Rejoice, racing fans! After weeks of anticipation, approval from the Banks County Board of Commissioners, and new conditional zoning, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially announced the purchase of Atlanta Dragway.
Drag racing is coming back to Banks County!
A Brief History of Atlanta Dragway
Originally intended to be an airport, Atlanta Dragway was built by Gene Bennett in 1975. The track opened in 1976 and remained in operation until 2021, when it was sold to a real estate developer.
In 2025, the developer attempted to rezone the racetrack property to accommodate over 1,200 homes and 300,000 square feet of commercial development. The Banks County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to deny the zoning change. On February 3rd, 2026, the Banks County Planning Commission unanimously voted to zone the property for motorsports use. Shortly after, the Board of Commissioners announced to a room full of racing fans that drag racing would return to their county.
On February 18th, 2026, the IHRA announced its official purchase of the track and its plans to host the final race of the 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series, scheduled for October 22–24, 2026.
Notable Moments in Track History
Atlanta Dragway has hosted some legendary performances over the years, including:
- Lucille Lee becomes the second female Top Fuel winner (1982)
- Former NFL quarterback Dan Pastorini wins Top Fuel (1986)
- Ashley Force Hood becoming the first woman to win an NHRA Funny Car event in 2008
- Doug Kalitta wins dead-heat (.0000-second) Top Fuel final (2016)
For nearly five decades, this track has been a proving ground for greatness.
My First Time at Atlanta Dragway
I still vividly remember my first trip to Commerce, the smell of race gas and burnt rubber, the sound of big blocks and open headers, and the sea of fans crowding the pits and grandstands.
Watching friends make passes down the strip, seeing families build traditions around race weekends, and witnessing the positive economic impact on the small-town community made it worth every penny of admission.
Unfortunately, my first visit would also be one of my last.
I moved to the area in 2019 and was only able to attend a handful of events before the 2021 closure. The most memorable event I attended was the final Street Car Takeover held at the track. Events like that have always held a special place in my heart because they celebrate innovation and traditional hot rod values. Seeing cars built in small shops across the state, or in home garages, compete against each other instead of big-budget race teams brings an indescribable kind of joy.
That’s grassroots racing at its finest.
The Track’s Closure and Its Impact on the Community
Commerce, Georgia is a wonderful rural community with incredible small-town charm. Atlanta Dragway played a major role in driving local economic activity, providing entertainment, and shaping the town’s identity.
When the track closed in 2021, the effects were immediate. Local businesses from gas stations and restaurants to hotels and automotive shops felt the loss. Coupled with the challenges of a worldwide pandemic, the closure of such a major economic driver forced many small business owners to make incredibly difficult decisions.
Racetracks, love them or hate them, provide value to everyone.
As tracks across the country continue to close, more racers have taken to the streets. This shift has contributed to the rise of “takeover culture” seen throughout metro Atlanta and other major cities. That kind of behavior presents clear dangers to drivers, spectators, and innocent bystanders.
The safest way to protect our communities is to provide legal venues where racing can take place in a controlled, professional environment.
Atlanta Dragway has always been that place.
What the Reopening Means for Racers
When Atlanta Dragway shut down, many racers were forced to travel long distances to compete. Tracks such as:
- Silver Dollar Motorsports Park
- South Georgia Motorsports Park
- Paradise Drag Strip
All of which are excellent facilities, but for racers and fans in Northeast Georgia, they require significantly more travel time and expenses. The closest alternative, Paradise Drag Strip, is nearly two hours away.
The return of Atlanta Dragway restores accessibility, affordability, and opportunity for racers across the region.
In Celebration of the Reopening
With Atlanta Dragway reopening, we expect to see a surge in demand for proper track-prep upgrades from reliable relay control systems to clean fuel pump wiring that won’t fail on the third pass.
That’s where we can help.
At Premier Speed Solutions, we specialize in motorsport electronics designed to perform when it matters most. Whether you’re preparing for test-and-tune nights or chasing points in the IHRA series, making sure your electrical system is dialed in can be the difference between loading up early and making it to the finals.
To celebrate the reopening, we’re offering a limited-time promotion:
From now until March 31st, 2026, use code MakeCommerceGreatAgain to receive:
- Free shipping
- Up to a $500 bonus installation credit on select motorsport electronics
Installation Credits:
| Product Line | Credit |
| Wire in ECUs | $500 |
| PDMs | $500 |
| Vehicle Wiring Kits | $500 |
| Plug and Play ECU/Harness Combos | $250 |
| Digital Dashes | $200 |
| Accessory bundles (3 or more sensors, keypads, CAN devices, or boost controllers). | $150 |
| Individual Accessories (sensors, keypads, CAN devices, or boost controllers). | $50 |
Valid for labor expenses incurred at Premier Speed Solutions only. Credits can not be transferred. Credits valid through November 30th, 2026. Multiple products may qualify for installation credits, however credits are capped at $500 per customer.*
Shop for Motorsport Electronics Here.
To read the official IHRA press release, click here.