The Atlanta Dragway was a drag racing facility that was situated in Banks County, Georgia, approximately twenty miles to the north of Commerce, Georgia. It began hosting the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, Southern Nationals in 1981 and continued to do so until the end of the 2021 season, when the track was shut down.
Gene Bennett constructed Atlanta Dragway in 1975. Prior to that, the land had been leveled in preparation for the construction of an airport. The track direction was the same as the airport without asphalt; it was merely Georgia red clay. The original timing tower was the airport's original tower, and it also served as the timing tower. In 1980, Norman Pearah purchased the racetrack, which led to its subsequent status as an NHRA-sanctioned venue. Back in those days, the racetrack was only available for a couple of significant events each year.
Pro Stock racer Gary Brown, along with his business partners J.D. Stevens and Rudy Bowen, purchased the racetrack in 1987. The racetrack underwent extensive renovations in order to install new grandstand seats made of aluminum, as well as permanent restrooms and reconstructed snack facilities. The track, which had been in use for thirteen years, was resurfaced in 1989 and received a new timing system as well as a concrete launching platform. In the year 1990, in addition to the renovation of the track, a remodeled VIP tower was constructed. This tower had a timing deck, press center, and corporate suites.
In 1993, NHRA made the purchase of the racetrack. In 1999, they gave the track a new surfacing and installed a more modern timing system. All of the ticket, concession, and tower buildings had their electrical systems updated, including the facilities in the tower. Both the FM radio and the public address system at the racetrack were renovated in the year 2003. At the track in 2008, Ashley Force Hood became the first woman driver in NHRA history to win a Funny Car competition. This achievement helped make the track a part of NHRA history. Following the conclusion of the 2021 race, the NHRA has stated their plan to sell the land.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) made the announcement that the "2021 NHRA Southern Nationals would be the final major NHRA national event to be held at the historic Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, GA."
Jaemor Farms
AAA Mini Warehouses
