NASCAR in Atlanta: Your Complete Guide to Races, Tickets, and Getting There

If you’re searching for “Nascar Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for one thing: Atlanta Motor Speedway and what NASCAR looks like in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a new resident, or planning a trip, this guide walks you through how NASCAR works here, how to attend a race, and what to expect on race weekend.

Atlanta Motor Speedway: NASCAR’s Home Near Atlanta

Despite the name “NASCAR Atlanta,” the main track is actually south of the city:

Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS)
Address: 1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
Distance from Downtown Atlanta: ~25–30 miles south (typically 35–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic)

AMS is one of the major stops on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule and also regularly hosts Xfinity Series and Truck Series events.

Key things to know:

• Type of track: 1.54-mile high‑banked oval, known for fast speeds, intense pack racing, and plenty of passing.
• Race weekends: Generally two NASCAR race weekends per year, one in the spring and one in the summer, though exact dates change year to year.
• Other events: Car shows, driving experiences, local racing, and non-racing events like festivals and concerts throughout the year.

NASCAR Race Weekends at Atlanta: What to Expect

Main NASCAR Series You’ll See

On a typical NASCAR weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, you may see:

• NASCAR Cup Series – The top national series, with the biggest stars.
• NASCAR Xfinity Series – The main “feeder” series; competitive racing and generally lower ticket prices.
• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Pickup-truck style race vehicles; very popular with families and casual fans.

Some weekends feature double- or triple-header schedules, meaning two or three races in the same weekend.

Typical Weekend Flow

While exact schedules change, race weekends commonly look something like:

• Friday:

  • Practice sessions
  • Sometimes qualifying for one or more series
  • Fan activities and autograph sessions

• Saturday:

  • Additional practice or qualifying
  • Often an Xfinity or Truck Series race
  • Fan zone and midway open throughout the day

• Sunday:

  • NASCAR Cup Series main event
  • Pre-race ceremonies, driver introductions, flyovers (when scheduled)
  • Heaviest traffic before and after the race

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, Sunday race days will noticeably increase traffic on I‑75 South, US‑19/41, and surface roads around Hampton.

How to Get to a NASCAR Race from Atlanta

Driving from Atlanta

Most fans travel to Atlanta Motor Speedway by car.

Common routes from downtown or midtown Atlanta:

1. I‑75 South → Exit near Jonesboro or McDonough → US‑19/41 South toward Hampton.
2. Follow posted race traffic signs and law enforcement directions as you get close to the track.

Tips:

• Leave early. On race day, traffic can back up miles from the track, especially before the Cup race.
• Plan for longer exit times after the race, especially if you park in large general parking lots.

Parking at Atlanta Motor Speedway

AMS typically offers:

• General parking:
  • Large fields and lots around the track
  • Often free or low-cost for standard race events
• Preferred parking:
  • Closer to the gates
  • Requires advance purchase and costs more
• Accessible parking:
  • Designated ADA spaces; you may need a valid disability placard or plate
  • Usually closer to entrances and tram/shuttle pickup points

Look for official signage and confirm parking details when you buy tickets, as arrangements can change between events.

Public Transit and Rideshare

• MARTA: There is no direct MARTA rail or bus service to Atlanta Motor Speedway. The track is well outside the core MARTA service area.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Often allowed but may have:
  • A designated rideshare drop-off/pickup zone
  • Surge pricing after the race
• Private shuttles: For major events, some tour groups or organizations may operate charter buses from parts of Atlanta, but availability varies.

If you don’t want to drive, your best options are usually rideshare, carpooling, or a private charter/bus group.

Buying NASCAR Tickets for Atlanta

Where to Get Tickets

Tickets are typically available:

• Directly through Atlanta Motor Speedway’s ticket office
• By phone via the track’s official ticket line
• At the on-site ticket office during race week (limited availability for high-demand events)

If you prefer to handle things in person and you live in metro Atlanta, you can visit or call the AMS ticket office during business hours for the most current information on:

• Seating options and views
• Family or military discounts
• Multi-day packages
• Camping passes

Types of Tickets

Common ticket options for NASCAR at AMS include:

• Grandstand seats – Main option, with different price levels depending on:
  • Proximity to the start/finish line
  • Height in the stands (higher can give a better overall view)
• Premium/club seating – Enclosed or partially enclosed areas, often with:
  • Climate control
  • Food and beverage options
  • Private restrooms
• Infield or hospitality areas – Sometimes combined with pit or garage access when available
• Youth/family sections – Many race promoters offer reduced pricing for children in select areas.

If you live locally in Atlanta, College Park, East Point, or McDonough, the ability to drive down and see seating maps at the track can make it easier to pick the right section for your budget and comfort.

Where to Sit: Best Views for Atlanta Races

Different spots around AMS offer different experiences:

• Frontstretch (main grandstands):
  • View of start/finish line, pit road, and pre-race ceremonies
  • Great if it’s your first race or you want to watch pit strategy
• Turn 1 and Turn 4:
  • Excellent for seeing side-by-side action and restarts
  • Good views of cars entering/exiting the corners, where many passes happen
• Higher rows:
  • Better overall view of the entire track
  • Often preferred by seasoned fans, especially at high-speed tracks like Atlanta

If you’re bringing kids or new fans from Atlanta who’ve never been to a race, a seat on the frontstretch in the mid‑to‑upper rows is usually a comfortable, easy introduction.

What to Bring (and Not Bring) from Atlanta

Most NASCAR tracks, including AMS, have similar policies. Always confirm just before your event, but typical guidelines include:

Commonly Allowed

• Soft‑sided cooler (within specified size) with:
  • Factory-sealed water or soda
  • Food and snacks
• Clear bags or small personal bags
• Seat cushions or small stadium seats (without metal frames in many cases)
• Small umbrellas or rain ponchos (depending on policy)
• Personal scanners or headphones to listen to driver/race communications (for fans who own them)

Commonly Restricted

• Glass containers
• Hard‑sided coolers above a certain size
• Large backpacks or duffel bags
• Weapons or anything that could be considered a weapon
• Drones and unauthorized recording equipment

If you’re coming straight from work or school in Atlanta, consider packing your race gear the night before to avoid bringing prohibited items you’d normally carry in a work bag.

Weather, Comfort, and Safety Considerations

Atlanta Weather and Race Day

Weather around Atlanta Motor Speedway can be hot and sunny in the summer and mild to warm in the spring. For locals used to Atlanta’s climate, race day still often feels more intense because:

• You’ll be sitting in direct sun for hours
• Grandstands can reflect heat
• Temperatures on the track are significantly higher than the air temperature

Helpful tips:

• ☀️ Sun protection:
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (reapply during the day)
• 💧 Hydration:
  • Drink water regularly, not just soda or alcohol
  • Take advantage of concession stands and water refill areas when available
• 🎧 Ear protection:
  • Races are very loud
  • Earplugs or over‑ear protection are strongly recommended, especially for children

Safety and Security

• Expect bag checks at the gate.
• Follow all posted instructions and staff/official directions.
• If you’re unfamiliar with large‑venue events, consider arriving earlier to navigate parking, security, and seating without feeling rushed.

Camping and Staying Near the Track

Camping at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Many NASCAR fans make race weekend a multi-day camping trip. AMS generally offers:

• Infield camping – Inside the track; you’re close to the action and can often see some racing from your campsite.
• Exterior RV and tent camping – Various lots around the speedway with different hookup options.

If you’re an Atlanta resident with an RV or camper, this can be a convenient “staycation” experience just a short drive from home.

When you reserve camping:

• Confirm hookups (electric, water, sewer)
• Check rules on generators, campfires, and quiet hours
• Ask about shuttle services from campgrounds to the main gates or fan zone

Hotels and Lodging for Visitors

For out-of-town visitors flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, common lodging areas include:

• South Atlanta/airport area (College Park, Hapeville, Union City):
  • Good if you want a balance between access to the city and the track
• McDonough, Stockbridge, Locust Grove:
  • Closer to AMS; often popular with race fans
• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:
  • Farther from the track but close to Atlanta attractions, restaurants, and nightlife

Traffic can be heavy on race weekend mornings, so if your priority is easy access to the track, staying closer to Hampton or McDonough usually helps.

NASCAR Experiences and Local Racing Around Atlanta

Driving Experiences at AMS

At various times during the year, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts driving experience programs where you can:

• Ride along with a professional driver in a stock car
• Drive a stock car yourself after a safety briefing and orientation

Availability, pricing, and scheduling vary. If you live in the Atlanta area, these can make unique gifts or special‑occasion activities.

Local Racing Scenes Near Atlanta

In addition to NASCAR at AMS, racing fans in Atlanta often follow:

• Short tracks and dirt tracks around north and central Georgia
• Car meets and motorsports clubs throughout the metro area

These smaller venues can be a more frequent and lower-cost way to stay connected to racing between NASCAR weekends.

Quick Reference: NASCAR at Atlanta Motor Speedway

If You’re New to NASCAR and Live in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about NASCAR but have never gone:

1. Pick a Sunday Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the full experience.
2. Choose frontstretch seats in the mid‑level rows, if budget allows.
3. Drive down early, especially if you’re coming from Buckhead, Decatur, or the northern suburbs.
4. Bring ear protection, sunscreen, and a small cooler within allowed size limits.
5. Explore the fan zone before the race for displays, merchandise, and driver appearances when offered.

Attending a race at AMS is one of the more unique large‑scale sports experiences available within an hour’s drive of downtown Atlanta, and it’s accessible whether you’re a hardcore racing fan or just want to try something new.