Spectating at NASA Road Atlanta

Is there anything I should know before spectating at a NASA event, specifically the upcoming one at Road Atlanta March 17-18? I'm planning on being there for the Sunday as I'm in the area for a week of holidays. It looks like it'll be $10 to get in for the day. Should I bring a bike along to get around the infield and out to the further corners of the track or just hop in my car and drive around? I'm used to Mosport where you need pretty serious off road vehicle to get out to Moss Bend (Turn 5). Is getting a ride along with an instructor a possibility? If so I'll throw my SA2010 helmet in and bring it along and I presume jeans, closed toe shoes and a cotton shirt are mandatory.

Thanks for any advice, this will be the first NASA event and first time to Road Atlanta for this Canadian looking to escape the death throws of winter up here :)

Adam

Road Atlanta is a pretty awesome track for the spectator. The infield covers some serious real estate, though. You can bike it, but it’s really hilly. I’d just drive around. You can drive close enough to all of the turns.

Also, be warned that the red Georgia clay is tenacious. Don’t wear your new sneakers.

What you Don't like RED Shoes. Hiking Boots will get you Through. If you are Young and Healthy a Bike will work, Pretty Good Elevation change From Front to Back Straights.

Thanks for the advice, hiking shoes it is and if the weather is looking good I'll toss my mountain bike on the roof.

Adam

Adam,

Bring your helmet! I will be instructing at Road Atlanta this weekend in a blue 2nd generation RX7.

NASA will let you ride along with an instructor. They just make you sign a release form.

If you find me in the paddock, I will walk you to the NASA folks to get the release and we can go from there. My tow vehicle is a red over black Chevy Avalanche (might be easier to find me.) Look forward to meeting you!

John

Adam, that is a true GRM offer. Lucky you.

Also, A John

Don't wear a red shirt either. It will get you moved away from some areas of the track. And it's not likely to be a question this weekend but bring long pants or you can't go on track.

You can walk everywhere if you are decently in shape. I'd make a home base in the "bleachers" at Turn 10, then you can walk the infield loop all the way out to 7, or down to the start/finish area and pits. The whole place is a hill, so for me walking was easier than biking.

If you get down to the Pre-Grid I will be the harried looking one trying to keep everything under control. Probably wearing a safety yellow and black parka, Camo pants and NASA hat most of the weekend. Stop and say HI. I second Road Atlanta being a great rack to spectate, you can get to just about every turn and see all the parts of the track from multiple vantage points. Bring a folding chair you will want to sit down once you walk to some of the corners.

Hell, wear a white shirt and pants, and you can probably go stand with the flaggers! :D

I haven't posted a lot on here but this is my favorite place on the web. Thanks for all of the advice and the generous offer. John, I'll be the tall guy chasing you down, I will find you :) A ride around the track will definitely make up for the fact that I will have to enjoy all of the fun twisty roads down there on snows this year.

Thanks,

Adam

Another viewing recipe:

Start at the inside of Turn 1 and gradually walk up the hill to Turn 4. The view constantly changes. I guess you could do the reverse, but for whatever reason I find myself going up the hill.

Well, that was a fun day! Thanks so much for the ride along John, you're a great ambassador of the sport and for NASA, your students are lucky to have someone so enthusiastic to guide them along. That track is really cool, the elevation and blind corners over crests really take some commitment. It was a shame the Spec E30, 944 and Miata's didn't get a better race in today but it was still fun to watch all the groups run.

Adam

Awesome, glad you had fun. Cool facility, huh?

And here's the plug: We'll be there next month for the Mitty. Come hang with us.

I'll just add that the Mitty is probably my favorite event there all year. That includes Petite, which I usually make it to as well.

Matt B wrote: I'll just add that the Mitty is probably my favorite event there all year. That includes Petite, which I usually make it to as well.

Awwww. Thanks for the kind words.

It was great to meet you Adam and I am glad that you had fun. The Lightning Race was a mess and I hate that you did not get to see those E30's fight it out.

Enjoy your time in our area. When your BMW is finished, you need to bring it down and put it on track. Please request me as an instructor!

John

In reply to David S. Wallens:

X2 on the Mitty. Everyone should experience it at least once. It is the best. Almost too much to take in over a weekend and the people are just fantastic.

I do love vintage racing, hopefully the timing works out to take in the Mitty in the future.

Adam