weekends often include:

• NASCAR Xfinity Series races (usually Saturday)
• Practice and qualifying sessions
• Fan zone activities near the grandstands
• Occasionally concerts or special fan events

Locals often make it a full-day or full-weekend outing, especially for the spring race when weather is milder.

Tickets, Start Times, and Weather Considerations

Tickets

You can typically choose from:

• Single-day tickets (Cup race only)
• Weekend packages (Cup + Xfinity and other series)
• Reserved grandstand seats or general admission areas (depending on the year)

Because seating, pricing, and policies can change:

• Confirm directly with Atlanta Motor Speedway’s ticket office.

Start Times

Start times can vary due to:

• National TV broadcast windows
• Day vs. night race scheduling
• Weather adjustments

It’s wise to:

• Re-check the start time in the days leading up to the race
• Keep an eye on race-day updates for delays or schedule changes

Weather

Atlanta’s weather can influence race timing:

• Spring race: Cooler temps, occasional rain.
• Summer race: Hot and humid, possible pop-up thunderstorms.

Rain can delay or reschedule a race, typically to later the same day or to Monday, depending on conditions.

How Far in Advance Are Atlanta NASCAR Dates Announced?

NASCAR generally releases the full Cup Series schedule several months before the season begins, often:

• In the late summer or fall for the following calendar year

For Atlanta residents and visitors, that means:

• You can usually know both Atlanta race weekends well before the new year starts.
• This makes it easier to:
  • Plan vacations or trips
  • Book hotels
  • Coordinate with friends or groups

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Area Fans

• There are usually two major NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway each year: one in late winter/early spring and one in summer.
• The main NASCAR Cup Series race is typically held on Sunday, with companion events on Friday and Saturday.
• The track is in Hampton, GA, about 30–45 minutes south of central Atlanta in light traffic.
• For this year’s exact date and time, check:
  • The official NASCAR schedule
  • The Atlanta Motor Speedway event calendar
  • Or call the AMS ticket office for the most up-to-date information.
• If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, plan ahead for race-day traffic, extra travel time, and weather-related schedule adjustments.

Once you confirm the current season’s race dates, you can build your Atlanta weekend around it—whether that means heading to Hampton for the roar of the engines or planning your in-town activities around race traffic.