When Is the NASCAR Race in Atlanta? Your Guide to Race Week at Atlanta Motor Speedway
If you live in the Atlanta area or you’re planning a visit, the NASCAR race in Atlanta usually isn’t just a single event—it’s a full race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, about 25–30 miles south of downtown Atlanta.
Because NASCAR schedules change from year to year, it’s important to think in terms of:
- Typical race months
- How many NASCAR race weekends Atlanta usually gets
- Where to check the exact dates and times before you go
Below is a clear breakdown of what Atlanta fans can generally expect and how to plan around it.
NASCAR Races in Atlanta: What to Expect Each Year
Atlanta Motor Speedway (often called AMS) is the home of NASCAR racing in the Atlanta area. It regularly hosts top-level NASCAR series events, usually featuring:
- A NASCAR Cup Series race (the main headliner)
- Often a NASCAR Xfinity Series race
- Sometimes a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
- Additional practice, qualifying, and support events
The exact dates and times change every season, but the pattern is generally:
- One or two NASCAR race weekends per year
- Races typically held on weekends, with Cup Series races on Sunday (or occasionally Saturday night), and support races on Friday/Saturday
Typical Timing: When Is the NASCAR Race in Atlanta?
The NASCAR Cup Series schedule is released annually, so you’ll want to verify the specific year. However, Atlanta’s NASCAR weekends typically fall into these general windows:
| Type of Event | Typical Timing (Most Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring NASCAR Weekend | Late February to early March | Often one of the earlier races of the season |
| Summer NASCAR Weekend (if any) | July or early summer (varies by year) | Sometimes run as a night race or hot-weather event |
| Race Days | Friday–Sunday race weekend | Cup Series race usually on Sunday |
| Start Times | Afternoon or early evening | Adjusted for TV, weather, and daylight |
Some seasons Atlanta has one NASCAR Cup race, in others it has two (spring and summer). The number and timing are controlled by NASCAR’s national schedule, not the city itself, so it’s always best to confirm for the specific year you’re asking about.
How to Find the Exact Date and Time for This Year’s Atlanta NASCAR Race
Because schedules can shift for TV, weather, and NASCAR planning, the most reliable way to know “When is the NASCAR race in Atlanta this year?” is to check:
1. Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Official Schedule
You can look up the current race calendar through Atlanta Motor Speedway, which is the official track.
Location:
Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Place
Hampton, GA 30228
You can also call their main line for schedule information, ticket questions, and timing details. Staff typically provide:
- The exact weekend dates
- Start times for each major race
- Gate opening times
- Info on practice/qualifying days
2. The NASCAR Season Schedule
NASCAR publishes a full national schedule each year. If you’re mainly interested in the NASCAR Cup Series race in Atlanta, look for:
- “Atlanta Motor Speedway” on the schedule
- The Cup Series race name and date
- Whether it’s listed as a day race or night race
This is especially useful if you’re planning travel into Atlanta from out of town and coordinating flights or hotel stays.
Local Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Planning Around Race Day
Even once you know the exact date and time, race weekend in metro Atlanta has its own rhythm. Here’s what matters if you’re going:
Traffic and Travel Time
Atlanta traffic is already busy on normal days. Add tens of thousands of race fans heading to Hampton, and you’ll want to plan ahead:
- From Downtown Atlanta or Midtown:
Plan 45–75 minutes or more, depending on race day traffic. - From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
Typically 30–50 minutes, but it can back up near race time. - Expect heavy congestion on I‑75 and local roads near the track, especially 3–4 hours before the green flag and right after the race ends.
🕒 Tip: Many fans aim to arrive at least 2–3 hours before race time to avoid the worst of the traffic and enjoy pre-race activities.
Parking and Arrival
On NASCAR race days, Atlanta Motor Speedway usually:
- Opens parking lots well before race time
- Has clearly marked lots and attendants directing traffic
- Offers designated parking areas for general fans, RVs, and sometimes paid upgraded parking
It’s common for travelers from Atlanta to:
- Carpool with friends or family
- Use printed or mobile parking passes if required for certain lots
- Pack for a full day outdoors (sunscreen, comfortable shoes, ear protection)
What Else Happens During NASCAR Week in Atlanta?
When people ask, “When is the NASCAR race in Atlanta?” they often also want to know what’s going on around the race.
On a typical Atlanta NASCAR weekend, you’ll often find:
- Friday: Practice sessions, qualifying, support series events
- Saturday: Xfinity or Truck Series race, more practice or qualifying
- Sunday:NASCAR Cup Series race, usually the main attraction
Race week may also bring:
- Fan zones and displays near the speedway
- Driver appearances and autograph sessions (subject to schedule)
- Concerts or entertainment tied to race day
If you’re local to Atlanta, this can be a good time to take a full day or weekend to enjoy not just the main race, but the entire motorsports atmosphere.
Planning From an Atlanta Base: Neighborhood Considerations
If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, your experience will be slightly different depending on where you’re based:
Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
Good access to I‑75/I‑85 and MARTA for getting around the city before or after the race. You’ll still need a car, rideshare, or shuttle to get to Hampton.South Atlanta / College Park / Hapeville / Forest Park:
Closer to the airport and generally shorter drive time to the speedway. A popular choice for visitors who want to reduce the commute.Henry County / Stockbridge / McDonough:
These areas are even closer to the track, and many out-of-town fans stay there to cut down on race-day driving.
If you’re trying to time your departure from the city itself, aim to leave Atlanta at least 3–4 hours before the posted race start time, especially for the main Cup Series race.
How Far in Advance Are Atlanta NASCAR Dates Announced?
NASCAR typically releases its season schedule several months before the season starts. For Atlanta:
- You can usually see the next year’s Atlanta race date(s) well in advance.
- Tickets for Atlanta Motor Speedway often go on sale months ahead, with more specific times (like green flag start) confirmed as the season approaches.
If you’re an Atlanta resident planning time off work or travel around the race, it’s worth checking the schedule as soon as the new season is posted so you can lock in your plans early.
Quick Answer: How to Know When the NASCAR Race in Atlanta Is
To directly address the core question—“When is the NASCAR race in Atlanta?”—the answer is:
- The races are held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA, typically once or twice per year.
- They are usually scheduled for late winter/early spring and sometimes mid-summer, with the main Cup Series event on a Sunday during a full race weekend.
- Because the exact date and start time change every year, the most reliable way to know is to:
- Check the current NASCAR Cup Series schedule for Atlanta Motor Speedway, and
- Confirm details with Atlanta Motor Speedway’s official race calendar or ticket office before you go.
Once you’ve confirmed the date and start time, plan for race-weekend traffic, aim to arrive hours early, and treat it as a full-day experience from Atlanta to Hampton and back.