road atlanta renovation/changes

I have attended many Petit LeMan races at Road Atlanta over the years. In the beginning, parking outside the track and walking the giant hill at the entrance. Finding a spot to sit in turns 10a and 10b to enjoy the day. Over time I ventured around and got to know the track that was suddenly my home track. I grew up thirty minutes from Mosport and I am now living twenty minutes from Road Atlanta. Yes, sportscar racing is a part of me and my life. I have seen the ten-hour endurance race grow into a spectacle. The series has also grown into one of the most popular in North America.

This means with growth comes change and the old ways of camping and parking have to change with it. Last year I purchased my camping ticket in the summer and shortly after that, the tent camping passes sold out. Today is February 13th and as of today, the tent camping tickets are sold out. The growth of the race and the series have become what I always wanted it to be, but that comes with adjustments. I was going to attend no matter what because I now have investment in racing. It's why I have developed this blog to be focused on sportscar racing and the fans.

As I have spoken to fans and people that work at Road Atlanta, the message is clear, growth. As we read social media groups and posts complaining, there are people close to the track paying attention. The track wants and needs to evolve as things grow. Space for parking and camping has been the major topic of change. As someone who tent camps at Road Atlanta, it is one of the best tracks for watching and enjoying a race weekend. It has become easier as I have made friendships with other fans and meet up with them regularly. Sometimes you rely on them to have a great spot for the weekend. Which includes staging in line for two days in my truck with Jerry. Yes, my skeleton and partner in this venture.

Road Atlanta announced this week that they are clearing out space for one thousand more parking spaces in the track area and infield. This is a great and necessary move based on last year's race. On race day, the track and infield hit capacity for parking. Which left many people stuck parking at a church and being shuttled in. Growth is happening and as some people on social media complain, I sit back and smile. I have enjoyed sportscar racing for over forty years, and the sport is showing the world how amazing it is. More fans and bigger starting grids are making for amazing experiences. It also makes for opportunity, which is what I am looking at as a fan and now investor.

I am writing this to ask the old school fans to be patient and understanding. Help new fans learn the sport and tell your stories. We have to change and evolve with the sport, and that is how it will continue to grow. Thank you, Road Atlanta, for taking the time to find ways to improve for the future.