Road Atlanta – Braselton

When was the track built?

Inaugurated in 1970, it has kept its layout since, with only minor amendments to keep up with safety standards, the final chicane being the biggest one.
It has hosted most of the American series, particularly Can-Am, until the 1990s when, thanks to the idea of Mr. Panoz and after a massive refurbishment of the pit and paddock facilities, a 10-hour race, on the distance of a thousand miles, named “Petit Le Mans” was created giving the circuit International fame.
From 2023, Formula One will also include it in the rotation for the U.S.A. East GP.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever race in this venue.
It is one of the eight circuits in the Eastern area of the United States, which will rotate for three spots in the Continental Series.

What’s the circuit like?

Three very different sectors for a very complete and challenging racetrack.
Cars will start uphill through the sweeping Turn 1 and in a series of curves, where car balance is extremely important.
The longest straight is also slightly uphill until turn 12 where the massive compression starts, with a steep downhill braking zone approaching the chicane; it is the trickiest point but also the best overtaking spot.
The high-speed final corner will be faced by an F1 at full speed making it almost part of the main straight.

Where is it located?

Near Braselton, around 75km northeast of Atlanta, in Georgia, and its International airport. (+ 34°09’00”, – 83°48’50”)