Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, located in Braselton, Georgia, is a renowned motorsport facility with a rich history. This 2.54-mile road course has been a hub for racing enthusiasts since its inception, hosting a variety of events and undergoing significant transformations over the years. From its early days to its current status as a world-class racing venue, Road Atlanta has played a pivotal role in the motorsport community.
Early Beginnings
In 1969, David Sloyer,
Earl Walker, and Arthur Montgomery purchased a 750-acre plot of farmland in Braselton, Georgia, with the vision of creating a world-class road racing facility. The track quickly took shape, and by September 13, 1970, it hosted its first race. Vic Elford won pole position in a Chaparral 2J, while Tony Dean claimed victory in a Porsche 908/02 during the 300 km Can-Am event. Stirling Moss served as the Grand Marshal, marking the beginning of Road Atlanta's storied history.
Throughout the 1970s, Road Atlanta attracted top-level racing series, including Can-Am, Formula 5000, IMSA Camel GT, and Trans-Am. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) held their annual national championship, the SCCA Runoffs, at Road Atlanta from 1970 to 1993, further solidifying the track's reputation as a premier racing venue.
Ownership Changes and Renovations
The track changed hands several times, culminating in bankruptcy in 1993 under the Whittington Brothers. A group of business executives, including Frank Drendel and Jim Kanely, purchased the track and initiated a series of improvements. They constructed new buildings, renovated existing ones, widened and resurfaced the track, and landscaped the grounds.
In 1996, Don Panoz acquired the track, making Braselton the base for his motorsports ventures. Panoz introduced significant changes, such as removing the Dip and creating a chicane at the end of the long back straight. These modifications brought the track up to FIA standards, allowing for international events. A new pit and paddock area was constructed, along with a 10,000-seat terrace around the Turn 10 complex.
Modern Era and Petit Le Mans
In 1998, Road Atlanta hosted the first Petit Le Mans endurance race, attracting global attention and entries from the Le Mans-winning Porsche factory team. The race became a marquee event in the American Le Mans Series, featuring dramatic incidents like the blowover accident involving a Porsche 911 GT1.
The track continued to evolve, with repaving and safety improvements in 2007. In 2012, IMSA Holdings acquired the track, merging the Grand AM and American Le Mans Series. Michelin acquired naming rights in 2018, and the track was renamed Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, continuing its legacy as a premier motorsport destination.
