Road Atlanta: How to Experience This Iconic Track From Atlanta, Georgia

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and you hear people talking about “Road Atlanta,” they’re almost always referring to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta—a world‑class road racing circuit located in Braselton, Georgia, roughly an hour northeast of downtown Atlanta.

Whether you’re a casual fan, a parent with a car‑obsessed teenager, or a serious motorsports enthusiast, Road Atlanta is one of the major regional attractions that many Atlantans visit at least once. This guide explains what it is, how to get there from Atlanta, what events to expect, and how locals typically experience it.

What Is Road Atlanta?

Road Atlanta (Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta) is a permanent road racing track known for sports car racing, endurance events, club races, and track days. It’s not in the City of Atlanta itself, but it’s commonly considered part of the greater Atlanta motorsports scene.

• Location: 5300 Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA 30517
• Approximate distance from downtown Atlanta: 50–60 miles (typically about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic)

The facility hosts everything from major professional series to grassroots events, including:

• The Motul Petit Le Mans endurance race (its best‑known annual event)
• Professional sports car racing
• Motorcycle racing (select events)
• Track days and driving schools
• Car club weekends and marque‑specific meets

For many Atlanta residents, Road Atlanta is the closest place to see high‑level road racing in person.

Getting to Road Atlanta From Atlanta

Most visitors from Atlanta drive to Road Atlanta. Public transit options are extremely limited once you leave the metro area, so plan on using a car or rideshare with a return ride pre‑arranged.

Driving Routes from Atlanta

From downtown or midtown Atlanta:

1. Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑85 N past Duluth, Suwanee, and Buford.
3. Take Exit 129 (GA‑53/Winder/Hoschton).
4. Turn left onto GA‑53 toward Braselton.
5. Follow signs for Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (you’ll turn right onto Winder Hwy/GA‑53 and then follow event signage into the facility).

From north metro suburbs (e.g., Duluth, Suwanee, Lawrenceville):

• Use I‑85 North and follow the same Exit 129 route, or, from some areas, GA‑124 or GA‑20 may offer alternate paths to I‑85 N.

Timing and Traffic Tips

Atlanta traffic can heavily affect your drive:

• On weekday afternoons, leaving after 3 p.m. can mean heavy congestion on I‑85 northbound.
• For major events (like Petit Le Mans), traffic near Braselton can back up at peak arrival times.
• Many locals go very early on race days, both to avoid traffic and to secure better parking and viewing spots.

📝 Tip: If you’re coming from central Atlanta, give yourself at least 90 minutes on major event days.

What Happens at Road Atlanta?

Road Atlanta is active much of the year, but what you experience depends on when you go. The track schedule typically includes:

Major Professional Events

These are the dates most Atlanta motorsports fans mark on their calendar.

Motul Petit Le Mans

• A multi‑day sports car racing event, usually held in the fall.
• Features top‑tier sports car racing teams and long races that run day into night, which is a unique experience compared to typical short events.
• Attracts visitors from across the Southeast, so hotel prices around Braselton often climb, and camping at the track is common.

Other professional or semi‑professional events may include:

• Sports car series
• Touring and GT racing
• Select motorcycle or specialty series

If you’re planning travel from Atlanta, it’s wise to check the event schedule in advance and decide whether you want the big‑event atmosphere or a quieter weekend.

Club Events and Track Days

On many weekends (and even weekdays), you’ll find:

• Car club track days (BMW, Porsche, Corvette, and other enthusiast groups)
• High Performance Driving Events (HPDE) where regular drivers bring their own cars (street or track‑prepped) for instructed track time
• Amateur racing through organizations that host regional competitions

These events usually have a more relaxed, local crowd. If you want to:

• See a wide variety of enthusiast cars,
• Talk to Atlanta‑area drivers and tuners,
• Or get a feel for track driving culture,

then a club or HPDE event can be a great first visit.

Schools, Testing, and Private Rentals

On non‑public days, Road Atlanta may host:

• Driving schools and performance driving instruction
• Manufacturer or team testing
• Private rentals for corporate or media events

Sometimes these are not open to the general public, so always check whether spectators are allowed on the day you want to go.

What It’s Like to Visit Road Atlanta From Atlanta

Many Atlantans treat a day at Road Atlanta as a mini road trip. Here’s what to expect.

Facilities and Layout

Road Atlanta is a natural terrain road course with elevation changes and multiple vantage points. Compared to a typical stadium:

• Seating is often a mix of grandstands and grass hillsides where you bring your own chairs or blankets.
• You can usually walk to different corners of the track to see the cars from various angles (check specific rules for each event).
• Expect a large, open property, so comfortable shoes are important.

On big weekends, you’ll typically find:

• Concessions with food and drinks
• Vendor areas with merchandise or displays
• Paddock access options (sometimes included, sometimes an add‑on)

Parking and Access

For most events:

• On‑site parking is available and usually well marked by event staff.
• For major races, parking areas can fill up closer to the main gates, so arriving earlier from Atlanta is helpful.
• Some events offer infield access or shuttle services to help you move around the facility.

Locals often:

• Carpool from Atlanta to reduce parking demand,
• Or combine cars in the Braselton area (e.g., meeting at a nearby gas station or shopping center, then heading in one vehicle).

Costs: What Atlanta Visitors Typically Budget

Prices change by event, but here’s a general guide for someone coming from Atlanta.

If you’re planning for a family from Atlanta to spend a full day at Road Atlanta, consider:

• Tickets for each person
• On‑site food or packing a cooler (check that event’s rules on outside food and beverages)
• Gas and potential rideshare costs if you’re not driving your own car

Can You Drive on Road Atlanta If You Live in Atlanta?

Many metro Atlanta enthusiasts don’t just want to watch; they want to drive Road Atlanta themselves. While you can’t simply show up and lap the track, there are structured ways to get on track.

HPDE (High Performance Driving Events)

HPDE events are one of the most popular paths for Atlanta‑area drivers.

Typical features:

• You bring your own car (subject to safety and tech requirements).
• Drivers are grouped by experience level.
• Instructors or coaches guide you through learning proper lines, braking, and safety.
• Events usually require pre‑registration and certain safety gear (such as a helmet, and sometimes additional items depending on the organizer).

Atlanta drivers often:

• Start at HPDE events with well‑known organizations that regularly use Road Atlanta and other Southeastern tracks.
• Use shops in north metro Atlanta (e.g., around Norcross, Duluth, or Marietta) that are familiar with track prep, brake fluid upgrades, and tech inspection forms.

Car Club Track Days

Brand‑specific car clubs serving Atlanta (e.g., BMW, Porsche, Mustang, Corvette, Miata clubs) frequently rent Road Atlanta for member events. These can be especially friendly for beginners because:

• The group is centered around a shared car type or interest.
• Many participants are from metro Atlanta, so you can meet people who share your local shops, routes, and gatherings.

Professional Driving Schools

On some dates, professional schools run structured courses at Road Atlanta. These can range from:

• Performance driving programs using your car
• Full arrive‑and‑drive schools where they provide cars and gear

Atlanta residents who are uncomfortable taking their daily driver on track sometimes choose a school that supplies vehicles, to avoid wear and tear.

Planning a Day Trip vs. an Overnight From Atlanta

Whether you stay overnight depends on the event and your tolerance for driving.

Same‑Day Trip

A same‑day trip from Atlanta works well if:

• It’s a smaller club event or a single race day.
• You’re comfortable driving 1–1.5 hours each way.
• You leave early enough to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Many Atlanta‑based fans leave early in the morning, spend the day at the track, and head home after the main racing is over.

Overnight Stay

For bigger events (especially Petit Le Mans), an overnight stay is common because:

• Races may run into the evening or late at night.
• Traffic leaving Braselton after a marquee race can be heavy.
• Some fans want to enjoy evening activities without worrying about a late drive back to Atlanta.

Options include:

• Hotels in Braselton and nearby towns like Flowery Branch or Gainesville.
• Camping at the track on select events, which is particularly popular for major race weekends.

What to Bring From Atlanta

For comfort and convenience, many Atlanta visitors pack a small kit for the day:

• Photo ID and tickets (printed or on your phone)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (large parts of the facility are open and sunny)
• Light jacket or rain gear if the forecast is uncertain
• Portable chairs or blankets for hillside viewing
• Ear protection, especially for children (some cars and bikes are very loud)
• Cooler with drinks and snacks, if the specific event allows outside food and beverages
• Cash or card for concessions and merchandise

Because the weather in north Georgia can be different from central Atlanta (especially with elevation and more open land), it’s wise to check conditions for Braselton specifically.

Is Road Atlanta Family‑Friendly for Atlanta Residents?

Many families from Atlanta bring kids to Road Atlanta, especially on major weekends. A few practical considerations:

• Noise: Racing can be loud. Earplugs or earmuffs are strongly recommended for children.
• Walking: Expect hills and longer walks than at a typical city stadium. Strollers can help for younger kids, but some grassy or uneven areas may be challenging.
• Crowds: Big events can be busy, so set clear meeting points in case anyone gets separated.
• Weather Exposure: Much of the fan area is outdoors; plan for sun, heat, or chilly mornings depending on the season.

For car‑interested teens and young adults in Atlanta, Road Atlanta can be a memorable introduction to in‑person motorsports beyond online clips and video games.

Contact and Practical Info

If you need official, up‑to‑date details, Atlanta residents typically check directly with the track or event organizers.

Key reference:

• Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
  5300 Winder Hwy
  Braselton, GA 30517
  Main office numbers and event information are typically available through the track’s official communication channels.

For specific questions, such as:

• Whether a certain event allows camping
• Current ticket prices and gate times
• Rules on coolers, pets, or grills
• Availability of paddock access or premium seating

it’s best to rely on the latest official event information, as policies can change from year to year.

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, Road Atlanta is one of the most significant motorsports destinations within easy driving distance. With a bit of planning around traffic, tickets, and what to bring, it can be a rewarding day trip or weekend escape that feels far removed from the city—even though it starts with a straightforward drive up I‑85.