Atlanta Dragway

Coordinates: 34°15′50.06″N 83°28′21.93″W / 34.2639056°N 83.4727583°W / 34.2639056; -83.4727583

Atlanta Dragway

Location	Banks County, near Commerce, Georgia, USA
Owner	National Hot Rod Association
Address	500 E. Ridgeway Road, Commerce, GA 30529
Opened	1975
Major events	NHRA Southern Nationals
Surface	Concrete
Length	.402 km (.25 mi)

Atlanta Dragway is a drag racing facility located in Banks County, Georgia, just north of Commerce, Georgia. It is currently home to the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.

History

Atlanta Dragway was built in 1975 by Gene Bennett and originally had been graded out for an airport. The original airport tower served as the original timing tower, and the track direction was the same as the airport without asphalt, just Georgia red clay. In 1980, the track was sold to Norman Pearah and became an NHRA-sanctioned track. Back then, the track was only opened twice a year for major events.

The track was purchased in 1987 by Pro Stock driver Gary Brown and partners J.D. Stevens and Rudy Bowen. The track underwent major reconstruction to put in new aluminum grandstand seating, permanent restrooms and rebuilt concession buildings. In 1989, the thirteen-year-old track was resurfaced with a concrete launching pad and a new timing system. In addition to the track modification, a reconditioned VIP tower complete with a timing deck, press center and corporate suites was built in 1990.

NHRA purchased the track in 1993. They resurfaced the track and added an updated timing system in 1999. The tower restrooms were remodeled and all concession, tower and ticket buildings were rewired. In 2003, the track’s FM radio and public address system were both upgraded. In 2008 NHRA history was made at the track when Ashley Force Hood became the first female driver to win a Funny Car event.

Winners

References

• Official website.