The newly-named Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta saw additional significant changes that year, as construction on the all-new Michelin Tower began immediately following October’s Motul Petit Le Mans. In 2019, Michelin became the first-ever entitlement partner of the racetrack. With NASCAR’s resources and support, new events have been established at Michelin Raceway and an influx of driving clubs and other various partners have annually included the track as part of their season. Over the last nearly decade and with this major merger, a number of capital projects and upgrades have been made to the facility to greatly improve the spectator and team experience. In 2012, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta was purchased by NASCAR Holdings.
#ROAD ATLANTA TRACKMAP PATCH#
The developer of the nicotine patch and founder of neighboring Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, Panoz got into the automotive field when his son Danny began producing the Panoz Roadster. The elder Panoz realized what great potential Michelin Raceway possessed and bought the facility in November 1996. The next three years were spent making gradual improvements to a facility that had not enjoyed the kind of care it deserved for at least a decade. New buildings were constructed, others were renovated, the track was widened and resurfaced and the grounds were landscaped. But the owners lacked the kind of capital that could return Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to its glory days.Įnter Dr. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta was sold in 1978 and went through a number of owners in a short period of time, creating a downward spiral of the track’s fortunes that ultimately resulted in bankruptcy in 1993 when a partnership between business executives Frank Drendel, Jim Kanely, Eddie Edwards and Bill Waddell was formed to purchase the track. It was a great time for road racing and for Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
#ROAD ATLANTA TRACKMAP DRIVERS#
Among the drivers who traversed the challenging track were Jody Scheckter, Dan Gurney, Peter Gregg, Mario Andretti, Keke Rosberg, Bobby Rahal, Paul Newman and Mark Donohue.
#ROAD ATLANTA TRACKMAP SERIES#
The 1970’s brought faster, more sophisticated cars and better talent in series like the Can-Am, Formula 5000, IMSA Camel GT and Trans Am. A huge crowd gathered to watch the most sophisticated cars of the day turn 75 laps on the brand-new circuit. The best drivers were competing: Denis Hulme, Peter Revson and race winner Tony Dean. On September 13, 1970, Vic Elford sat on the pole for the first Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta race. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta literally took form in a six-month rush to excavate, grade and pave a 12-turn, 2.54-mile road course. Another track’s loss due to flood damage was Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta’s gain when a Cam-Am series race had to find a new home in a hurry. What was once a farmer’s field became a world class motorsports facility.
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