Atlanta Dragway

Atlanta Dragway

Location	Banks County, near Commerce, Georgia, United States
Coordinates	34°15′50.06″N 83°28′21.93″W
Owner	National Hot Rod Association
Address	500 E. Ridgeway Road
Opened	1976
Closed	2021
Major events	NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series NHRA Southern Nationals (1981–2021)
Website	http://www.atlantadragway.com
Drag Strip
Surface	Asphalt
Length	.25 miles (.402 km)

Atlanta Dragway was a drag racing facility located in Banks County, Georgia, just north of Commerce, Georgia. From 1981 until its closure after the 2021 season, it hosted the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, Southern Nationals.

History

Atlanta Dragway was built in 1975 by Gene Bennett and originally had been graded out for an airport. The original airport tower served as the original timing tower, and the track direction was the same as the airport without asphalt, just Georgia red clay. In 1980, the track was sold to Norman Pearah and became an NHRA-sanctioned track. Back then, the track was only opened twice a year for major events.

The track was purchased in 1987 by Pro Stock driver Gary Brown and partners J.D. Stevens and Rudy Bowen. The track underwent major reconstruction to put in new aluminum grandstand seating, permanent restrooms and rebuilt concession buildings. In 1989, the thirteen-year-old track was resurfaced with a concrete launching pad and a new timing system. In addition to the track modification, a reconditioned VIP tower complete with a timing deck, press center and corporate suites was built in 1990.

NHRA purchased the track in 1993. They resurfaced the track and added an updated timing system in 1999. The tower restrooms were remodeled and all concession, tower and ticket buildings were rewired. In 2003, the track's FM radio and public address system were both upgraded. In 2008 NHRA history was made at the track when Ashley Force Hood became the first female driver to win a Funny Car event. NHRA has announced intentions to sell the property after the 2021 meet.

NHRA announced that the "2021 NHRA Southern Nationals would be the final major NHRA national event to be held at historic Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, GA."

Winners

Year	Top Fuel	Funny Car	Pro Stock
1990	Lori Johns	Ed McCulloch	Larry Morgan
1991	Kenny Bernstein	Del Worsham	Bob Glidden
1992	Don Prudhomme	John Force	Don Beverley
1993	Eddie Hill	John Force	Warren Johnson
1994	Connie Kalitta	John Force	"Scott Geoffrion"
1995	Cory McClenathan	John Force	Mark Osborne
1996	Larry Dixon	Tony Pedregon	Kurt Johnson
1997	Kenny Bernstein	Randy Anderson	Jim Yates
1998	Cory McClenathan	Cruz Pedregon	Mark Osborne
1999	Gary Scelzi	John Force	Warren Johnson
2000	Gary Scelzi	John Force	Jeg Coughlin
2001	Mike Dunn	Frank Pedregon	Jim Yates
2002	Larry Dixon	Whit Bazemore	Allen Johnson
2003	Larry Dixon	Tony Pedregon	Warren Johnson
2004	Cory McClenathan	Whit Bazemore	Greg Anderson
2005	Doug Kalitta	John Force	Greg Anderson
2006	Doug Kalitta	Tony Pedregon	Dave Connolly
2007	Brandon Bernstein	Robert Hight	Greg Anderson
2008	Antron Brown	Ashley Force	Mike Edwards
2009	Morgan Lucas	Jack Beckman	Mike Edwards
2010	Larry Dixon	Robert Hight	Jeg Coughlin

External links

• Official website