Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Map: How the Oval Is Laid Out and How to Navigate It
If you’re planning a race day or event at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, just south of Atlanta, understanding the track map and facility layout makes your trip much smoother. Whether you’re a local fan, bringing visiting family, or heading down from the city for the first time, knowing where everything is can save you time, walking, and stress.
Below is a clear breakdown of the track configuration, grandstands, parking and entrances, and key fan areas, all in practical, Atlanta-focused terms.
Overview: Where Atlanta Motor Speedway Is and How It’s Oriented
Location:
Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Place
Hampton, GA 30228
AMS sits roughly 25–30 miles south of downtown Atlanta, near U.S. Highway 19/41 in Henry County. On most maps, the speedway appears as a large tri-oval-shaped oval with grandstands along the northeast side.
On a typical track map, you’ll see:
- The frontstretch and grandstands on the northeast side
- The backstretch on the southwest side
- The infield and garages in the center of the oval
- Parking fields and camping areas stretching out around the outer perimeter
Understanding the Track Layout
The Tri-Oval Shape
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.54‑mile tri-oval. That means:
- It’s basically an oval but with a triangular “front” section (the tri-oval) where the start/finish line is located.
- The frontstretch curves slightly out toward the grandstands, creating the characteristic “tri-oval” shape fans see on TV.
On a track map, you’ll usually see these pieces labeled:
- Turn 1 & Turn 2:
- Located on the east/southeast side of the track
- Connected by a high-banked, sweeping corner
- Backstretch:
- Runs along the southern/southwest edge
- Opposite the main grandstands
- Turn 3 & Turn 4:
- On the west/northwest side
- Another long, fast, high-banked corner
- Frontstretch / Tri-Oval:
- On the northeast side, facing the main grandstands
- Contains the start/finish line, flag stand, and victory lane area (nearby)
Banking and Racing Line (Fan Perspective)
You don’t need engineering details to read a track map, but it helps to know:
- High banking in turns: The corners are quite steep, making higher speeds and more side-by-side action.
- Tri-oval frontstretch: Cars fan out across multiple lanes, which is why seats along the start/finish line and entrance to Turn 1 are popular.
When you look at the map, imagine:
- Big arcs at each end (turns 1–2 and 3–4)
- A curvy front (tri-oval) with grandstands
- A straighter backstretch with fewer spectator areas
Major Grandstands and Seating Areas
On a typical Atlanta Motor Speedway track map, the main grandstands line up along the frontstretch, facing the infield. Names can shift slightly over time, but most maps include some or all of these:
- Main Grandstand / Petty Grandstand (or similarly named sections)
- Centered on the start/finish line
- Great for seeing pit road, restarts, and finishes
- East Frontstretch Grandstands
- Closer to Turn 1 and Turn 2
- Good view of cars diving into Turn 1 at full speed
- West Frontstretch Grandstands
- Closer to Turn 4 and the entrance to pit road
- Good for watching drivers set up passes coming to the line
How This Helps When You Pick Seats
When you look at a seat map or track map:
- If you want to see pit strategy, look at sections centered on pit road and start/finish.
- If you want “big moment” action, look at Turn 1 or Turn 4 side seating.
- The higher you sit, the more of the entire track you can see.
Infield Layout: Garages, Pit Road, and Fan Zones
If you’re looking at a more detailed track facility map, the infield (center of the oval) is usually divided into:
Pit Road and Pit Boxes
- Runs parallel to the frontstretch, between the track and infield.
- On the map, you’ll see individual pit stalls marked along pit road.
- This is where teams perform pit stops, tire changes, and refueling during races.
Garage Areas
- Typically located in the infield behind pit road, closer to the center of the oval.
- May be split into:
- Cup Series garage area
- Xfinity/Truck garage area (for major NASCAR events)
- Some event weekends include fan access areas where you can walk near garage fencing with certain passes.
Victory Lane and Technical Inspection
- Victory Lane is usually shown near pit road and the frontstretch, but inside the infield, not in the grandstands.
- Inspection / Tech area is often marked by garage clusters and inspection bays.
Infield Fan Zones (Event-Dependent)
Some maps will highlight:
- Infield fan zone or hospitality areas
- Concert stages or pre-race event stages
- Hauler display areas (where team transporters park and sell gear)
These can change by event, so always check the current year’s Atlanta Motor Speedway event map for specifics.
Gate Entrances and How to Use the Map to Arrive from Atlanta
Living in or visiting Atlanta, you’ll most likely come down via I‑75 South and then head toward Hampton and US‑19/41. The track map pairs with directional signs you’ll see as you get close.
On a typical facility map, you’ll find several ticketed entry gates around the frontstretch and across the property:
- Main Grandstand Gates
- Clustered along the frontstretch side
- Labeled numerically or by sponsor name
- Best if you’re parking in frontstretch lots or getting dropped off near the main entrance
- Turn 1 / East Side Gates
- Positioned closer to Turn 1/2 side
- Handy if your parking pass or rideshare drop is on that end
- Turn 4 / West Side Gates
- Near Turn 4 and adjacent parking/camping areas
When you look at your parking pass or ticket, compare:
- Your assigned parking lot name/letter
- Your gate number or recommended gate
- The track map, which shows walking paths and main entrances
This keeps you from walking the long way around the facility, which can be a big deal on hot Atlanta race days.
Parking and Traffic Flow Around the Speedway
Because Atlanta Motor Speedway is a large venue with multiple lots and fields, the track map is often paired with:
- Parking lot labels (letters, numbers, or names)
- Inbound and outbound traffic routes
- Shuttle or tram pickup points (when offered)
Typical Types of Parking on the Map
You may see:
- General Parking Lots
- Located in fields around the speedway
- Marked in large blocks on the map, often color-coded
- Free or low-cost for big events (subject to event details)
- Reserved Parking
- Closer to the frontstretch grandstands or specific gates
- Sometimes requires a special pass mailed or emailed in advance
- ADA/Accessible Parking
- Marked with standard accessibility symbols
- Usually near main entrances or with shuttle access to grandstands
Using the Map When You’re Driving from Atlanta
From Atlanta:
- Check your event’s parking map in advance; note:
- Lot name/letter
- Recommended entry road (for example, whether you should approach via US‑19/41 or a side road)
- Follow GDOT and local law enforcement signs as you approach Hampton. On major race days, some roads can be:
- One-way inbound pre-race
- One-way outbound post-race
- Match the route signs to your lot label as shown on the Atlanta Motor Speedway parking map.
📝 Tip for Atlanta locals: If you’re used to I‑75 rush-hour patterns, add more time than you think you need on race weekends—especially for Sunday races or big-night events.
Camping Areas and RV Spots on the Map
If you’re an Atlanta-area camper or hosting out-of-town racing friends, the campground layout is worth a close look.
On most AMS maps, campgrounds are grouped by location:
- Infield Camping
- Inside the oval
- Offers direct access to the track and usually comes at a premium
- Outside Camping (Frontstretch / Backstretch / Perimeter)
- Line the exterior of the property, often:
- Near Turns 1 and 2
- Near Turns 3 and 4
- Along the backstretch side
- Line the exterior of the property, often:
Each area is usually labeled with:
- Campground name
- Hookup type (full hookup, partial, or dry camping, if applicable)
- Designated entrances and wristband check points
If you’re coordinating a group from Atlanta:
- Share the exact campground name and nearest gate from the map.
- Mark on a printed or digital map where you plan to meet, especially at night when large areas can look similar.
Key Fan Services Shown on the Track Map
A good Atlanta Motor Speedway track map does more than show asphalt. It also helps you find:
Restrooms, Concessions, and Merchandise
Look for icons marking:
- Restrooms — usually evenly spaced behind grandstands and inside fan zones
- Concession stands — food and beverage points all around the frontstretch side
- Merchandise and souvenir stands — near main gates and fan midway areas
For Atlanta-area families, it can be helpful to mark on your phone or printed map:
- A “home base” section (your seats or a nearby concession)
- The nearest restroom cluster
First Aid and Medical Stations
Health and safety points are always marked clearly on official facility maps, often with a red cross or medical icon. Typical locations include:
- Behind main grandstands
- Near busy fan areas or concourses
- Sometimes near infield entrances (if fans have access)
If someone in your group has health needs, glance at the map before the race so everyone knows the closest first aid station to your seats.
Information Booths and Ticket Services
The map often marks:
- Fan information booths
- Ticket offices / Will Call
- Guest services locations
If there’s any confusion about seating, policies, or accessibility, these are the places you’d head once you arrive.
Simple Reference: What You’ll Usually See on an AMS Track Map
Below is a quick-reference summary of common features you’ll find on a typical Atlanta Motor Speedway track and facility map:
| Area / Feature | What It Is | Where It Appears on the Map |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-oval track outline | 1.54‑mile racing surface | Big oval/triangular shape in the center |
| Turn 1 & Turn 2 | First sweeping corner | Right-hand/east side of the track |
| Backstretch | Straight opposite grandstands | Bottom/southwest side |
| Turn 3 & Turn 4 | Final sweeping corner | Left-hand/west side of the oval |
| Frontstretch / Grandstands | Main seating and start/finish line | Top/northeast side |
| Pit road | Pit stalls for race teams | Inside the track, parallel to the frontstretch |
| Garages & infield | Team work areas, victory lane, tech | Inside the center of the oval |
| Grandstand gates | Main fan entrances | Along the frontstretch side of the property |
| Parking lots | General, reserved, and ADA parking | Surrounding the outer perimeter, labeled by name/letter |
| Campgrounds | RV and tent camping | Infield and outside perimeter areas |
| Restrooms & concessions | Food, drink, and facilities | Behind grandstands and in fan zones |
| First aid / medical stations | Health and safety services | Marked locations on concourses and near major fan areas |
| Info & ticket services | Help desks and ticket windows | Near primary gates and key fan gathering areas |
Where to Find the Latest Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Map
Because gates, parking designations, and fan zones can shift slightly by event, the most accurate map is the one:
- Provided with your race tickets or event information, or
- Posted by Atlanta Motor Speedway specifically for that race weekend.
If you’re planning from Atlanta:
- Print or save the current event’s track and parking map before you leave home.
- Share it with anyone riding with you so everyone knows:
- Which lot you’re in
- Which gate you should use
- Where your seats or camping area are in relation to the track layout
Knowing how to read the Atlanta Motor Speedway track map turns a busy race weekend into a much more relaxed experience, especially when you’re heading down from Atlanta with friends or family.
