There are tracks you drive, and then there are tracks that drive you. Road Atlanta is the second kind. Carved from 750 acres of rolling Georgia farmland in 1969, Road Atlanta is a 2.54-mile, 12-turn masterpiece that has humbled professionals and thrilled amateurs for over five decades.
A Brief History of Road Atlanta
Road Atlanta was born out of necessity and ambition. In 1969, David Sloyer, Earl Walker, and Arthur Montgomery purchased farmland near Braselton, Georgia, with a vision to build a world-class road racing facility. Construction took just six months. The track opened on September 13, 1970, with a 300 km Can-Am race won by Tony Dean.
Road Atlanta became the permanent home of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs — the "Olympics of amateur road racing" — hosting the event for 24 consecutive years from 1970 to 1993. Legends like Paul Newman, Skip Barber, and Jerry Hansen claimed national championships here.
Don Panoz purchased the track in 1996 and launched the Petit Le Mans endurance race in 1998. It was rebranded as Road Atlanta in 2018. The SCCA Runoffs will return to Road Atlanta in 2027.
The Track: 2.54 Miles of Pure Driver's Circuit
- Length: 2.54 miles (4.09 km)
- Turns: 12
- Elevation Change: Approximately 85 feet
- Surface: Asphalt
- Noise Restrictions: None for HPDE events
What makes Road Atlanta special is the elevation. Florida tracks are flat. Road Atlanta rolls, climbs, drops, and crests. You'll experience blind apexes, off-camber corners, and downhill braking zones that demand absolute trust in your car.
Turn-by-Turn Highlights
Turn 1: The Commitment Corner
A fast, sweeping right-hander at the end of the front straight. Trail-brake to the apex and let the car run wide on exit. Trust the grip — the track is wider than you think.
Turns 3–5: The Esses — Road Atlanta's Signature
This is what people talk about when they talk about Road Atlanta. The esses are a high-speed, downhill-to-uphill complex where momentum and flow matter more than individual corner perfection. At full speed, experienced drivers take them at or near full throttle.
Your first lap through them will feel too fast. By your fifth lap, you'll wonder how you ever thought they were scary. By your tenth, you'll understand why people drive hundreds of miles to experience this track.
Turn 10a: The Blind Crest
This is where Road Atlanta gets real. A sharp right-hander approached at high speed over a crest. The braking zone requires absolute commitment — you're braking hard while the track drops away in front of you. Trail-braking is essential.
Turn 12: The Uphill Leap of Faith
Arguably the most iconic corner on the track. A blind, steep uphill run onto the front straight. The car gets light over the crest, and you must resist the urge to lift. Commit to the throttle while the car is light, avoid abrupt inputs, and trust that the car will stick.
What TDX Events at Road Atlanta Look Like
- Schedule: Gates at 7 AM, first session at 8:30 AM, last session at 4:30-5 PM
- Run Groups: 5 groups from Novice with Coach through Unrestricted
- Coaching: In-car coaching for novice drivers at $50/day
- Pricing: No membership fee. Registration $249–$399.
Getting There
- Address: 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517
- From Atlanta (ATL Airport): ~60 minutes northeast via I-85
- From Greenville-Spartanburg: ~2 hours south
- From Charlotte: ~3.5 hours south
Pro tip: Arrive the afternoon before to avoid Atlanta rush hour on event morning.
Where to Stay
- Upscale: Château Élan Winery & Resort — full-service resort minutes from the track
- Mid-Range: Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton, Country Inn & Suites
- Budget: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Baymont Inn
Where to Eat
- Pre-Track: Loretta's Country Kitchen, Chick-fil-A
- Post-Track: Cotton Calf Kitchen (steakhouse), Braselton Brewing
- Casual: Paddy's Irish Pub (Château Élan), Juke N Jive Creamery
Pro Tips for Road Atlanta
- Respect the elevation. Build speed gradually. Use visual reference points religiously.
- Hydrate aggressively. Georgia summer heat combined with driving gear creates real dehydration risk.
- Fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Road Atlanta's downhill braking zones generate extreme temperatures.
- Bring a GoPro. One of the most photogenic tracks in the country.
- The esses get better every session. Don't be frustrated if they feel awkward in Session 1.
FAQ
Is Road Atlanta good for beginners?
Yes, with proper coaching. The TDX A-Green group provides an in-car instructor for your entire day at just $50. Build speed gradually — this is not a track to rush.
How fast will my car go?
On the back straight, a stock Miata sees 100–115 mph. A Corvette will reach 130–140+ mph. Elevation changes make speed feel amplified.
What's the best time of year?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer ideal conditions. Summer is popular but hot.
How does Road Atlanta compare to Homestead?
Homestead is flat, wide, and forgiving — ideal for building confidence. Road Atlanta is hilly, technical, and demanding — ideal for developing precision. Most drivers recommend starting at Homestead.
Ready to experience Road Atlanta? Browse upcoming TDX events at drivetdx.com/events — no membership required.