Spring Motorsports Bucket List
Updated: Jun 29
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Caffeine & Octane's Lanier Raceway offer year-round motorsports excitement for racing and automotive enthusiasts. Here's a look at some of the highlights for spring 2023, and ideas for things to do while you're in town for a race.
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
5300 Winder Highway, Braselton | 1-800-849-RACE | https://www.roadatlanta.com
MotoAmerica Superbikes at Atlanta, Apr. 21-23
How about 190 mph superbikes and some family fun? Enjoy practice and qualifying on Friday plus all-day racing Saturday and Sunday with six classes of road racing—Superbikes, Supersport, Stock 100, Twin Cup, Junior Cup and King of the Baggers. Meet the riders in the open race paddock. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult at all Michelin Raceway events. Families will love the Kids Zone area and free carnival games. VIP, camping and grid/pit access packages are also available.
Drift Atlanta, May 11-13
Watch as professional drivers and their cars push themselves to the limit. The Turn 10 Complex offers a one-of-a-kind track where drivers will compete against each other in areas like speed and car control. With equally exciting off track entertainment and displays, Drift Atlanta presented by Bud Light Next has become the epicenter of car culture in Georgia.
Michelin Raceway is host to a wide variety of racing events, including professional and amateur sports car and motorcycle races, visit https://www.roadatlanta.com/events/spectator-events/full-schedule to see the full 2023 spectator schedule.
Track Days and Car Clubs
You can be more than a spectator at Michelin Raceway! The track hosts racing schools where you can learn to drive your own sports car FAST on the 2.54 mile, 12-turn world-class racing course. Track days and driving clubs are a driver's gateway to motorsports and racing. The Driving Club at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is a private car club for all skill levels located in the clubhouse, overlooking Michelin Raceway.
Caffeine and Octane’s Lanier Raceway
5301 Winder Hwy, Braselton | 770-965-9179 | https://www.caffeineandoctane.com
Karting Experiences
At Lanier Raceway, you can be the driver! Race a highly responsive, Dino kart on the banked oval and paved infield road-course track layout. The track configuration is updated often to provide a variety of unique, 10-minute heat races. The track length can vary between 0.3 to 1.2 miles but is typically 0.5 miles. Track lights allow for night racing. Check the events calendar for karting availability.
Friday Night Drift
Every other Friday night from 6 to 10:30 p.m., the beginner-friendly drift event offers track layouts that are designed to be inclusive but also challenge advanced drivers and work well for tandem runs. With lots of seat time and back-to-back runs all night, the Friday Night Drift is action-packed for spectators and drivers alike.
Octane Fest, Saturday, Mar. 11, noon to 9 p.m.
A festival that is part car show, part drift competition and part RC (radio controlled) race, the Octane Fest will have a little something for all car enthusiasts. The All Makes and Models car show will be showcased on the front lot. On-track drift competitions will be featured throughout the day including a Team Tandem Competition, and the hilltop track will host RC races and hill crawls. Enjoy music, food trucks, and other activities throughout the day.
Deutscher Auto Zirkus, Saturday, Apr. 15, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
German only cars, performance and downforce battles. Mercedes, Porshe, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi or Overland—who will be crowned champion? The event is a full day of activities including car show, autocross battles, race karting, music, circus performers, ax throwing, a stammtisch dinner, outdoor movie and more.
Explore Braselton
The on-track action is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, but be sure to also slow down and enjoy the attractions around Braselton during your racing weekend.
Braselton Brewing Company
9859 Davis St, Braselton | 706-684-0686 | https://www.braseltonbrewing.com
Known for craft beer and comfort food, this brewpub is located in a restored cotton gin. The tap list varies, but it typically includes more than 15 selections ranging from blondes and IPAs to lagers, ale and stouts. The wine selection is from North Georgia wineries, and spirits include spritzers and brew cocktails. The pub is very relaxed and pet-friendly with plenty of inside and outside seating for those beautiful Georgia days. Braselton Brewing is one of many places to raise your spirits with locally-crafted brews.
Axe Master Throwing
2345 Thompson Mill Rd, Buford | 770-453-2900 | https://www.axemaster.com/buford
An indoor axe-throwing facility that boasts TVs for the game, cold drinks and sharp axes. There are AxePerts on hand to assist newbie throwers. Kids under 8 play free with foam axes and targets. Book a private lane for up to five people and choose a 1.5- or 2-hour session. You may not become an axe champion, but you’re guaranteed to let off some steam.
Let Us Drive
Hop aboard the Braselton Trolley, a vintage-style trolley that offers fare-free rides to Braselton attractions including Downtown and Chateau Elan on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Saturdays, take a guided historical tour or sightseeing tour and explore Braselton in comfort and style.
Accommodations
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton | 678-425-0900 | https://www.chateauelan.com/accommodations
A choice of luxurious accommodations, including inn rooms and suites, spa suites and villas along with dining, golf, spa and activities.
Hotels
Braselton has seven in-town hotel options for travelers of all budgets.
Camping, RVs, Cabins & Yurts
Motorsports ticket holders can choose to camp/RV onsite and close to the action at the raceway. Located just 12 miles away in Winder, Fort Yargo State Park offers tent, trailer and RV campsites, recently renovated cottages, and “glamping” yurt reservations.