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:
Below is how the schedule usually works and how to plan around it if you live in or are visiting the Atlanta area.
Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS)
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228
All of the main NASCAR events branded as the “Atlanta” races are run here, not inside the Atlanta city limits.
NASCAR adjusts its schedule each year, but Atlanta Motor Speedway has settled into a predictable pattern:
Most seasons, AMS hosts:
These usually fall in the late winter or early spring months, commonly February or March. The main Cup race is often scheduled for:
Atlanta also typically gets a second NASCAR Cup Series race in the mid-summer months, often:
NASCAR has recently experimented with night racing at Atlanta, so you may see:
Because this can change year to year, it’s important to check the current season’s schedule specifically.
Here’s a simple way to think about the Atlanta NASCAR race dates in a typical season:
| Time of Year | Usual Event Type | Main Race Day | Notes for Atlanta Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb–Mar | Spring NASCAR race weekend | Sunday | Often first Atlanta Cup race of the year |
| Jun–Aug | Summer NASCAR race weekend | Sunday | Second Cup race, sometimes a night race |
📝 Key Tip: The exact weekend changes each season, so always verify the current year’s dates before planning travel, hotels, or large group outings.
If you need this year’s specific dates and start times, use one or more of these approaches:
Look for:
You’ll see:
Atlanta Motor Speedway typically posts:
This is helpful if you want more than just the main Cup race and plan to make it a full weekend trip from Atlanta.
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:
Even if you’re not a NASCAR fan, the Atlanta NASCAR race can affect your weekend plans.
On race weekend, expect:
If you live in Atlanta and are not going to the race:
If you are going to the race:
Many visitors stay in or near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, then drive to the track.
On race day, you should add significant buffer time:
Visitors often choose:
Airport-area hotels (College Park, Hapeville, East Point)
Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
If you’re planning a full weekend from Atlanta, race weekends often include:
Locals often make it a full-day or full-weekend outing, especially for the spring race when weather is milder.
You can typically choose from:
Because seating, pricing, and policies can change:
Start times can vary due to:
It’s wise to:
Atlanta’s weather can influence race timing:
Rain can delay or reschedule a race, typically to later the same day or to Monday, depending on conditions.
NASCAR generally releases the full Cup Series schedule several months before the season begins, often:
For Atlanta residents and visitors, that means:
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.
