From beginning to end, Atlanta Motor Speedway has race fans covered. Hosting two NASCAR Winston Cup races a year--one near the beginning of the season and one nearly dead last, as well as Bush Grand National, IMSA, and ARCA events, this track in Hampton, Georgia, 30 miles south of Atlanta, is where folks come to see the big boys run. The smart fans are those who can come in a day early and camp or RV; they get to avoid the traffic. The others aren't so lucky. Unreserved campsites are $30 during race week. Reserved camping for self-contained RVs is $75--there are no hookups. If you don't want to wait for a free parking space for your car, $75 reserved parking for vehicles is located directly behind the Champions Grandstand or Weaver Grandstand. Race tickets are usually available right up until the start of the race and some are quite reasonable. Tours of the speedway are available through the gift shop. Call tel. 770/946-4211 or visit the website at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Situated on 700 scenic wooded acres about 45 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, Road Atlanta is one of the Southeast's premier road-racing motor-sports facilities. Its 2.5-mile Grand Prix racecourse offers a challenging combination of turns, elevation changes, and high-speed straightaways. A year-round season includes sports car, motorcycle, truck, and vintage/historic racing, among others. Call tel. 800/849-RACE or 770/967-6143, or visit www.roadatlanta.com for information and a schedule of events. Tickets usually run $15 to $65, with higher prices for the Petit Le Mans, a 1,000-mile race. Infield parking is $5.

Road Atlanta is located in Braselton on Georgia Highway 53 between I-85 and I-985 (take I-85N to Exit 129, make a left, and follow the signs). If you're attending an event, you can rent a campsite for $25 a night; during special events, campsite prices may be higher. If you prefer a room to a tent, try The Lodge, a limited-service hotel owned by Château Élan, a nearby resort. Call tel. 770/867-8100 for information.