In 5 short months, the new Atlanta Motor Speedway is born with a bold new layout
On July 11, 2021, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted the final race on the old configuration of the race track. Directly after the checkered flag, track officials began removing the walls in anticipation of a massive transformation.
See a video of the new Atlanta Motor Speedway below.
For the 2022 season, the track has been drastically changed. As of this week, construction is complete, just 5 short months after it began.
The corners have been increased to 28 degrees of banking. That’s up from the previous measurements of 24 degrees.
The size of the track remains the same. However, the width of the track in the corners has been reduced to just 40 from 55. Yet, the front stretch width is 52 and the back stretch width is 42.
The asphalt features brand new technology. Multiple layers of asphalt serve different purposes. It’s a self draining track as water runs right through the first layer. Watch a video showing how that works below.
Related: Atlanta Motor Speedway repave features new technology
Speedway Motorsports Inc used iRacing to try various track configurations before making the changes. They released a video that showed cars in pack. SMI is hoping Atlanta Motor Speedway will be transformed into a superspeedway style track, a bold move.
Related: NASCAR drivers talk ‘disconnect’ and ‘broken system’ with Atlanta repave
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Rules Package
For 2022, NASCAR will debut the Next Gen car. The car is a spec design with more downforce and wider tires.
NASCAR recently concluded a test at Charlotte Motor Speedway to set the rules package for 2022. They determined short tracks, road courses and intermediate tracks will all use the 670hp engine, up from the originally plan of 550hp.
Additionally, in the same test, NASCAR elected to use low downforce. The rear spoiler has been reduced to just 4″, back to the days of old.
However, superspeedways will run a different package which is yet to be determined. Unlike year’s previous, Atlanta Motor Speedway will now fall under the Superspeedway category for the rules package.
A test has already been scheduled for the new track…
“With paving complete, the 1.54-mile oval is once again ready to host some of the fastest cars and most talented racers in the world. Testing is planned for the first week of January to prepare for the first NASCAR races at the all-new AMS in 2022.”
To celebrate the competed track paving, AMS lit off a fireworks show at the track.
Related: Charlotte Testing Results – December 17, 2021 (NASCAR Next Gen)
