Atlanta Motor Speedway

Address:1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, Georgia

Arguably the fastest track in NASCAR, Atlanta Motor Speedway is home to high-octane racing for major events twice a year, in addition to hosting assorted smaller races. Opening in 1960, the track has been renovated twice, having been originally planned in 1997, and then repaired after a tornado in 2005. With speeds rising up to almost 200 miles an hour, without any NASCAR restrictor plates, the track has recently reclaimed its title as the fastest track on the circuit.

The first big week of the year at AMS is in early March, leading up to the Sprint Cup Kobalt Tools 500, on a late Sunday afternoon. There is also a Busch Series (minor league) race and a truck race earlier in the weekend, with qualifying events throughout the week. The track's second big race, the Pep Boys Auto 500, is held here in late October. There is another Busch Series race then, too. During the rest of the year there are other smaller events, such as legend car races and smaller stock car events. The sppedway also hosts the occasional concert.

Atlanta Motor Speedway, located 20 miles south of the city in Hampton, Georgia, was also used as a shelter for evacuees fleeing Hurricane Frances in September of 2004. It previously was the home of some open wheel races in the 1960s and '70s, and then again during the years 1998-2001. The track also offers travel packages and camping facilities for fans who want to drive to the speedway and hang around for several days of racing.