How Big Is the Atlanta Motor Speedway? Track Length, Seating Capacity, and Total Area Explained

Table of Contents

• How Big Is the Atlanta Motor Speedway? Track Length, Seating Capacity, and Total Area Explained
• What Is the Quick Answer on Size?
• How Long Is the Track, and Why 1.54 Miles Instead of 1.5?
• How Wide Is the Track, and What Are the Banking Angles?
• What Changed in the 2022 Reprofiling?
• How Many Fans Can AMS Host?
• How Big Is the Total Property and Infield?
• How Long Are the Straightaways, and What About Pit Road?
• How Does AMS Compare to Other Famous NASCAR Tracks?
• What Does “Big” Mean for You as a Fan?
• Where Is AMS, and How Do You Get There?
• What Events Run Here, and Who Races?
• Is There an Infield Road Course?
• Big Track, Big Engineering: How Design Shapes Speed
• Key Specs at a Glance
• FAQs
• Summary: The Big Things to Remember
• References

Here is the truth in plain words. Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) is big in every way. The oval track runs 1.54 miles. The whole property spreads across more than 880 acres. The grandstands hold over 71,000 fans. You feel the size when you walk the infield, park your RV, or watch pack racing at superspeedway speeds.

Why read this? You want facts you can trust. You want clear numbers for track length, seating capacity, and total area. You want to see how AMS stacks up to Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, Texas, Las Vegas, Homestead, Bristol, Martinsville, Darlington, and more. I will show you, step by step, in simple language you can use.

Problem: People search “how big is the Atlanta Motor Speedway” and get mixed answers. Agitate: Old specs fight with new ones from the 2022 reprofiling. That can lead to bad plans and wrong expectations. Solution: Use this guide. I lay out size, scale, and specs in one place. I add comparisons, context, and quick charts. You get the full picture in minutes.

What Is the Quick Answer on Size?

If you need the fast facts, here they are. The AMS oval is 1.54 miles long. The grandstand seating capacity sits above 71,000. The total property size is over 880 acres. That covers the tri-oval, infield, parking lots, fan zones, camping spaces, and support areas.

Think bigger than the oval. The infield and campus hold garages, media space, a road course, and many infield amenities. On a big NASCAR weekend, the total event capacity tops the grandstand numbers thanks to suites, infield viewing, clubs, and RV parks.

So yes, AMS is more than a “mile-and-a-half” track. It measures longer, holds more, and fills a vast footprint. The numbers below prove it.

How Long Is the Track, and Why 1.54 Miles Instead of 1.5?

The official track length is 1.54 miles or 2.48 km. Many fans call it a “1.5-mile” track out of habit. Yet the real number is a bit longer. That little extra adds up over long runs. Lap count, fuel windows, and average speed use the true 1.54-mile mark.

Why does this matter to you? If you compare AMS to other 1.5-mile ovals like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, or Las Vegas Motor Speedway, you want an apples-to-apples view. AMS sits in that group by feel and format, yet it runs longer laps on paper.

You also hear the phrase “NASCAR track dimensions.” That is the full set of numbers that define a track. At AMS, that list includes length, banking, width, turn radius, straightaway length, and pit road length. You will see these in our tables and comparisons.

How Wide Is the Track, and What Are the Banking Angles?

Track width shapes the racing lines. After the 2022 changes, AMS narrowed the racing surface in the turns to about 40 feet. The straightaways stay wider at about 55 feet. That tighter turn width pulls cars together. You see more drafting, side-by-side action, and pack runs.

Banking makes a huge difference. The turns now use progressive banking that peaks at 28 degrees. The frontstretch and backstretch hold about 5 degrees of banking. The turn radius changes by lane since the inside is tighter and the outside is longer. This creates multiple lanes once the rubber builds.

The asphalt track surface helps with grip. Fresh asphalt feels fast. Over time, it ages, it gets bumps, and it creates more tire wear. The current AMS surface, with steep banking and tighter corners, mixes speed with tire strategy. That is why average speed and average lap time swing with weather, tires, and aero rules.

What Changed in the 2022 Reprofiling?

This is the big one. In 2022, Speedway Motorsports and Marcus Smith led a reprofile of AMS. The goal was clear. Make the 1.54-mile track race like a superspeedway. Do that with steeper banking and a narrower racing lane in the turns. Fans would see tighter packs and slingshot passes.

Here is what changed. The turns went from 24 degrees to progressive 28 degrees. The turn width narrowed to about 40 feet. Straightaways kept mild banking at about 5 degrees. Crews and drivers adjusted. You can see it on race day. Cars draft in big lines. Spotters work nonstop. The speed of cars keeps average speeds high, even with lifts in traffic.

That reprofiling also reset some old records. Track records now fit the current shape and size. When you look at old attendance records or lap times from before 2022, remember the context. We note “current size” and “original size” when it matters.

How Many Fans Can AMS Host?

The grandstand capacity sits at over 71,000 permanent seats. That number changed over time. The track saw a peak in past years then a reduction to modern comfort levels. Today’s seating gives you wide seats, better sight lines, and stronger amenities.

Total event capacity runs higher. Suites, clubs, infield access, and camping push the event crowd well past the grandstand count. On a big Cup Series weekend, you feel the crowd from the frontstretch to the far RV lots. You also see fans in private suites and hospitality areas. Many suites line the frontstretch with a grandstands view.

If you plan a trip, check the seating chart. You can match your budget to your angle on the tri-oval. The seating chart capacity shows how each section fits into the overall count. It helps you pick a seat that fits your plan.

How Big Is the Total Property and Infield?

The campus spreads over 880+ acres which is about 1.375 square miles. That is a lot of land. The footprint covers the oval, tri-oval frontstretch, the entire infield, camping, and parking lots. The facility size also includes support buildings, garages, and admin spaces.

The infield feels like a small town on race day. You find the media center, driver motorhomes, garages, the fan zone, and key infield amenities. You may even see a Ferris wheel or live music during big events. The infield size allows events to run rain or shine with room to move.

The property also supports long-term growth. That is why you see remodel and renovation plans now and then. A resurfacing will come one day. Repaving and reprofiling have happened before. Past changes in 1997 and 2022 shaped the design you see today.

How Long Are the Straightaways, and What About Pit Road?

Straightaway length matters more than you think. The front stretch at AMS is long enough to set runs into Turn 1. The back stretch also gives space to build a draft. The front stretch feels longest thanks to the tri-oval dogleg where the start/finish line sits. This layout lets cars fan out for passes right in front of you.

Pit road length runs about 1,450 feet. That gives room for a full Cup field. AMS has 42 pit stalls for Cup Series events. Pit stall dimensions follow NASCAR standards. Each box gives crews room for tires, fuel, and small repairs. Pit road speed and spacing will change how teams plan stops.

Also note the pit road entry and exit. They sit at the ends of the frontstretch and backstretch in ways that fit the tri-oval shape. This flow helps cars rejoin the pack without chaos when green flag stops hit.

How Does AMS Compare to Other Famous NASCAR Tracks?

Let’s stack AMS up against other icons. We will look at 1.5-mile tracks first. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway sit in the same club. Each is near 1.5 miles in length. AMS is officially 1.54 miles so it edges them on paper. Banking is the big swing. AMS turns sit at 28 degrees with progressive banking which is steeper than those three. That is why Atlanta now races like a superspeedway even though it is shorter.

What about Homestead-Miami Speedway? Homestead runs 1.5 miles with its own style and progressive banking. It is wider in the turns and favors long, sweeping lines. AMS is tighter. It forces the field together. That changes the average speed and the racing look.

Now think superspeedways. Daytona International Speedway is 2.5 miles. Talladega Superspeedway is 2.66 miles. Those are huge. They have higher banking and create pack racing by design. Atlanta simulates that style on a shorter layout. It feels like Daytona or Talladega on a diet. You get big lines and side draft, yet you lap in 1.54 miles.

Short tracks tell another story. Martinsville Speedway is 0.526 miles. Bristol Motor Speedway is 0.533 miles. Darlington Raceway sits at 1.366 miles with a tricky egg shape. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is 2.5 miles yet it is a rectangle oval with flat corners compared to Daytona and Talladega. AMS lands between all of these. It gives you speed and draft like a giant, and it still fits the “intermediate” label.

What Does “Big” Mean for You as a Fan?

Size changes the fan experience. A big track brings high speed. A big campus brings room to roam. At AMS, you can camp in RV parks inside the infield or outside the oval. You can walk fan zones, see concerts, and visit displays before the green drops.

Big also means you should plan. Parking lots are large. The area surrounding the speedway spreads out a long way. It pays to study a site plan or map with dimensions before you arrive. You will walk a lot. Wear good shoes. Know where your gate is. The fan zone area can fill fast before the Cup race.

Large scale also allows flexibility. The facility can host a Cup event, an Xfinity race, and a Truck race on the same weekend. It can also run club events, shows, and non-race activities. That is the power of a large entertainment complex.

Where Is AMS, and How Do You Get There?

Atlanta Motor Speedway sits in Hampton, Georgia on the southside of Atlanta. It is about 30 miles south of downtown Atlanta. You will likely get in on Highway 19/41 which feeds the main gates. The location sits within Georgia’s busy race scene and within an easy drive of many hotels and attractions.

You can plan a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte if you are on a bigger road trip. That gives you even more context on stock car racing history. Many fans also plan time in Atlanta, Georgia to eat and explore before heading to Hampton for the big day.

The local roads get busy on Cup day. Arrive early. Follow the official parking guides for the best lot for your seat. This speedway knows how to move big crowds. The parking capacity is strong yet you should still bring patience.

What Events Run Here, and Who Races?

The Cup Series brings the top show. The Ambetter Health 400 is the current headline event. The NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series also race here. The Fr8Auctions 200 is a fan favorite for trucks. You will see Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota teams on track. You will hear Goodyear mentioned as the tire supplier in NASCAR. Firestone plays a big role in IndyCar so it is a familiar name in racing even if it does not serve NASCAR.

Legends have won here. You can think of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Kyle Busch. The track’s history dates back to 1960. It has seen Monster Energy as a former series sponsor in the past. It has hosted big crowds and thrilling finishes. Today’s pack racing only adds to that story.

Attendance records and seating changes over time tell the arc of the sport. The track evolved with the times. It remains one of the key Speedway Motorsports properties. That group also runs Charlotte, Texas, and other major venues.

Is There an Infield Road Course?

Yes. The infield road course uses part of the oval and an infield loop. A common setup runs about 2.5 miles with 12 turns. Club days and special events use it. This gives the facility more ways to host events beyond the oval.

A road course changes how drivers think. Brakes get hot. Turn radius and corner speed matter more. You see different lines and moves than on the tri-oval. The road course length keeps it fun for drivers while the oval gives you the classic NASCAR show.

The infield road course also fits well with the big AMS campus size. You have the room, the access roads, and the support space to make it work.

Big Track, Big Engineering: How Design Shapes Speed

Let’s peek under the hood. Big speed comes from a blend of length, banking, width, and surface. The 28-degree progressive banking and 5-degree straightaways set the tone. The narrower turns pull cars into packs. That is how you get superspeedway-style racing on a 1.54-mile oval.

The asphalt and the way it ages shape grip and tire wear. Track surface length and track surface area also matter for heat and rubber build-up. Resurfacing and repaving will change this over time. Reprofiling changed it in 2022 again. That is why “current size” and “original size” notes keep you on track when you compare years.

If you build motors for blowers, coolers, or generators used at events, you know precision in materials matters. High quality electrical steel laminations keep losses low. A well-made stator core lamination pairs with a balanced rotor core lamination to keep torque smooth. Makers who supply the track, teams, or vendors can dig into best practices with these deep dives on motor core laminations. Good parts lead to reliable gear. Reliable gear keeps race day rolling.

Problem: You want clear specs to plan a visit or compare tracks. Agitate: Old data and rumors leave you guessing. Solution: Use the numbers here and the tables below. You get track length, banking, width, seating, acreage, pit road length, and more. You also get context with comparisons to Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, Texas, Las Vegas, Homestead, Bristol, Martinsville, Darlington, and Indianapolis.

Key Specs at a Glance

Here is a simple table you can save.

Comparison Table: AMS vs. Other Notable Tracks

FAQs

• How many miles is Atlanta Motor Speedway?

1.54 miles for the oval. That is the official number.

• How many turns does AMS have?

Four main turns on the oval with a tri-oval frontstretch.

• How wide is the Atlanta Motor Speedway track?

About 55 feet on the straights and about 40 feet in the turns after 2022.

• What is the degree of banking?

28 degrees in the turns with progressive banking and 5 degrees on the straights.

• How many pit stalls are there?

42 pit stalls for the Cup Series.

• What is the seating capacity?

Over 71,000 permanent seats in the grandstands.

• How many acres is AMS?

Over 880 acres in total area.

• How fast do cars go at AMS?

Speeds change by package and weather yet you see superspeedway-style packs and high average speed.

• Is there camping?

Yes. AMS has camping grounds, RV parks, and infield camping spaces.

• Where is it located?

Hampton, Georgia on Atlanta’s southside near Highway 19/41.

Summary: The Big Things to Remember

• The oval at AMS is 1.54 miles long
• The property spreads over 880+ acres
• The grandstands seat 71,000+ fans
• Turns are 28 degrees with progressive banking
• Straights are 5 degrees with about 55 feet of width
• The turns narrowed to about 40 feet in 2022 to drive pack racing
• Pit road runs about 1,450 feet with 42 pit stalls
• An infield road course runs about 2.5 miles with 12 turns
• AMS now races like a superspeedway yet it is shorter than Daytona or Talladega
• Plan for big crowds, big parking lots, and a full day of action

References

• Atlanta Motor Speedway. Track facts, tickets, and venue information. https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/
• NASCAR. Track profiles and event schedules. https://www.nascar.com/
• Speedway Motorsports. News on AMS reconfiguration and facility updates. https://www.speedwaymotorsports.com/
• Georgia tourism. Directions and local area details for Hampton and southside Atlanta. https://www.exploregeorgia.org/

Note on suppliers and tires: Goodyear supplies NASCAR tires. Firestone is a major tire supplier in open-wheel racing.