1st timers @ AMS

We were long time ticket holders from Memphis Motorsports Park(now closed) and trying AMS for the first time.  What are the guidelines for tailgating in the parking lots during race weekend (awnings, generators, grilling)? 

Edited by tch2rch - 12 Aug 2010 at 9:57pm

Atlanta Motor Speedway is a great race track. too bad there is only going to be one race per year after the Labor Day race.

You will find Ample FREE parking. Get there early and get close to the track. Park In the Green Lot. Thats pretty much the best place to park and easiest to get out of after the race. Since the opening of the Bruton Smith Parkway (Ga Hwy 20) traffic to and from the race track is not too bad. We live just down the road and can remember backups for quite a few miles in the years prior and when the economy was good. Atlanta Motor Speedway used to have a sell out crowd for both races.

Tailgating is pretty easy and loads of fun. We usually tailgate from the back of our SUV for a couple of hours before visiting the marketing booths. We don't do a big setup but we have a great time. You see anywhere from little grills out of the trunks of cars to big grills and smokers in the campsites and even in the parking lots.

AMS is a great place to go. It is well laid out there is plenty of room and the Shuttles are great anywhere from Buses to golf carts. The Shuttle drivers are volunteers raising money for their various groups so make sure you tip them if you get on a Golf Cart. Buy your souvenirs from the Booths inside the race track first. Again these booths are run by volunteers raising money. I am involved with the Boy Scouts we run the booth in the Champions grandstand just off the start finish line. If they don't have what you are looking for in that booth then AMS doesn't stock it or it is not a very popular item during the race.   You can't miss it it will be the one with the T-Shirts on the poles sticking out of the windows and will have the best assortment of items. Then hit up the Driver Trucks after the race is over for anything specific.

Buy your Race program early on Race Day (CUP). You will get the program, lineup, collectible car, and a T-Shirt for about $20. The booths that sell the Programs close just before the race starts on Sunday. If you forget you can get one from the gift shop the next day if you are still in town.

Hotels are not in abundance in the immediate area so If you want to stay close to the race track make your reservation early. Probably a little late for that at this time but you may get lucky. There are quite a few out near I75 about a 15 minute drive in McDonough to the Race Track and in Jonesboro (Not Recommended). Your best bet is to see if you can get lucky with a room in nearby Fayetteville.

Bring plenty of drinks with you. No bottles though. Small cooler. Beer and Pop are expensive inside the race track. Grill up a few extra burgers and dogs and bring them in a separate cooler to keep them a little warm. Again food is expensive.

WalMart, Publix, and Kroger are just down the street from the race track on Tara Blvd (Ga 19/41). You should have no trouble finding provisions for your tailgating and if you forget something it is pretty convenient and easy to get to.

If you don't have the money for Pit passes and such there are plenty of places to get them on your way to the race track especially as you head southbound towards the race track on Tara Blvd (Ga 19/41). I usually check them before heading to the ticket booth for the Sunday race. It has been my experience that good tickets are usually always available. We sit in the Lower Champions Grandstand Sections 144 or 145 every race. Great seats with a great view.

You will Love your experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway. We do every time we go. 200+ Miles Per Hour going into turn 3 is "Real racing real fast".

Be careful on your way out after the race. The Ga State Patrol, Clayton County Police Department, and the Henry County Police Department and their respective Sheriffs Departments are all out in force. They usually are no problem but I have seen some pretty bad accidents and more than a few DUIs handed out during the weekend and after the cup race.

Welcome to Atlanta Motor Speedway. I know you will have a great time. I will not be able to go to the race this year with my family because I am Deployed to Afghanistan. I will be getting home the week after. Yea Bummer I know.

We are making the Trip to Las Vegas for the March race that Atlanta Motor Speedway had.

Thank you very much. I know you will have a great time at AMS. Las Vegas does not allow coolers or outside food into the race track so there is one benefit to AMS already.

The Boy Scouts booth is Booth #27. I believe just behind sections 144/ 145. Just ask if it is run by Troop 72 and Boy Scouts of America.

I will actually be on my way back to the states or will have just arrived at Fort Dix a couple of days after the race. I might even make a quick day trip up to Richmond if I can who knows. I know that I really don't want to miss a race this season. Good thing I get back before it ends.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I love AMS is just breaks my heart that SMI and NASCAR took away the spring date.

MacPointMan

From Rutledge Wood "things to do at AMS"

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