Five Places to Celebrate Cars

By Courtney Thompson

*This article is from the June 2019 edition of Georgia Magazine.

Georgia has a storied place in the history of auto racing. If you have a need for speed, here are five places to check out.

Did you know that Dawsonville is the birthplace of stock car racing? It makes sense that the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame is there. The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame honors individuals who are part of Georgia’s racing community. Vintage racing cars are on display outside of the museum. Inside, visitors can see tons of racing memorabilia and stop by the Elliott Family Legacy Room to learn how NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott and his son Chase have contributed to the sport. See georgiaracinghof.com for information.

The Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta features a simulator lab that gives visitors the chance to drive and/or race Porsche vehicles in a challenging, fun environment. The lab helps drivers improve their concentration, racing skills and reflexes. Learn more at porschedriving.com.

Since 1960, the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton has hosted races, concerts and even business conventions. The 850-acre speedway is well-known for hosting the annual Folds of honor Quicktrip 500, the Atlanta 250 and Georgia 200 Doubleheader and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Day races. However, exciting events occur year-round, including Friday night drag races. Visit atlantamotorspeedway.com for more information.

Miles Through Time is a co-op-style automotive museum in Toccoa. Visitors can view —or even buy—classic cars and motorcycles in a 14,000-square-foot, renovated auto dealership built in 1939. The museum showcases more than 100 years of automotive history and adds new memorabilia each week, so there’s always something new to see. For details, see milesthroughtime.com.

The Dixie Speedway in Woodstock features a 3/8-mile track made of Georgia red clay. Built in 1968, the speedway is celebrating its 50th anniversary season and hosts more than 30 racing events, including American Flat Truck motorcycle and national touring stock car races. For more info, visit dixiespeedway.com.

These are just a few of the places to see fast cars in Georgia. Visit exploregeorgia.org for more.