In NASCAR, drivers are required to have a yellow rookie-stripe on their bumper when they are new to a series. We want to make sure you don't look like a rookie when you are at Atlanta Motor Speedway—whether it's your first NASCAR race or just your first time visiting our track.
So let us take that rookie stripe of yours off with our First Time Fans Guide. It contains lots of great information to make sure your first time with us is memorable!
Seasoned NASCAR fans suggest first-time fans bring the following for Atlanta's Labor Day weekend of NASCAR night racing:
Directions: No matter which way you are driving from, it's easy to get to Atlanta Motor Speedway! AMS is located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Atlanta, on Highways 19 and 41. The physical address is 1500 Tara Place Hampton, Ga 30228. Fans traveling to the track south on Interstate 75 may exit at exits 235 and 218 while fans on Interstate 75 north can exit at exits 205, 212 and 218. Directions to Atlanta Motor Speedway >>
Traffic: Contrary to those nightmarish reports you may have heard about raceday traffic at AMS, there is some traffic, but it's nothing that leaving to get here early won't fix! Plus, the earlier you get here, the more time you'll have to tailgate and take in all of the fan activities!
FREE Parking: With 887 acres of free parking, save your money for an event t-shirt or an extra hot dog!
Trams: AMS offers shuttle and tram service across the facility, including the Infield. For assistance, please visit the white Fan Assistance tents. Tram Information >>
Tunnels: Infield Tunnel access can be located: between Turns 1 and 2; under Turn 3 (Elliott Grandstand); and the Pedestrian Tunnel is located near Gate 15 (please note, Pedestrian Tunnel use requires a grandstand ticket).
Seating: Grandstand entrance portals are conveniently located underneath each grandstand at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ushers are available to assist fans in finding their seat.
Entering/Exiting: Please note traffic will be routed out of the Speedway the same way in which traffic entered the respective parking lot. For additional information, refer to the following entering/exiting information.
The Fan Zone: Freebies, fun and non-stop entertainment include the Fan Stage, SPEED stage and autograph signings.
The Fan Stage: Featuring free entertainment throughout race weekend, Fan Stage events in recent years have included concerts by Drivin' N Cryin' and Colt Ford, Big Green Egg grilling demonstrations, trivia, autograph sessions, celebrity appearances and interactive fan games.
Driver Souvenir Haulers: Your favorite driver's memorabilia and a possible autograph session; check www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com for information on driver autograph sessions during race week. Credit cards are accepted as forms of payment at driver souvenir haulers.
Driver autograph opportunities: Check our Web site, each driver's website, local newspapers and television for driver appearances/autograph sessions taking place around Atlanta prior to the race. Please keep in mind that on race day, drivers, like all athletes, are concentrating on the task ahead and are rarely available.
Scanner Rentals: Listen in first-hand to the communications between drivers and crew chiefs by renting a scanner and headphones! Scanners are available for rent at Atlanta Motor Speedway souvenir haulers at Gates 1, 12, 13,14 and 15.
Driver Introductions: The stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series parade across the stage for a memorable moment prior to the night's racing action.
Flyover: One of the most-exciting moments during race weekend as a group of fighter jets scream by overhead during the National Anthem.
Fireworks: A Labor Day weekend fireworks celebration will take place following Sunday's race.
Is there any way I can buy a pit pass?
There are a limited number of weekend pre-race pit passes available for $125. Sunday-only pit passes may be purchased for $100 and Saturday-only pit passes are $75. All pit passes must be accompanied by a grandstand ticket.On Friday and Saturday of event weekend, all pit pass holders must be at least 14 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must sign a minor waiver and be accompanied by a parent. A Picture ID and proof of age are required to pick up pit passes.
There is no minimum age requirement for admission to the pits on Sunday of race weekend.
To purchase a pit pass, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 770-946-4211.
Can I purchase suite tickets?
There are fan suite tickets available for NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway, offering fans a variety of options and price points.
Suite tickets are available for purchase in the Elliott Suite, overlooking turn 3, the Champions Suite, overlooking the frontstretch, or Club One, an all-inclusive race weekend experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Can I bring a cooler? Yes, coolers are allowed. They may be made of any material, as long as they are 14x14x14 or smaller. And please note, no glass is allowed. As always, please allow extra time to enter the gates if you are carrying in a cooler, as all bags are subject to search.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages into the speedway? Unless you are seated in a grandstand section that is designated as a no-alcohol family section, you are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. No glass containers are allowed.
Can I purchase items with my debit/credit card? Souvenir rigs accept most major credit cards, but concession stands accept cash only. There are however, multiple ATMs on-site at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Is there parking at the speedway? Yes, there is plenty of FREE PARKING at Atlanta Motor Speedway. We have 887 acres, and there is plenty of room for everyone who wants to park on our grounds to do so. Be aware that if you are being charged to park, you are not on Speedway property. We do not encourage parking off of Speedway grounds, because we cannot assure that you will be exited from the Speedway in a timely manner.
Is handicap parking available? Handicap parking is available in front of the ticket office, Champions Parking lot, Elliott Parking lot and on the front row of all general public parking lots. Handicap transportation is available at all gates. If you have any special handling needs, please notify us at 770-707-7904 prior to arriving at the track for information and directions.
Are there any shuttles available for those who need extra assistance? Shuttle service for those with special needs is provided. Speedway officials will be patrolling the parking lots throughout the weekend in golf carts marked "Fan Assistance." They also have information booths at the entrance to each parking area from perimeter road.
Are there ATM machines at the speedway? Yes, there are several located beneath the grandstand seating area.
Where do I pick up my tickets? Tickets can be picked up at the speedway's ticket office until the Friday of event weekends. After that, you may pick up already purchased tickets at the will call building. The will-call building is located at gate 15 on Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday, customers who have Elliott tickets need to pick them up at Gate 2 and all others will be available at Gate 15.
Where do I pick up credentials?
Credentials can be picked up at the credential trailer, which is located behind the Elliott Grandstand in Turn 3.
Is camping available? We have a variety of camping options available, both in reserved and unreserved lots during race weekend. Camping spaces are available, while supplies last, for RV, pop-up and tents. For information call 770 946-4211 or visit our camping information page.
Are hotels close by? We encourage fans to check out our list of preferred hotel partners, who have agreed to partner with us by offering fans reasonable rates and not requiring multiple-night stays during race weekend. Don't forget to mention you are an Atlanta Motor Speedway customer when reserving your rooms!
If you need any questions answered prior to race weekend, contact Atlanta Motor Speedway at 877-9-AMS-TIX.
During race weekend, fans can utilize our texting assistance program by sending a text message to 69050 followed by AMS your question/issue and location.
