When Is the Race at Atlanta Motor Speedway? Your Atlanta-Area Schedule Guide

If you live in Atlanta, you’re only about 25–30 miles from one of the Southeast’s biggest racing destinations: Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, Georgia. But the race schedule can be confusing, especially with multiple series and events throughout the year.

This guide breaks down when races are typically held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, how the schedule usually works each year, and what Atlanta residents and visitors should know before heading to the track.

Where and What Is Atlanta Motor Speedway?

Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228

Located just south of Atlanta near the I‑75 corridor, AMS is a 1.54‑mile quad‑oval track that hosts:

• NASCAR Cup Series races
• NASCAR Xfinity Series races
• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races
• Local and regional events, car shows, driving experiences, and holiday light displays

When people ask, “When is the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway?”, they are usually referring to the NASCAR Cup Series weekends.

When Are the Main NASCAR Races at Atlanta Motor Speedway?

The exact dates change every year, but the pattern is fairly consistent. AMS usually hosts two NASCAR race weekends each year:

1. One weekend in late winter or early spring
2. One weekend in mid-summer

These weekends generally include:

• NASCAR Cup Series (the main event most fans think of as “the race”)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series (support series that runs the same weekend)
• Sometimes NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series or other companion events

Because NASCAR adjusts the national schedule each season, you’ll want to confirm the exact dates each year. But if you’re planning ahead from Atlanta, you can usually expect:

*Exact dates and series vary by season.

How to Find the Exact Race Date Each Year

Because schedules shift a bit year to year, the most reliable way to know “What day is the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway this year?” is to check:

• The official Atlanta Motor Speedway event calendar
• The NASCAR national schedule for the current season
• Your ticket information, if you’ve already purchased seats or packages

If you prefer to talk to someone, you can typically reach track offices or ticketing staff during business hours via the speedway’s main phone number, listed on their official materials. Many Atlanta fans also check local sports media and radio closer to race week, which usually share updated race start times and TV details.

Race Weekend Timing: What Time of Day Are Races?

The start time for the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway depends on:

• The series (Cup, Xfinity, Trucks)
• Day of the week (usually Saturday/Sunday)
• TV broadcast schedule
• Time of year and daylight

Common patterns:

• NASCAR Cup Series races at AMS are often scheduled for afternoon or early evening.
• Support races (Xfinity, Trucks) usually run earlier in the weekend, often Saturday or earlier in the day.

Race gates typically open several hours before the green flag, so from Atlanta you can:

• Leave early to avoid I‑75 backups, especially near Exit 218–235 (depending on your route).
• Plan for security checks, parking, and walking to your seats.

Because start times can move slightly for weather or TV reasons, many Atlanta fans double‑check the morning of race day.

Getting to the Track from Atlanta: Timing Your Trip

Knowing when the race starts is only half the equation. If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, you’ll want to plan for:

Typical Drive Time

• Normal non-race traffic: About 35–50 minutes from central Atlanta to AMS
• On race day: It can easily stretch to 1–2 hours or more, especially close to green flag time

Traffic usually backs up:

• On I‑75 South approaching McDonough and Hampton
• Around major exits serving the speedway
• On surface roads approaching the track entrances

When to Leave Atlanta

For a NASCAR Cup race at AMS, a good rule of thumb:

• Aim to arrive at the track 2–3 hours before the scheduled start time.
• From central Atlanta, that often means leaving 3–4 hours before the green flag, especially for the main Sunday race.

This gives you buffer for:

• Parking and shuttles
• Security screening
• Getting to your seat
• Pre‑race ceremonies and driver intros

Where to Check for Last-Minute Schedule Changes

Races at Atlanta Motor Speedway can be delayed or rescheduled due to:

• Heavy rain or thunderstorms
• Lightning in the area
• Track drying needs

If weather is questionable, fans in Atlanta usually:

• Check local TV and radio sports coverage
• Look at official announcements on race morning
• Follow updates on race day for new start times or delays

It’s common for start times to shift slightly rather than move to a completely different day, but in heavier weather situations, races can be postponed to another day in the same weekend or to Monday.

Other Types of Races and Events at AMS

The main question is usually about the NASCAR Cup race, but Atlanta Motor Speedway often hosts a variety of other racing and track activities throughout the year, such as:

• Local or regional racing series
• Driving experiences and track days
• Car shows and automotive festivals
• Holiday light displays that use the infield and roadways

These events can take place:

• On weekends or some weeknights
• During spring, summer, fall, and winter

If you’re an Atlanta resident looking for non‑NASCAR racing or track events, it helps to:

• Check upcoming event calendars well in advance
• Note whether the event is spectator-friendly or more of a participant-only driving experience
• Confirm whether tickets are required or if it’s a free or drive‑through style event

Tips for Atlanta Residents Planning for Race Day

If you’re trying to figure out not just when the race is, but how to handle the day, a few local-focused pointers can help:

1. Build Your Schedule Backward

• Start with: Official green flag time
• Subtract 2–3 hours to get your arrival time at the track
• Subtract 1–1.5 hours for your drive from Atlanta, depending on your neighborhood

This gives you a realistic departure time from the city.

2. Consider MARTA + Rideshare Combinations

There is no MARTA rail directly to AMS, but some fans:

• Take MARTA from areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or East Point to a Southside station
• Arrange rideshare or group rides from there to help avoid some of the worst freeway congestion and simplify parking

If you choose this, make sure your return plan matches the expected end time of the race, which can shift with cautions or delays.

3. Watch the Weather

Race timing can be impacted by:

• Thunderstorms, especially in the warm season
• Cold snaps or rain in late winter / early spring races

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable, so:

• Bring layers for cooler early-season events
• Plan for sun protection and hydration for summer races
• Be prepared for start time adjustments if storms roll through

Key Takeaways for “When Is the Race at Atlanta Motor Speedway?”

If you’re in or near Atlanta and trying to plan:

• Main NASCAR races at AMS: Typically two weekends per year – one in late winter/early spring, one in summer.
• Exact dates and times: Change each season; always confirm through official schedules or your tickets.
• Race day from Atlanta: Plan to leave 3–4 hours before the scheduled green flag to navigate traffic, parking, and security comfortably.
• Other events and races: Run throughout the year; check event calendars if you’re interested in smaller races, car shows, or track experiences.

With those patterns in mind, once the new season’s schedule is released, you can quickly find the exact date and time of the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway and plan your trip from Atlanta with fewer surprises.