Your Guide to the Atlanta NASCAR Race at Atlanta Motor Speedway

If you’re searching for “Atlanta NASCAR race”, you’re really looking for one thing: how to experience big-time stock car racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, just south of downtown Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what the Atlanta NASCAR races are, when they happen, how to get there, where to sit, and what Atlanta locals and visitors should know to make the most of race weekend.

Where the Atlanta NASCAR Race Happens

Atlanta Motor Speedway is the home of NASCAR racing in the Atlanta area.

• Location: 1500 Tara Place, Hampton, GA 30228
• Distance from downtown Atlanta: Typically about 30–45 minutes by car in light traffic, longer on race days
• Track type: 1.54-mile oval, high-banked, known for fast speeds and close racing

Although it’s not inside the Atlanta city limits, AMS is considered Atlanta’s NASCAR track and is the main destination for stock car racing fans in the metro area.

What the “Atlanta NASCAR Race” Actually Is

NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta

When people say “the Atlanta NASCAR race”, they usually mean the NASCAR Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In most seasons:

• AMS hosts two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends (one early in the year and one in the summer), though the schedule can change year to year.
• Each weekend usually includes:
  • A NASCAR Cup Series race (top-level series)
  • A NASCAR Xfinity Series race (development/feeder series)
  • Sometimes additional events like the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

The exact race name and sponsor can change, so locals usually refer to them as:

• The spring Atlanta NASCAR race
• The summer Atlanta NASCAR race

To confirm this year’s dates and official race names, check the current NASCAR schedule or the Atlanta Motor Speedway event calendar before making plans.

Getting from Atlanta to the NASCAR Race

Driving from Metro Atlanta

Most fans travel to the Atlanta NASCAR race by car.

From downtown Atlanta:

1. Take I-75 South
2. Exit near GA-20/GA-81 (around McDonough) or GA-19/41 depending on your routing
3. Follow signs to Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton

On race weekends, there are usually clearly marked signs and traffic control in place as you get close.

Plan for:

• Heavy traffic on I-75 and local roads near Hampton on race days
• Extra travel time (add at least 30–60 minutes beyond normal drive estimates)

Parking

Atlanta Motor Speedway typically offers:

• General parking (often free in designated lots)
• Preferred/paid parking areas closer to the track
• Handicap-accessible parking near the gates (valid permit required)

Check race-week information from AMS for:

• Which lots are open
• Any parking fees
• Best gate to enter from your lot

Arriving several hours before the green flag helps avoid the worst traffic and gives you time to explore.

Tickets: What Atlanta Fans Should Know

Types of Tickets

You’ll usually find options like:

• Grandstand tickets:
  Reserved seats along the frontstretch, with views of:

  • Start/finish line
  • Pit road
  • Victory lane celebrations

• Club or premium seating:
  Enclosed or upgraded areas with better views and amenities (varies year to year).

• Infield & camping access (for RVs/tents):
  For fans who want to make a weekend out of it and stay at the track.

• Multi-day packages:
  Often combine Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and possibly Truck Series events.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are usually available through:

• The Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office
• Phone sales
  Atlanta Motor Speedway General Phone: (770) 946-4211
  (Ticket office hours and lines can vary seasonally.)

Buying early often gives:

• Better seat selection
• A clearer choice between lower-bowl, higher vantage points, or seats near start/finish

Where to Sit at the Atlanta NASCAR Race

Different areas of the grandstands offer different experiences:

Frontstretch Grandstands

• Pros:
  • Direct view of pit road and start/finish line
  • Great for watching restarts, finishes, and pit strategy
• Best for: First-time visitors, families, fans who want to see “everything” happening on the main straight.

Higher vs. Lower Seats

• Higher seats:
  • Wider view of the entire track
  • Easier to follow cars around all four turns
• Lower seats:
  • Closer to the action
  • Louder, more immersive, but reduced view of distant corners

Shade and Sun

In most races:

• Expect to be in the sun for much of the event
• Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are strongly recommended
• For daytime summer races, hydration and light clothing are especially important

What to Expect on Race Day

A visit to the Atlanta NASCAR race is more than just the green flag. A typical race day often includes:

• Pre-race activities:

  • Driver intros
  • National anthem and flyovers (when scheduled)
  • On-track pre-race ceremonies

• Fan zone / midway:

  • Displays from teams and sponsors
  • Merchandise stands
  • Occasional live music or interactive exhibits

• On-track racing:

  • Support races on earlier days or earlier in the day
  • The main NASCAR Cup Series race typically lasting a few hours

Fans from around Atlanta frequently make it an all-day event, arriving early to:

• Tailgate
• Explore displays
• Visit the souvenir haulers

What You’re Allowed to Bring

Track policies can change, but many NASCAR tracks, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, commonly allow:

• Soft-sided coolers within a certain size limit
• Factory-sealed water and some other drinks
• Snacks/food brought from home
• Seat cushions (no metal frames)
• Small bags or clear bags within specified dimensions

Typical restrictions include:

• No glass containers
• No large hard coolers
• No weapons or drones

Always check current event rules shortly before you go, as policies can be updated between seasons.

Simple Atlanta NASCAR Race Planning Checklist

Staying Near the Track vs. in Atlanta

Staying in Atlanta

Many visitors choose to stay in the city and drive to the track:

• Pros:

  • Access to Atlanta’s restaurants, nightlife, and attractions
  • More hotel and short-term rental options across neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead

• Cons:

  • Longer commute on race morning
  • Need to factor in traffic and parking time

Staying Near Atlanta Motor Speedway

Areas like Hampton, McDonough, and other South Metro communities sometimes offer:

• Hotels and motels closer to the speedway
• Easier morning access to the track
• More of a “race weekend” feel with fellow fans staying nearby

Availability can tighten around race weekends, so locals and visitors often book early.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

At the track, you’ll typically find:

• Concession stands selling:
  • Burgers, hot dogs, fries
  • Snacks, soft drinks, water
  • Beer and sometimes other alcoholic beverages (ID required)
• Merchandise booths for:
  • Driver and team apparel
  • Track-branded gear
• Restrooms and portable facilities located around the concourse

Bringing your own snacks and drinks (within allowed guidelines) can help:

• Control costs
• Ensure you have food and beverages you like
• Keep you hydrated, especially in the Georgia heat

Accessibility and Families

Accessibility

Atlanta Motor Speedway generally offers:

• Accessible seating areas in the grandstands
• Accessible parking (with proper state-issued permits)
• Ramps or elevators in certain sections

For specific questions about mobility access, seating, or assistance:

• Contact the AMS ticket office by phone ahead of time.

Bringing Kids

NASCAR races are often considered family-friendly events, and many Atlanta-area families bring children. Common tips:

• Bring hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) for kids and adults
• Pack snacks, drinks, and sunscreen
• Consider shorter days for very young children, or plan breaks in shaded areas when possible

Some race weekends feature family-focused activities or kid zones; these can vary year to year.

Other Racing and Events at Atlanta Motor Speedway

If you’re in Atlanta and love motorsports, AMS hosts more than just the headline NASCAR Cup Series races. Over the course of a year, the facility commonly offers:

• Lower-tier or regional racing events
• Driving experiences or track days (when scheduled)
• Non-racing events, such as car shows, festivals, or holiday light displays

These can be appealing options if you’re in the Atlanta area between major NASCAR race dates.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta NASCAR Fans

• The Atlanta NASCAR race happens at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, the metro area’s main stock car racing venue.
• Expect two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends most seasons, though the schedule and race names can change.
• From Atlanta, plan for extra drive time, heavy traffic, and busy parking lots on race days.
• Buy tickets in advance, review allowed items, and prepare for sun, heat, or changing weather depending on the season.
• Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting, attending the race can easily fill a full day or an entire weekend with high-speed entertainment.

Armed with this overview, you can pick your race date, plan your trip from Atlanta, and enjoy one of the city’s biggest motorsports experiences.