Road Atlanta Track Guide | Just Track It HPDE

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta — Just Track It Newcomer’s Guide

Version: 1.0 | Last updated: 2026-01-27
Status: Newcomer-oriented field guide (not an official rulebook). Always follow (1) track management, (2) JTI supplemental regs, and (3) your drivers’ meeting.

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta stands as one of America’s most challenging and rewarding road courses, featuring 2.54 miles of elevation-rich asphalt through the rolling hills of Northeast Georgia. The track packs 79 feet of elevation change into its clockwise configuration, creating a rhythm of compression zones, blind crests, and high-speed sections that reward smooth, committed driving. Adjacent to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, this FIA Level 2 certified facility hosts everything from grassroots HPDE to the legendary Petit Le Mans endurance race.

Track Video

Quick Facts Card

Item	Detail
Track Address (GPS)	5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517
GPS Coordinates	34.1413°N, -83.8173°W
Phone	1-800-849-RACE (7223) or 770-967-6143
Track Length	2.54 miles, 12 turns, clockwise
Elevation Change	79 feet
Sound Limit	Generally unrestricted; Sunday 10 AM – 12 PM quiet hours
On-Site Fuel	Race fuel only (98+ octane); no 93 octane on-site
Nearest Major Airport	Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) — 55 miles
Nearest Hospital	Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Braselton (24/7 ER)
Water	Non-potable on-site; bring your own drinking water

How to Use This Guide
Rule Hierarchy
Just Track It Event Format
Arrival Flow
Printable Checklists
Location and Directions
Track Layout and Corner Analysis
Track Surface and Conditions
Sound Compliance
Tech Inspection
Safety Equipment Requirements
Paddock and Facilities
Camping and Overnight Policies
Weather Considerations
Hotels and Lodging
Food and Supplies
Track History
Contact Information
Maintenance Notes

How to Use This Guide

This guide answers the “what do I do next?” questions before and during your first Just Track It weekend at Road Atlanta. Use it in three passes:

Before you leave home: Use the checklists to pack and avoid rookie failures (battery, numbers, loose items, fluids).
At the track: Use the arrival flow and compliance sections to get through gate/registration/tech without drama.
On track: Use the layout section for orientation, but treat the drivers’ meeting as the final authority on passing zones, flags, and session protocols.

Critical: Concessions are typically closed during HPDE events. Plan to bring your own food. All on-site water is non-potable—bring 3+ liters of drinking water per person.

Rule Hierarchy

When something conflicts, follow this order:

Track management and posted track rules (including local ordinance)
Just Track It supplemental regulations (JTI’s written rules for that weekend)
Drivers’ meeting / chief instructor / control directives (what you are told that morning)
This guide (best practices and “how it usually works”)

If you ever feel uncertain: ask grid staff, pit-out, or an instructor before you roll.

Just Track It Event Format

Run Groups

Just Track It operates five run groups based on experience level:

Run Group	Description	Passing Rules
Novice Instructed	First-timers with mandatory in-car instruction	Straights only with point-by
Novice Solo	Signed-off novices driving without instructor	Straights only with point-by
Intermediate 1	Developing drivers building consistency	Designated zones with point-by
Intermediate 2	Experienced intermediate drivers	Anywhere on track with point-by
Advanced	Highly experienced drivers	Anywhere on track with point-by

Novice Instructed and Novice Solo share the same on-track sessions. Intermediate 2 and Advanced share passing rules (anywhere with a point-by).

Novice Instruction Program

Novice instruction is mandatory until you are signed off by an instructor to drive solo. Your instructor rides in the passenger seat, providing real-time coaching on braking points, turn-in references, and throttle application. You will not be sent onto the track alone until an instructor certifies you are ready.

Road Atlanta’s 79 feet of elevation change, blind crests, and high-speed sections make instruction particularly valuable here. The famous Esses, Turn 7’s critical exit, and the diving Turn 12 all benefit from experienced guidance.

Session Format

Standard JTI sessions run 20 minutes with five sessions per run group throughout the day. The last two sessions of the day extend to 30 minutes with combined groups (Novice Instructed + Novice Solo together; Intermediate 1 + Intermediate 2 together; Advanced may combine with I2).

Membership

Just Track It annual membership is offered but not required to participate in events. Registration occurs through MotorsportReg.

Passing Protocol

The slower car gives the point-by signal by extending their left arm out the window, pointing toward the passing side. When giving a point-by, stay on the racing line and lift slightly off the throttle.

At Road Atlanta, primary passing zones for lower run groups are typically:

Main straight (Turn 12 to Turn 1)
Back straight (Turn 7 through Turns 8-9 to Turn 10a)

Blocking is strictly prohibited. Use your mirrors constantly—check them on every straight, after every corner exit, before every braking zone.

Arrival Flow

A clean first-time flow at Road Atlanta:

Enter via I-85 Exit 129 → Highway 53 West ~5.5 miles → track entrance on left.
Gate: Complete waivers at check-in → receive wristband.
Paddock: Claim a spot in the 600,000+ sq ft paddock → unload → set up canopy/tools → apply car numbers.
Tech Inspection: Present car, helmet, and completed tech form at tech building near Tower Paddock.
Drivers’ Meeting: Mandatory attendance (typically 7:40-8:00 AM).
Track Orientation: Walk the track if offered—invaluable for new drivers.
Grid for Session 1: Arrive early → set cold tire pressures → listen to grid workers → go out calm.

Typical Schedule

Gates offer 24/7 access for most track day events. Registration and tech open around 7:00 AM. Mandatory drivers meeting 7:40-8:00 AM. First session approximately 8:15 AM. Sessions rotate every 20-30 minutes. Lunch typically noon to 1:00 PM (often coincides with Sunday quiet hours). Final sessions 5:00-6:00 PM.

Printable Checklists

Week Before (or Earlier)

Register on MotorsportReg and confirm run group assignment
Download and complete the JTI tech inspection form
Verify helmet meets current Snell/FIA requirements (see Safety Equipment section)
Order car numbers or plan painter’s tape (8”+ on sides, 4”+ on rear)
Book lodging (Braselton hotels 3-5 miles away)
Consider track day insurance policy (Traction, OTI, or similar)
Plan fuel: fill up before arriving (no 93 octane on-site)
Identify backup tow service phone number

Night Before / Load-In

At the Gate (First 10 Minutes)

Complete waivers at check-in; receive wristband
Confirm quiet hours (Sunday 10 AM – 12 PM)
Locate: registration, tech, restrooms, paddock power outlets
Claim paddock spot near power outlet if needed (first-come, first-served)

Between Sessions

Lug torque check after first session and periodically throughout day
Check tire pressures hot immediately after session; adjust to target
Inspect tires for outer-edge wear or rolling
Quick under-hood check: oil level, coolant, any seepage
Brake pedal feel check; inspect pads if fade detected
Hydrate; eat light snacks; review notes; debrief with instructor

End of Day

Confirm next day schedule and drivers’ meeting time
Top fluids; set cold tire pressures for morning
Lock up tools; stow paddock items; observe quiet hours (11 PM – 8 AM)

Location and Directions

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517

The track sits on 750 park-like acres in Hall County, approximately 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, adjacent to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.

Highway Access

Via Interstate 85:

Take I-85 to Exit 129 (Highway 53 - Braselton/Hoschton)
Head West on Highway 53 for approximately 5.5 miles
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta entrance on your left

Via GA-985:

Use Exit 16 (northbound) or Exit 17 (southbound)
Travel approximately 6 miles on Highway 53 East
Track entrance on right

Driving Times from Major Cities

Origin City	Distance	Approximate Drive Time
Downtown Atlanta	35 miles	45-55 minutes
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)	55 miles	55-65 minutes
Greenville, SC	100 miles	1.5-2 hours
Birmingham, AL	175 miles	2.5-3 hours
Charlotte, NC	200 miles	3 hours

Track Layout and Corner Analysis

Road Atlanta packs 79 feet of elevation change into its 2.54-mile clockwise configuration. The track earned FIA Level 2 certification and creates a rhythm of compression zones, blind crests, and high-speed sections that reward smooth, committed driving.

Turn-by-Turn Breakdown

Turn 1 (Fast Uphill Right-Hander)
The lap begins with a slightly banked momentum corner that climbs steeply uphill. The compression at the apex provides extra grip—carry momentum rather than scrubbing speed on entry. Trail brake to counteract understeer until the compression bites. Use all track on exit but return to mid-track to set up for Turn 2.

Turn 2 (Transitional)
Not a true corner but a positioning section. Place your left-side tires flush with the Turn 3 entry curbing. Complete rotation here to minimize steering input under braking.

Turn 3 (Blind Right-Hander)
The hardest corner on the track. You brake over a crest with limited visibility—the corner is sharper than it appears. Brake moderately hard (6-7/10) while the car is straight. Using the inside curbing opens the radius. Incorrect wheel input while cresting causes spins.

Turn 4 into The Esses
Turn 4 is a long sweeping left flowing into Road Atlanta’s signature section. Accelerate throughout, hugging inside curbing. High-horsepower cars may need to short-shift.

The Esses (Between Turns 4-5)
This famous left-right-left combination with significant downhill-to-uphill elevation change defines Road Atlanta. Requires full commitment—fast cars take the first Esse flat out, straddling apex curbs. Cars with splitters and diffusers often avoid curbing to protect aero.

Turn 5 (Uphill Left-Hander)
Similar character to Turn 3’s entry. Brake lightly in a straight line with car flush against right-hand curbing. The exit curbing is notorious—extremely rough and has caused numerous incidents. Avoid it completely. Good passing opportunity for high-powered cars uphill.

Turn 6 (Banked Right-Hander)
One of the most banked corners on track. Rewards early brake release to carry entry speed. Focus on entry speed rather than exit; don’t track out to exit curbing.

Turn 7 (Slow Right-Hander)
The most important corner on the circuit. As the slowest point leading to an approximately 1-mile back straight, exit speed here determines your entire straight-line velocity. Threshold brake in a straight line, use late turn-in, apply hard throttle early. Avoid the high left-side entry curbing.

Turns 8 + 9 (Back Straight Bends)
Long, lazy bends along the ~1-mile back straight. Take flat with minimal steering. Top speeds exceed 150+ mph—use this time to check gauges.

Turn 10a (90-Degree Left)
At the end of the high-speed back straight, brake hard downhill into this “flip-flop” chicane. Threshold brake, trail into corner, turn in at end of entry curbing. Curbing is challenging but rideable.

Turn 10b (Second Most Important Corner)
Leads onto second-longest straight. Entry from left with throttle already applied before turn-in; late apex with minimal steering on exit. Exit curbing is rough and uphill—stay off it.

Turn 11 (Bridge Kink)
Slight right-hand kink under bridge with blind entry. Apex where grass patch protrudes from right at exit side. Critical for Turn 12 positioning.

Turn 12 (Downhill Diving Turn)
This famous finale separates drivers—a fast, downhill right-hander with limited visibility into start/finish. Most cars don’t brake; if needed, brake early while on outside. Compression at base provides grip. Do not use apex curbing—it will unsettle the car. Keep eyes looking through corner toward front straight, not at concrete wall on left.

Key Braking Zones Summary

Corner	Braking Intensity	Critical Notes
Turn 3	Moderate-Hard	Over crest; car must be straight
Turn 5	Light	AVOID exit curbing
Turn 7	Threshold	Most critical—exit speed paramount
Turn 10a	Threshold/Hard	Downhill approach from 150+ mph
Turn 12	Minimal/None	Work up to taking it flat

Curbing Warnings

Location	Recommendation
Turn 3 Apex	Usable—opens corner radius
Turn 4 Inside	Hug throughout
Turn 5 Exit	⚠️ AVOID—infamous for incidents
Turn 7 Entry (Left)	High curbing throws steering off
Turn 10b Exit	Rough, uphill—stay off
Turn 12 Apex/Exit	⚠️ Do not use—unsettles car

Track Surface and Conditions

The entire 2.54-mile racing surface was completely repaved in February 2007. The surface provides generally good grip with excellent traction at compression points (Turn 1, Turn 6 banking).

Surface Characteristics

Turn 5 track-out concrete has lower grip than surrounding pavement
Camber variations affect grip at Turn 3’s crest (negative) and Turn 6’s banking (positive)
Track surface temperatures can exceed 130°F during Georgia summers

Driving in Wet Conditions

The dry racing line becomes the slickest surface when wet. Move off-line to find grip. Standing water accumulates at Turn 1’s compression, low point in Esses, approach to Turn 10a, and Turn 12’s base.

Smooth inputs become critical. Brake earlier and lighter (zones extend 25-50%). The first few minutes of rain are most dangerous—oil and rubber lift before washing away.

Sound Compliance

General Policy

Road Atlanta generally has no decibel restrictions with one critical exception:

Sunday Quiet Hours

Sunday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — only unmodified street cars at stock exhaust levels may run. Even a stock Porsche 911 GT3 is considered too loud. Heavily modified exhausts need quiet muffler inserts for Sunday sessions.

Tech Inspection

JTI Tech Process

Inspectors verify:

Wheels (round, no damage)
Tires (above wear bars, no cords, no plugs)
Brakes (clear fluid, firm pedal, pads 50%+ life)
Steering play
Battery security
Fluid leaks
Throttle return
All loose items removed (including floor mats)
Helmet Snell rating
Camera mounting with tethers
Car numbers (8”+ on sides, 4”+ on rear)

Tech opens around 7:00-7:45 AM and closes before drivers meeting (~8:00 AM). Saturday tech valid for Sunday.

Common Tech Failures

Loose items in cabin
Insufficient brake pad material
Old/dark brake fluid
Loose battery mounts
Missing car numbers
Expired helmet certification
Improperly mounted cameras
Visible fluid leaks

Safety Equipment Requirements

Helmet Standards

Snell SA2020 or SA2015 accepted per current policy. Confirm the currently accepted JTI helmet standard in your event confirmation and during on-site tech inspection. Full-face helmets are strongly recommended.

Required Driver Attire

Long pants (cotton or natural fibers).
Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
Cotton socks; racing shoes recommended for advanced drivers.

HANS Device

Required when using 5, 6, or 7-point harnesses. Not required with factory 3-point seatbelts.

Vehicle Requirements

Working brake lights (minimum 2), secure battery hold-down with covered terminals, functional seatbelts, properly torqued lug nuts. Hubcaps must be removed.
Convertibles: Permitted with additional waiver. May require factory rollover protection or aftermarket roll bars for advanced groups (broomstick rule applies).
Car Numbers: 8”+ on sides, 4”+ on rear. Magnetic, vinyl, tape, or window chalk accepted.

Fire Extinguisher

Just Track It does not mandate fire extinguishers. However, a 2.5 lb fire extinguisher (metal-to-metal mounted) is strongly recommended by most organizations.

Paddock and Facilities

Paddock Layout

Over 600,000 square feet of paved paddock plus 36,000 square feet of tenant garages. Paddock assignment is first-come, first-served—arrive early for best spots. Speed limit is walking pace (5 mph). Canopies require concrete blocks rather than stakes (blocks available for fee).

Key areas:

Tower Paddock: Near Michelin Tower; contains tech building and garages
Infield Paddock: Between Turn 12 and Turn 1
Fan Zone: ~130,000 sq ft paved area

Michelin Tower

Five-story facility including race control, timing/scoring, media center, meeting spaces, private suites, and the Podium Club (hospitality venue, not public restaurant). Rooftop viewing deck provides panoramic circuit views.

Electrical Access

For most track day events, electrical hookups are available at no additional charge. 120V outlets distributed throughout paddock—first-come, first-served. Bring 50+ foot heavy-duty extension cord.

On-Site Fuel

Self-serve race fuel pumps (credit card operated) offering 98+ octane.
93 octane is not available on-site — arrive with a full tank.

Nearest Gas Stations (1-2 miles on Highway 53)

QuikTrip #762 — 5502 Highway 53
Shell — 5636 Highway 53
Chevron — 5621 Highway 53
Pilot Travel Center — 5888 Highway 53
RaceTrac — 5901 Highway 53

Restrooms and Utilities

Permanent restrooms and hot showers in infield and paddock. ADA-accessible. Air compressors typically available at vendor areas—bringing your own portable unit recommended.

Camping and Overnight Policies

Gate Hours

Road Atlanta offers 24/7 gate access for most track day events. Competitor/participant early access typically begins 5:00 PM evening before event.

Camping Policies

Camping permitted at most events. Areas include Turn 1, Turns 3/4, Turn 5 Bathhouse, Turns 6-11, and various support areas.

Non-Reserved Tent Camping: 18’ x 18’ space
Non-Reserved RV Camping: Up to 18’ x 55’ space, first-come first-served
Reserved RV Sites: Limited—call 770-967-6143

Limited 30-amp electrical hookups available. Strongly encouraged to bring generators (inverter-style for quieter operation). Quiet hours 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Paddock camping in RVs/trailers permitted with additional fee. No campfires on ground—above-ground fire pits and propane grills acceptable. Pets allowed on leash but not in paddock areas, buildings, or near track.

All on-site water is non-potable—bring your own drinking water or fill RV tanks before arriving.

Weather Considerations

Braselton experiences a humid subtropical climate at approximately 850-910 feet elevation. Annual rainfall averages 42+ inches across 178 precipitation days.

Seasonal Breakdown

Season	High/Low Temps	Conditions
Spring (Mar-May)	62-80°F / 44-61°F	Pleasant with occasional rain
Summer (Jun-Aug)	87-89°F / 69-72°F	Hot, humid, afternoon thunderstorms
Fall (Sep-Nov)	64-82°F / 45-65°F	Ideal track conditions
Winter (Dec-Feb)	50-57°F / 34-39°F	Cold, occasional frost

Best Periods

Late April through early June and late August through mid-October. Third week of September is peak weather window. July-August bring challenging heat, humidity, and predictable afternoon storms.

Heat Management

Muggy period extends mid-May through early October. July sees 25+ oppressive humidity days. Track surface temps can exceed 130°F—consider tire compound selection and prioritize hydration, shade, and cooling strategies.

Weather Policies

All events run rain or shine. Track activities suspend when lightning detected within safe radius. Standard 30-30 rule: sessions stop 30 seconds after thunder, resume 30 minutes after last strike. Morning fog occasionally delays first sessions but typically burns off by 9-10 AM.

Hotels and Lodging

Hotels Within 5 Miles

Hotel	Distance	Highlights
Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton	~3 miles	Free breakfast, pool, 4.6/5
La Quinta Inn & Suites Braselton	~4 miles	Official track partner, pet-friendly, 4.7/5
Country Inn & Suites Braselton	~4 miles	Free breakfast, indoor pool
Best Western Braselton Inn	~4 miles	Full hot breakfast, outdoor pool
Holiday Inn Express Braselton West	~4 miles	Business amenities
Baymont by Wyndham Braselton	~3 miles	Budget-friendly

Premium Option

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort (~6 miles) — 4-star luxury with spa, winery, golf, multiple restaurants. Popular with car enthusiast groups. $200+/night.

Booking Strategy

Budget hotels $79-110/night; mid-range $110-160/night. For race weekends (Petit Le Mans, MotoAmerica), book 2-3 months in advance. Regular track days need only 1-2 weeks.

Food and Supplies

On-Site Food

Concession stands typically closed during HPDE events. Plan to bring your own food—coolers permitted. During major race weekends, multiple concessions and food trucks operate.

Restaurants Near Track

Jacks Restaurant and Bar — Track day staple; pork chops and steaks
Cotton Calf Kitchen — Upscale steakhouse; Wagyu burgers, tomahawk steaks
Chateau Elan — Multiple venues including Marc Bar & Restaurant
The Galloping Galette — French crepes
Biba’s Italian Restaurant
Cabo’s Mexican Grill

Fast food chains cluster along I-85 corridor (Chick-fil-A, Cracker Barrel, Zaxby’s).

Grocery Stores

Publix at Braselton Village — ~5-6 miles
Kroger in Flowery Branch/Dacula — 7-10 miles
Walmart Supercenter in Braselton/Buford — 8-10 miles

Auto Parts

AutoZone — 7390 Spout Springs Rd (~5 miles)
Advance Auto Parts — 16 Sunrise Bend Ct
O’Reilly — Hoschton, Buford, Flowery Branch locations

Medical Facilities

Advanced Urgent Care and NGPG Urgent Care — Braselton; open 7 days
Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Braselton — 24/7 ER

Track History

Origins

In 1969, David Sloyer, Earl Walker, and Arthur Montgomery purchased 750 acres of farmland in Braselton. When a Can-Am race at Bridgehampton was canceled due to flood damage, Road Atlanta was selected as replacement—the track was excavated, graded, and paved in just six months at a cost of $1.3 million.

Opening Day

Road Atlanta opened on September 13, 1970 with a 300 km Can-Am Championship race. Vic Elford took pole in the legendary Chaparral 2J, while Tony Dean (Porsche 908/02) claimed inaugural victory. Sir Stirling Moss served as Grand Marshal.

Major Events

Can-Am (9 races), Formula 5000, IMSA Camel GT, Trans-Am, SCCA Runoffs (1970-1993). In 1986, first NASCAR Busch Grand National Series road race.

Since 1998, Petit Le Mans—the prestigious 10-hour endurance race and IMSA WeatherTech Championship season finale. Current annual events include MotoAmerica Superbikes, Classic Motorsports Mitty (vintage), Trans-Am, Drift Atlanta, 24 Hours of LeMons.

Naming Evolution

Known as Road Atlanta from 1970 through 2018. Michelin acquired naming rights in late 2018; became Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in 2019.

Major Renovations

Don Panoz purchased track in November 1996 and transformed it to FIA standards, notably removing “The Dip” and creating Turn 10a/10b chicane. Complete track repave in February 2007. Michelin Tower constructed 2019.

Unofficial all-time lap record: 1:01.200 by Marc Gené in Ferrari F2003-GA Formula 1 car during 2018 Ferrari Corsa Clienti.

Contact Information

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
5300 Winder Highway
Braselton, GA 30517
Phone: 1-800-849-RACE (7223) or 770-967-6143
Just Track It
Website: MotorsportReg.com (search “Just Track It”)

Maintenance Notes

High-Drift Items (Verify Before Every Event)

Helmet standards accepted and expiration dates
Event gate hours and load-in windows
Fuel availability and pricing
Camping fees and power availability
Sunday quiet hour enforcement
Hotel rates and availability
Concession status for your specific event

Suggested Update Cadence

Quarterly: Verify track contact info, pricing, and facility changes
Per event: Verify JTI supplemental regs and drivers’ meeting notes

Version History

v1.0 (2026-01-27): Initial Just Track It reformatted guide

Prices and policies current as of January 2026. Verify current information with Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Just Track It before attending.

Road Atlanta Guide