The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series christens the revamped Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19th with the FR8 208. FR8 Auctions, the entitlement partner for the event, has upped the ante this year on the track, making a number of major adjustments in five short months that take the track from speedway to superspeedway status.
Top drivers like Chandler Smith, current series leader, Ben Rhodes, last year’s series champion, and Zane Smith, who nearly won both of the first races of the season before being disqualified in Las Vegas, will be in for a serious test with the redesign of the track.
The corners now feature 28° banked turns, increased from 24°, and a tighter 40–foot width, decreased from 55 feet (about three car widths), which promise faster action with more precise moves for these Camping World Truck Series drivers.
Enthusiasts rally to Atlanta Speedway
The FR8 208 hits the Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of a doubleheader with the Nalley Cars 250. The flag will drop on the Camping World Truck Series event at 2:30 p.m. FS1 and MRN will broadcast the race.
This is the third race of the Camping World Truck Series. The Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts five total races in the NASCAR and xfinity series, three in the spring weekend (the FR8 208 and Nalley Cars 250 doubleheader, and the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 on March, 20th) and two in the summer (the Alsco 250 on July 9th, and the Quaker State 400 on July 10th).
All in all, the Atlanta Speedway is a hot spot for racing enthusiasts. Keep reading for all the important information on when to go, how to get there, and what to do to maximize your experience.
Getting to AMS
The AMS is approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta on U.S. Highway 19 and 41 in Hampton in Henry County. Depending on whether you’re coming in from the north, west, or south, the parking plan will vary, keeping you in a position to exit quickly and avoid cross traffic.
Georgia 511 is a phone service racegoers can utilize on their way to the race for up to the minute traffic conditions and to report any incidents along the way. So, if you’re not from around here, Georgia 511 has you covered.
Race Weekend Details
The FR8208 and Nalley Cars 250 Doubleheader on Saturday gives you two races for the price of one. The racetrack, though, starts heating up on Friday, March 18th with NASCAR practice. Come see your favorite drivers take some hot laps before the flag drops the next day.
The weekend is capped off by the headlining event, the Fields of Honor Quiktrip 500, on Sunday.
All Weekend Ticket Packages get you into the Friday practice session free. Adult tickets for Saturday run from $40-50 and kids 12 and under get in free. Sunday tickets run from $39-$109 and kids 12 and under get in for $10.
Furthermore, Gold and Silver packages are available for fans who want a seriously upgraded experience, featuring a tableside chef serving lunch, pit passes, driver appearances, and access to other exclusive areas.
Parking is free on all grass parking lots at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This includes RV parking and campers on the 850-acre parking areas. As of this writing, the VIP Reserved Parking ($75/spot) is sold out. Check back for cancellations.
Camping at AMS
Camping packages start at just $75 and can run upward to an eye-watering $3,495 for premium trackside spots with full hookups. The infield and exterior campgrounds opened on Wednesday and close at 12:00 p.m. on Monday.
For information on camping at AMS, call 877-9-AMS-TIX.
Get A Scanner
Like listening to in–car audio? Wonder what they’re talking about while trading paint at 200 MPH? Rent a Racing Electronics Scanner ($40-60) and listen to the uncensored channel of your favorite driver. Each scanner rental comes with headsets, so you can listen in (relative) peace to your favorite driver’s chatter.
The Excitement Revs When the Engines Stop
- On Friday, AMS features Camper Appreciation Movie Night with an airing of Disney Pixar’s Cars at 8 PM. Free to all campers.
- Ever wonder what it’s like to come out of a turn on a NASCAR Speedway? Laps For Charity, from 7-10PM on Friday, March 18th, gives all attendees the opportunity to take three continuous laps around the newly-paved track behind a NASCAR pace car. Register here. The cost is $60 per car.
- The Peach Pit keeps the party going after Saturday’s doubleheader with live music on the infield, mechanical bulls, and fireworks.
Racing Into Georgia
Heading into the FR8 208, Chandler Smith holds the points lead in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, but the other Smith, Zane Smith, will be looking to rinse the bitter taste of Chandler Smith’s race-winning crossover and the subsequent DQ from his mouth.
If the first two races of the season are any indication, expect the leaderboard to be a revolving door, and hope that last–lap heroics continue for these truck racers who have delivered in the early stages of 2022.
