In Hampton, Georgia about 20 south of Atlanta on 850 acres sits a track that’s surface is like 60 grit sandpaper. It’s rough on tires to say the least. It’s loved by the drivers who race it and the fans who watch the Folds of Honor Quicktrip 500. Atlanta Motor Speedway was built in 1960 and has over gone a lot of changes and become a NASCAR fans dream track.
Why is Atlanta Motor Speedway So Special?
The track was last repaved in 1997 and 22 years of racing has been rough on the surface. It’s full of cracks and bumps that would tear apart a normal cars suspension. You could say that the surface is the closest to what the old moonshiners who started NASCAR ran on. From Friday night drags down pit to the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama and the Atlanta Barbecue Classic, there is plenty of action at the track throughout the year. It is truly a place for race fans. Plus, who doesn’t love some good Barbecue?
Why It’s Loved by Drivers and Fans
In 2017, Atlanta Motor Speedway planed to repave the racing surface. When the announcement was made, both drivers and fans were noticeably upset by it. A campaign was started on Twitter by NASCAR Monster Energy Champion Brad Keselowski and other big names in the sport. The fans also played a role. There was so much noise made about it that the Atlanta Motor Speedway decided to not repave but instead to do a seal coat that would leave the rough surface that drivers and fans love.
What Makes the Racing So Different![]()
The surface is rough and it plays a big role in the racing because of the tire wear it causes. What it would take a normal car a long time to do the track does within 15-20 laps on Goodyear Eagle racing slicks . It chews them up and leaves them a worn out hull of rubber.
The racing at the Atlanta Motor Speedway is so different because a driver could have the best car in the field but if they didn’t do their absolute best to save their tires, won’t make it to the end of a run. You will see drivers running different lines to save their tires. When green flag pit stops cycle through, you can really tell the difference that a new set of tires make.
Is It One of the Best NASCAR Tracks?
I guess that would depend on who you asked. If you asked me, I would say it is. Maybe there’s some bias because it’s in my home state, I’ll admit it. I think the way it makes a driver save his equipment and the love both the fans and drivers have for Atlanta Motor Speedway is what makes it the best though.
