Road Atlanta

Overview

Road Atlanta stands as one of North America's most revered road racing circuits, nestled in the rolling hills of Braselton, Georgia, approximately 45 miles northeast of Atlanta. This 2.54-mile (4.088 km) road course features 12 challenging turns and significant elevation changes that test both driver skill and vehicle capability. Known for its fast, flowing nature and technical sections, Road Atlanta has earned its reputation as a driver's track that rewards precision and courage. The circuit hosts several prestigious racing events annually, including the Petit Le Mans, one of endurance racing's crown jewels.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The track layout at Road Atlanta offers a compelling mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes totaling 124 feet from its highest to lowest points. The main straight allows vehicles to reach speeds exceeding 190 mph before drivers face the challenging downhill braking zone into Turn 1. The circuit's signature section includes the esses (Turns 3 through 5), which requires perfect rhythm and precision as drivers navigate the quick directional changes while managing the track's natural topography.

Perhaps the most notorious part of Road Atlanta is the blind, downhill approach to Turn 12, commonly referred to as "the dip." Here, drivers crest a hill at high speed with limited visibility before committing to a sharp left-hander that leads onto the main straight. This section has been the scene of many decisive passes and dramatic moments throughout the track's history. The circuit's varying corner types, from hairpins to sweeping bends, make it a comprehensive test of vehicle balance and driver adaptability.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Road Atlanta features comprehensive facilities that cater to competitors, teams, and spectators alike. The paddock area provides ample space for team operations, while multiple spectator areas offer excellent vantage points around the circuit. The Suzuki Superstore tower overlooks the start/finish straight and houses timing and scoring operations along with VIP suites. For participants, the circuit offers professional garages, a fuel station, and technical inspection areas.

The track also includes specialized training facilities used for driving schools and corporate events. Multiple configurations can be utilized for different types of events, including a shorter club course and skid pad areas for vehicle testing and driver training. Spectator amenities include concession stands, souvenir shops, and dedicated camping areas that offer an immersive motorsport experience during major events, with many fans returning year after year to claim their favorite viewing spots along the circuit's natural amphitheater setting.

History

Road Atlanta's story began in 1969 when a group of businessmen, led by David Sloyer, Earl Walker, and Arthur Montgomery, purchased a 750-acre plot of farmland with the vision of creating a world-class racing facility. Construction proceeded at an extraordinary pace, with the track completed in just six months. The inaugural event was held in September 1970, quickly establishing Road Atlanta as a significant venue on the American racing calendar.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the track hosted IMSA GT, Can-Am, Formula 5000, and Trans-Am races, building its reputation among drivers and fans. A significant chapter in Road Atlanta's history began in 1996 when Don Panoz purchased the facility and initiated substantial upgrades, including a new pit complex and tower building. Panoz's vision culminated in the creation of the Petit Le Mans in 1998, a 10-hour (or 1,000-mile) endurance race that has become one of sports car racing's premier events.

In 2012, Road Atlanta became part of the NASCAR portfolio when the sanctioning body acquired the track from Panoz. Under NASCAR's stewardship, the facility has continued to evolve while maintaining its challenging character that has made it a favorite among drivers worldwide. Today, Road Atlanta stands as a testament to American road racing heritage, blending historic significance with modern motorsport demands while continuing to provide some of the most exciting racing action in North America.