Atlanta Motor Speedway Track Renovation Project - Hampton, GA
Aging Track Turns and Outdated Banking Compromised Speed and Safety
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.54-mile quad-oval intermediate speedway track that has hosted a variety of sanctioning bodies since its inaugural season of racing in 1960, including NASCAR and IndyCar.
The Challenge
The Atlanta Motor Speedway’s original track turns, constructed by layering asphalt over structural dirt, had degraded due to the steep banking design. This design flaw caused paving ripples and led to high-speed crashes, making the track unsafe for professional motorsport events. In addition, NASCAR improved safety engineering, requiring the track turns to have four different pitch degrees.
Earth Development's Actions
Upon receiving the project request, Earth Development conducted a detailed site evaluation. Recognizing that standard equipment would tip over on the steep slopes, our team engineered two unique solutions:
- Water-filling only one side of the motor grader tires to allow grading and GAB installation
- A cable system connected from a long-reach excavator to dozers and rollers to secure stability and assist equipment traction while grading and compacting
Results
Earth Development completed the project safely, precisely, and on schedule, without exceeding the original quote. Earth Development’s innovative approach ensured the track was ready for professional use, eliminating prior safety risks.
EDA Services Used:
- Grading Operations with Engineered Solutions
- Graded Aggregate Base Installation for Paving
- Engineering Coordination
