Five Must-Know Facts About EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta

This weekend, the NASCAR triple header featuring the Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Craftsman Truck Series will take place at the 1.5-mile trioval at EchoPark Speedway. Previously called Atlanta Motor Speedway, the venue is situated 20 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton, GA.

The location has been a significant element in NASCAR's history, featuring exciting championship-deciding races, intense qualifying speeds, and serves as the final resting place for some.

1) Five Quick EchoPark Speedway Facts Includes Name Changes

Opened in 1960, the venue was initially known as Atlanta International Raceway, owned by First Georgia Securities Corporation, with Richard King serving as its president. The initial plans envisioned a 50,000-seat track spanning 400 acres of land.

The expense of constructing the track back then amounted to $1.8 million. The initial winner of the 1960 opening event was Fireball Roberts.

It began with difficulties including financial issues, shifts in leadership, and stock options that backfired. In 1990,Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), led by president Bruton Smith, undertook a month-long initiative to acquire the track. A deal was ultimately finalized in October of that year when SMI paid $19.8 million to obtain the facility. The name was changed to Atlanta Motor Speedway and remained so until last year whenEchoPark entered into a long-term agreement for naming rights agreement.

2) Modifications to the Track's Form Incorporate Design and Full Rotation

The original oval layout was created to resemble a smaller version of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1960, the length of AMS was 1.522 miles, featuring 24 degrees of banking in the turns and five degrees on the straightaways.

In 1997, SMI transformed into a quad oval with a complete resurfacing that extended the track to 1.54 miles, while maintaining the same banking angles on the turns and straightaways. As part of the renovation, the frontstretch was repositioned as the backstretch and vice versa. SMI also increased the seating capacity of the quad oval to 71,000 and relocated the Start/Finish Line in front of the newly expanded grandstands.

In 2021, another renovation took place, maintaining the same distance but adjusting the turns from 24 to 28 degrees. As a result, this change led to close competition with two or three cars racing side by side throughout the races for each series.

3) Geoff Bodine Sets a New Qualification Record

In November 1997, following the installation of new asphalt around the circuit, drivers quickly noticed that their speeds through AMS had significantly risen.

It was Geoff Bodinewho shocked the sport with a lap of 197.468 mph/28.074 seconds during qualifying. The record remains the fastest ever in a non-restrictor plate race.

It was an unusual lap," Bodine remarked. "But I was let down. I aimed to achieve 198. That's a record that won't be surpassed.

4) Most Memorable Race That Determined the Championship in History

In 1992, AMS remained the concluding race of the NCS season, determining the championship. Prior to the event, it was a three-driver competition among Davey Allison, Bill Elliott, and Alan Kulwicki.

As the remaining laps counted down, the lead in points shifted repeatedly among the three competitors. Allison was eliminated after a crash, leaving Kulwicki and Elliott to compete for the championship.

With everyone focused on the Georgia native Elliott and the short track expert and driver/owner of Kulwicki, it truly came down to thefinal lap determines the champion. Due to the number of laps completed, Kulwicki secured the title.

Sadly, he would lose his life the following yearin a aviation accident while traveling to Bristol Motor Speedway.

5) Headstones near Turn 1

EchoPark offers the usual amenities found at a NASCAR venue, including parking areas, tailgate zones, and a souvenir shop. However, fans who venture beyond the outer parking lot in Turn 1 will discover something truly distinctive.

A burial ground featuring tombstones that indicate real graves with dates.

The Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery is recognized as one of the oldest in Henry County. In 1852, the cemetery and church land were transferred and sold. Burials indicate the location where the original settlers and their descendants are laid to rest.

It continues to be actively supported at this time.

Like Sports's content? Make sure to follow us.

This piece was first released onSports

The post Five Quick Facts About EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta appeared first on Sports.