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.
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:
When people ask, “When is the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway?”, they are usually referring to the NASCAR Cup Series weekends.
The exact dates change every year, but the pattern is fairly consistent. AMS usually hosts two NASCAR race weekends each year:
These weekends generally include:
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:
| Time of Year | Typical Events at AMS* | What Atlanta Fans Should Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Late Feb–March | NASCAR Cup + Xfinity (sometimes Trucks) | Cooler weather, more chance of rain, heavier traffic on I‑75 |
| June–July | NASCAR Cup + Xfinity / Summer Race Weekend | Hot temperatures, tailgating, evening or night racing possible |
| Fall/Winter (varies) | Local events, special shows, non‑NASCAR races | Family festivals, car shows, light displays, track experiences |
*Exact dates and series vary by season.
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:
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.
The start time for the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway depends on:
Common patterns:
Race gates typically open several hours before the green flag, so from Atlanta you can:
Because start times can move slightly for weather or TV reasons, many Atlanta fans double‑check the morning of race day.
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:
Traffic usually backs up:
For a NASCAR Cup race at AMS, a good rule of thumb:
This gives you buffer for:
Races at Atlanta Motor Speedway can be delayed or rescheduled due to:
If weather is questionable, fans in Atlanta usually:
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.
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:
These events can take place:
If you’re an Atlanta resident looking for non‑NASCAR racing or track events, it helps to:
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:
This gives you a realistic departure time from the city.
There is no MARTA rail directly to AMS, but some fans:
If you choose this, make sure your return plan matches the expected end time of the race, which can shift with cautions or delays.
Race timing can be impacted by:
Atlanta weather can be unpredictable, so:
If you’re in or near Atlanta and trying to plan:
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.
