Goodbye Atlanta - The Last NHRA Event At Atlanta Dragway

After 45 years of operation, Atlanta Dragway has held its final NHRA event. In this video, we take in the sights and sounds of the final NHRA race and remember Georgia's home of quarter-mile drag racing. Earlier in 2021, it was announced that the land had been sold and a housing development would be built there.
From Nitro Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters, to grudge races and even Hot Rod Drag Week (which is where we recorded the drone vision), Atlanta Dragway has served the community well. It was the host track for the NHRA Southern Nationals and had a reputation for speed in the cooler winter months.
While it was not the most modern of venues, there was plenty of soul at this track. The stands were not so large that they couldn't be filled, and the track saw many sell out events - including at its final NHRA race.

[@iggyfritz7150]

I grew up at Detroit Dragway and the day they closed it I cried so many great memories drag strips are the roots of America and every time a drag strip closes I feel America getting weaker drag strips bring family friends, relatives and strangers all together in peace and harmony great times and entertainment what a tragic loss.

[@smiley800]

The first event I went to was in 1981. We sat so close to the track. Crazy pounding in your chest and the stands. The burn from the nitro in your eyes, nose and lungs. The thunder in your ears. I'm glad to have been there during the crazy fun times.

[@horsedrag2468]

Encroachment. Are we all to live in condos, drive electric vehicles in a one size fits all horse less, horse power less world. Getting glad I'm old enough to miss whats coming. The Big Nothing.

[@jamesharrison6201]

Don't forget the GMOd and artificial foods because all the farming land has been paved over so people can live in the COUNTRY. Except it's not the country anymore. Gated communities are not living in the country

[@redriverraider]

Sad deal. Never a good thing to loose a drag strip.

[@richhauxwell7848]

True, but get woke go broke

[@harryfairman9766]

It's a damn shame we are losing another American tradition I was there in the early seventies it's a amazing facility

[@jimmychandler586]

Ain't that the truth

[@harryfairman9766]

@@jimmychandler586 I was in the Army in Fort Gordon Georgia and I enjoyed very much on the weekends going to the drag strip it is definitely a amazing facility

[@firechicken2011]

Met so many friends and made so many memories... 20 years of Fast Fridays -- Farewell my old friend.

[@butchsanders6113]

Got alot of good memories from this dragstrip gonna miss it.

[@vertisjohnson219]

I don't know if this was an event or a wake. Saying goodbye to an old friend.

[@learjet45]

I remember seeing John Force there, no enclosed trailer. "Farkonas, Coil and Minnick", John was the driver. Man so many memories at this track. Sad.

[@winston1winston248]

It's sad to see this happen just for some developers for housing. This facility will be missed 😢. Hope it's not a trend to happen to the rest of the drag strips.

[@michaelcasella4774]

It is big bankers cashing in

[@winston1winston248]

So true 🤘! Sad , I grew up around this back in the late 60s all through to the late 20s. If your not spinning your winning 🤘

[@Hogiewan1]

This is a damn shame. I got back into racing 18 months ago after nursing my parents to the end, and this was the first track I ran. Only 45 minutes from me too. I heard it was happening, but I didn't want to believe it...

[@Freespiritblair]

Good job taking care of your parents! Your priorites are in the correct order. I hope good things happen for you in your future.

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Its so sad my dad started taking me in 86 got a piston and rod out of Eddie hill car him and his wife was so nice . Then i raced the track some in the 90's . Saturday was a sad day for me i mean I had a good time clay millican signed blower belt for me. Was thankful that me my dad and son was able to all spend day at race together. Thank you for putting the video together. God bless you all and have a great day

[@timijayprince6605]

I feel like I am losing a member of my family. Serious. Many wonderful memories and magical moments. Sad.

[@nathanrobbs4954]

I’m sad to hear this track is going to be gone. I’m from Orlando and I watch NHRA events at Gainesville. And I wish I would have known this was the last event. I would have tried to attend. Also I’ve never been to hot Lanta’s track. I hope another Georgia tracking can be built to replace it!

[@jeffc1519]

I sure will miss this track a lot of good times here was glad that we were able to attend the last one.

[@RSDX99]

I felt the same when E-Town closed the strip, now it's just motocross and drifting.

[@427Musclecar]

They should make 2x2 squares of the whole track and sell them with the proceeds going to charity.

[@ronaldoleksy8264]

Very Cooley O idea

[@ianmoore8625]

Man it sucks that we are losing that track so the state can build more homes it’s sad there was a lot a good memories made there I’m gonna miss this place 😢

[@firechicken2011]

I read they sold the property to a company that will make batteries for electric vehicles. Look around Commerce, they can build homes in every direction.

[@connorjeans6592]

i’ve grown up around the area my whole life from what i understand the original plan was that the property was to be sold to build housing for employees coming in to work at the SK battery plant not far from the track i’ve heard a lot of different things since about who owns what and what the plans are but recently they just tore down the tower but there hasn’t been much done since the last big event from what i know of

[@robertruark8797]

I've been to over 20 Southern Nationals at this track. And probably 20 or more different events with motorcycle drag races car shows bracket Finals over the years. This is like losing an old friend.

[@jamesharrison6201]

And it typically gave the grudge racing a place to settle who's fastest safely, legally, off the city streets or county roads

[@robertruark8797]

@@jamesharrison6201 absolutely every Friday night at Atlanta Dragway was fast Friday's run what you brung.

[@joycemeadows1821]

Wonder if someone will build another? I luved this track. A shame.

[@robertholland1125]

Took my three boys out of school on Friday 14 years in a row so we could attend the U. S. Nationals, By the 14th year...we couldn't afford it anymore....in my humble opinion, all professional sports are pricing their fans out of the market.....

[@billdouglas6561]

You sir are ABSOLULELY right !!!! And it's Damn Sad !!!

[@scubaguy007]

Look mom no masks! I was there on Friday, it was a great time!

[@buggs428]

Sad to hear ,that’s one of the Best tracks around, I ran my fastest time there, in my 1969 Ford Torino Cobra 428scj, SS/BA 9:02 et 149.75 mph.

[@outlawofga]

I was at the first one.1976... And I was here for this one as well. And so many more during it's time... Living Nitro I thank you for this video.. I'm actually standing in front in a white T-shirt at 1.19.... I will forever love atlanta dragway...If it's only in my mind now... I'll bring my blown alcohol dragster in November for the final test an tune... Hope to see you there 👍😎

[@kandisrodskustoms]

This is heartbreaking.

[@V8CHEROKEE]

🥲 so sad, such a great facility!!

[@blq24]

I AM AFRAID THAT ROUTE 66 MIGHT BE IN The SAME WAY That Track OPEN In 1998 .......

[@llama__]

Same.. My home track since I was a kid in 2001

[@aakar88]

Keep your hope alive!! Gateway was closed for several years and was reborn with a great new owner. Hoping Rt 66 closing is temporary and maybe a much needed change in direction and ownership will be worth the wait!

[@ronniemullis8717]

I went to the first race there when it was IHRA. You couldn’t see the cars going down the track because of the cyclone fence. When NHRA took over they made a lot of improvements. Also went to the last race and will miss it.

[@quikcarl61]

Went there every year from probably eighty-five to ninety one or two my grandmother lived about 30 minutes from there I stay with her hate to see that track go but I knew it was only a matter of time because of the stupid shops on the interstate

[@af4od02]

Excellent video. I was there early Saturday. The weather was perfect. I live three hours drive away and I make the trip to drag strip once every three years. Been going since the early 1980’s. It was sad Saturday. This is the only drag strip where I go to get my NHRA nitro fix. There is a good chance I’ll never get to see a Nitro Fuel car run again in person. The stands were full. The pits were full of fans. The vendors had long lines of folks buying memorabilia. The parking lot was full. Everyone was having a good time. NHRA needs to consider another new track location for the North Georgia region.

[@LivingNitro]

There was certainly a big crowd in attendance.

[@Gunslinger1875]

God, it's like losing a family member. My Dad and I bonded at that track. My 10 year old looked forward to Father and son day at the race. 😪😪😪

[@thomasbrown7728]

Well dang,, I enjoyed it.. I liked going to the Swap meet also.

[@paulnieuwhof9768]

We were there in 2019. Drove up from Jacksonville with some other random Aussie bloke. Had a great time and sad to see the track go especially for all the local racers.

[@bartschwartz7217]

1980-1982 at college remember mad dog wreaking yard down in the bad black section got some good parts there- great guys

[@keithcoulbourne350]

Nhra is in trouble

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

and they wonder why kids are racing on the streets more

[@dakotaautosales9673]

Give me a break kids are racing on the street right beside the race track

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

@@dakotaautosales9673 'ya missed the point, they need a safe place to race, not on the street

[@dakotaautosales9673]

@@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969 You missed my point It doesn't fucking matter there going to do it regardless him not saying it's right but that's how they are

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

@@dakotaautosales9673 chill with out all the anger

[@dakotaautosales9673]

@@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969 Chill out with prejudging me

[@alanlane1682]

Wow, another dragstrip gone. First was Englishtown, my home strip, now Atlanta! Don't these people know how much revenue this sport brings into a town or city each year? When will this end?

[@LivingNitro]

The land is worth a lot, being so close to the interstate.

[@davidpayne4315]

I'm with you

[@thechad1760]

How...how ? We cannot allow this

[@tinawomack3425]

I can't believe it so sad. I haven't been the last two years because I have cancer sure going to miss this place

[@jetenginethrust863]

Hope you get well soon Tina, bless you...

[@markmoire2058]

Ihra we miss you 2 that's what this place started as

[@nancylambert2406]

So sad 😭. I went to the Southern Nationals for years!!!!!! Nothing like a top fuel dragster or funny car!!! Gonna miss that place 😟

[@joegotz1971]

Englishtown and Atco both closed in NJ. I first met Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins at Atco, and so many others at Englishtown , including John Force, his daughters, Don Prudhomme, Tony Pedregon, and I also witnessed Scott Kalitta go through the traps at 315 mph, hit the sand and just kept going. In the future racing of all kinds will only be in the south.

[@russhfan]

Sad but great video People can see what a nice facility it was That mega housing on the hill is more important

[@LivingNitro]

I do want to preserve some memories. I got a lot more video to do a walkthrough so future generations can see what the place looked like.

[@___-ht6js]

This strip was the first motorsport event I ever went to. I'm gonna 100% miss this place. I've always wanted to throw a car down here just for fun but I guess not anymore :(

[@LivingNitro]

Sorry, it sucks!

[@robertstoops1340]

Why ??? If they can fill the stands, and keep drawing racers, and fans why close it down??

[@whataboutbob7967]

Tune of the times folks, sad to loose another race track.

[@jimmydunn7297]

I did A Lot of sign work there in the early 90’s. Lots of great memories.

[@MarktheSharkC]

Thanks NHRA!

[@jimmystanford7039]

I only raced there one weekend but what a blast we had I locked my doors while in the lanes had to run a long way back to my pit and get the other keys from my wife I will not forget this great place

[@topendchuck]

Sad! While it's a much bigger track than our old home town track here in Jax, it's just sad news. Guess I'm glad we still have Gainesville about 50 miles from here, but for how long?

[@dshawgo]

That' s a crying shame. It's an awesome facility.

[@1951RKP]

I only went to two events at Atlanta Dragway. The first Southern Nationals in 1981 and the last in 2021.

[@kevinsnyder4425]

So sad ! Seems like it's happening all over. ! Our local track in northern Indiana just closed at the end of 2020. Had been going since 1957 !! Seems like the thrill is gone.....will have to go 1-1/2 hrs now to see any good racing ! Sorry for Atlanta - money talks !

[@hondalimited7509]

Sad. Was a great location. I saw the cracker box homes they stuffed on the upper ground. Another passing of time

[@superjody56]

My first visit to this track was in 2016. And unfortunately, my next and final visit was in 2021. A nice facility that is probably gone now. Sad situation.

[@cmphighpower]

My guess NHRA will be gone in the next couple of years

[@michaelcasella4774]

Lost two tracks in nj e-town and atco only one left barely hanging on

[@kevinrussell5099]

E-Town's end was many years overdue. Shutdown area was way too short for the speeds being reached. When you have to have a wall at the end to keep cars out of a highway, there's something seriously dangerous going on.

[@andrewduringer8836]

I thought Atco opened back up this season?

[@richarddouglas7810]

Insane that we are losing these tracks in record time! Sad!

[@Flashbang80701]

Same. I grew up here at this drag strip sad to say it closed before I had a chance to take my kids

[@LivingNitro]

Sorry. That really sucks.

[@joshsantana7792]

That's a great loss😪

[@chuckford4393]

Now we have to go far as hell to race now like silver doller or middle ga or down there in Valdosta ga

[@jamesharrison6201]

That's why. Make it so expensive that you can't afford to pay for the hobby or make a living. One of the few sports left that let the best man win. By having the skills or luck that day or two. Otherwise you packed up, went back to the garage and worked and twerked for next weekend

[@bradbroemmer9085]

It's always seems to be a housing redevelopment, lol. Seriously, it's sad to see these tracks die off.

[@jefftischler7422]

A few years ago we lost Englishtown in NJ, supposedly Coparts bought it to make a used car lot. The local residents wanted it gone for years anyway. Except some of the venues on the property still operate such as road racing, go karts and motocross. Just the best part is gone, the dragstrip, go figure. It was a major event place with national events. At least Island dragstrip in northwest Jersey still operates, privately owned in the middle of farmland. I guess this is a coming trend. I'm in Florida now, not too far from Palm Beach as long as that stays around. There are a few other tracks still in Florida but they are quite far apart.

[@trevonwilson1]

Ok if this is true where can we go to watch 1/4 mile drag racing in Atlanta?

[@alkennedy1124]

When did you film this ?? Nice do you have any phone numbers or any way to talk to mr bill , or is that the guy, ??,! Thanks BigAl California.

[@LivingNitro]

Over the weekend. The track is still open for a few more local events, perhaps give the office a call and they will put you in touch.

[@alkennedy1124]

@@LivingNitro what office , what is that name , hopefully no one else sees, thanks BigAl California.

[@alkennedy1124]

@@LivingNitro ok sent messages to them , I’ll see how it go’s, thanks I’ll see you at the races thanks BigAl California.

[@bradwilliams4921]

At least I can say that I got to attend 1event there. Sad to see it close.

[@callmenortnortin467]

Another one bites the dust,,It's sad! Am glad for having been there before ,thanks to good friends.

[@962momo]

Very sad news. I remember after Ontario Motor Speedway was closed they didn't build anything there for twenty years. The land just sat there. If they are really going to build something here i hope they do it in this decade.

[@Chara-jv4bk]

that is so amazing, can you do a video for us?😍

[@thakery5720]

The same thing is happening elsewhere - Shakespeare County Raceway (Long Marston) here in the UK went for housing a few years ago and another temporary venue near London (North Weald) doesn't happen anymore - seems that life is changing and and all the people will have in the future is Playstations.....oh and soccer.

[@MikeSmith-tx2lp]

I’m with you there Thakery, Long Marston, Shakespeare County, Avon Park, call it what you like was my local track. Never ran big numbers but always a great vibe. No money, no say. Happening everyday. The Green / Extinction Rebellion lot would love to see the back of all motor sport. I’m sure a shitty housing estate full of consumers burning their gas fired heating would pollute more than a season at the strip. Keep supporting Santa Pod, she’s our only hope!

[@thakery5720]

@@MikeSmith-tx2lp I prefer the 'sportsman' side of things, the Pod is too much of a family day out thing for me - all I want to see (and hear !) is cars and bikes giving it everything to try and beat the clock even if it is only their personal best that is getting a new record. As for the green lobby, well they have a point but I feel that all the international jet travel causes more polution than is realised never mind the virus situation. At 61 5/6ths I have seen the best of the fun I could and feel sorry for the young.

[@MikeSmith-tx2lp]

@@thakery5720 agreed, Pod has to be commercial to survive. I too enjoyed the 1980s at LM, where you could stand right on the Armco before the H&S and insurance brigade turned up to milk it. Sportsman is the lifeblood and seeing the home grown engineering up close can’t be beat.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

This reminds me so much of when they closed O.C.I.R. back in 1983. They said that it was to loud but right next door was the El Toro Marine air base which had fighter jets taking off at all hours of the day and night but that's o.k. I guess. R.I.P. O.C.I.R.

[@jamesharrison6201]

It's the commiecrats/greenies. Just another step to take our cars and trucks. Funny how most of these venues were built on property that couldn't be sold for any use. Now they want to build houses. States need to grow a pair, stop the payola and tell these destructive vultures that there's plenty of property in the city limits to rehab. We don't need another blight on the countryside

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

@@jamesharrison6201 You could not be more Wrong . It's Greed plain and simple.

[@vernm6189]

The Town is Stupid for letting this crime happen, the town will regret this & the Loss of revenues the town depends on? Sad day Because you need more housing & the taxes, RIP racing in your area.

[@mossycreektennessee6528]

what a shame, Id rather see Bristol dragway go as Atlanta

[@austoncly3363]

Have any tried firebird raceway it a quarter mile track

[@bartschwartz7217]

Basically drifting is taking over and the city is moving in around it and they can no longer fill the stands. New Jersey is also all done

[@richb.4374]

I hate to hear of any drag strip closing down. Greedy real estate developers will make drag racing extinct in the not too distant future.

[@FrankieD92]

Lived in Roswell for 26 years and went to the Nationals every year. This is simply a matter of economics, the value of the land versus the cash generated from the racing, our loss...

[@David-hm9ic]

The land where Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, TX has been sold as well. The SpringNationals will take place there May 20-23, 2021 and that may be the last big event at that track, the fastest in the country because it's only a few feet above sea level and has dense air thanks to the prevailing sea breeze.

[@bravofoxable]

Atlanta.... Of all places... This is so sad.... Why must money determine all???

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Have to have more cheaply built apartments and town homes....or maybe some minimum lot track housing. Everyone is headed south to escape what they voted for and repeat the process there.

[@MikeM275]

Sad. A combination of the NHRA's incompetence and greed, combined with encroachment which local authorities were most happy to let happen. The almighty dollar means more to all involved than the sport of Dragracing. I was there, racing in Stock Eliminator, when a guy stole Warren Johnson's door from his Pro Stocker and was nearly to his car with it before being caught. I hate a thief, and I know Warren...but there was something about that brazen attempt that became legend. I was sitting in the drivers stands in Atlanta when I saw my first 200 MPH pro stock pass...by Warren Johnson. I was there (spectating) when Dan Pastorini won his first Top Fuel race. I gave away a round myself at a divisional race that would have probably led to a div 2 championship. Atlanta was an odd place to tune a racecar, at 1000 ft above sea level you would usually need to lean a little, at Atlanta, we always had to richen up a little. Lots of good memories...RIP Atlanta....and soon the NHRA itself?

[@helpmenow7]

Not raining there holy cow.

[@bghammock]

It held off until Monday! :) Yaaaay!!

[@samjones-ou3bn]

very sad day wow its a changeing world all right

[@tonypemberton4139]

That sux need more to open

[@joycemeadows1821]

Luved coming here...so sad its empty. Someone blew it & made a mistake...heard NHRAs call.

[@spudnickjquesanar1678]

Used to be the track I went to before they built Charlotte . maybe 8 times

[@paulmartin8212]

thanks for the memories. Very cool to see the mask police weren't standing in front of every stand making sure your mask was over your nose if you weren't sipping your drink or eating like they were in vegas last fall.

[@guests5863]

Is it dead, or is it going the way of National Trails in Columbus Oh

[@tremarcez]

Whoever bought the track what are they gonna do with it?

[@dannylobo8620]

NHRA HAS BEEN GOING UNDER FOR A WHILE

[@racecar157]

ive seen so many people talk about atlanta being a "marginal" racetrack. was there a reason? was thectrack bulit in a bad location?

[@jimmyherring4349]

Well dam I thought you was going to explain what actually happened with the track

[@LivingNitro]

There is some short text towards the end of the video. The land has been sold and the track will make way for housing.

[@MrSuzuki1187]

Let’s be honest. The NHRA is dying a slow death. I am seeing over and over two things; tracks are closing, and the classes are more and more showing less then a full 16 car field. I live and race in New Jersey. 2 of our 3 tracks are closed or closing. Route 66 is dying. I am SO glad I was involved in the sport as a spectator and racer starting in the early Sixties when the sport was booming.

[@alkennedy1124]

Just pull all of your equipment and bring it to me and reopen a track here with me I’ll pay you out over the next 10 years , after that it’s all mine , kool thanks let me know thanks BigAl thanks you California, praise Jesus grace Christ amen.

[@GForc3]

Where are you looking to build a track?

[@alkennedy1124]

@@GForc3 California high desert 🏜, 100 acres, kool thanks BigAl California

[@GForc3]

@@alkennedy1124 Hopefully it works out for you. I live in Hesperia CA and wish we had a track.

[@alkennedy1124]

@@GForc3 oh yes I’m rite up the road from you, and know me from Willow springs speedway California I’m the famous tow mater truck tower over there, big Al,nice thanks BigAl California.

[@alkennedy1124]

I will have you over at my car shows and when the track gets built , I’ll need some one to do video vlogs and other , !M thanks dream are real , and they will come true, patience, praise Jesus grace Christ amen, love it , thanks BigAl California.

[@eracingregal]

😢😢😢 Where do we go from here?

[@LivingNitro]

:(

[@dwilson2548]

Wow this sucks rest in peace raceway. 😭😭

[@nhragold1922]

I'm getting tired of this kinda stuff! Race track was there first. We need people fighting for us not these losers that are to busy drooling on themselves to enjoy life. Pissed me right off

[@LivingNitro]

The land became too valuable. It's very close to the interstate.

[@kingcracker4275]

Got to make room for some more golf courses homes townhouses apartments for all the immigrants Goodbye old friend

[@davidpayne4315]

They'll probably do something completely useless with the land that it sits on National Trail Raceway in Ohio still runs but since NHRA left track quality has dropped

[@bghammock]

Apartment buildings for the nearby newly built battery factory.

[@dieselrotor]

Crap. Never been there but this still breaks My heart.

[@mikebas7325]

Wonder if any of the new apartment complexes in the background at 4:50 have anything to do with this. I think the word history is no longer used anywhere, such a shame.

[@artmatthes3559]

Do not let an environmentalist from Washington go to the drag strip. All hell would break loose. Talk about pollution, that's all they would be talking about.