What is EchoPark Speedway?
Hampton, Georgia, is home to one of the most iconic tracks in stock car racing and hosts two NASCAR race weekends each year. EchoPark Speedway has been in operation since 1960, and its 1.54 mile quad-oval track has long been known as one of the fastest in motorsports. EchoPark Speedway also hosts Monster Jam, car shows, the Georgia State Fair, local High School Graduations and hundreds of other events throughout the year.
EchoPark Speedway History
Ground was broken in 1958 for what was originally known as Atlanta International Raceway, opening on July 31, 1960, with Fireball Roberts winning the inaugural Dixie 300. From 1960 until 2011, the Speedway was home to two annual NASCAR events: the Atlanta 500 in the spring, and the Dixie 500 in the fall. In 1990, Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought the track, adding condominiums to the course in 1994 and almost completely rebuilding the track in 1997.
Some of the most iconic moments in NASCAR history have taken place at the Speedway. Before the advent of the Race to the Cup, EPS was often the last stop on what is now known as the NASCAR Cup circuit, leading to some incredible finishes to the season. The 1992 Hooters 500 featured Richard Petty's final NASCAR race, Jeff Gordon's NASCAR debut, and a legendary ending in which Bill Elliott won the race, but Alan Kulwicki won the Winston Cup title.
