Through a new partnership, the speedway – which hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including the upcoming June 28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart – will carry the EchoPark brand for the duration of a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

Specializing in pre-owned vehicle sales, EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in the United States. EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, where a majority of Atlanta NASCAR fans travel from each year to visit the historic speedway. From restart zone signage to fan zone activations and race entitlements, the pre-owned car dealership chain has leveraged resources across nine Speedway Motorsports facilities nationwide to activate its brand and reach race fans and potential new customers. Acquiring the naming rights to one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks is the latest and biggest step in this strategy for EchoPark Automotive.

“We have enjoyed serving guests in the Atlanta metro area since EchoPark Atlanta opened its doors in 2020,” said David B. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive. “This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue.”

EchoPark Automotive is seen as the number one pre-owned car buying experience, reflected in over 100,000 five-star reviews. Using this iconic sports venue, which is the largest in all of Georgia, will help EchoPark Automotive share the message of the brand to millions locally and nationally through major televised NASCAR events.

EchoPark Speedway’s entire 850-acre facility has undergone a massive facelift in preparation for its upcoming national debut as the opening race for the TNT portion of the NASCAR broadcast schedule and the kickoff event for the new in-season Cup Series tournament. Fans will see the new EchoPark Speedway’s signature green color and the new track logo across track walls, Victory Lane, and throughout the concourse when they attend the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, or tune in nationally at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.

The winner of the race will also receive a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevy Silverado and a trailer equipped with an 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle. These exclusive motorcycles can be pre-ordered now at SturgisHD.com, but the very first one of only 26 manufactured will go to the winner of the inaugural EchoPark Speedway race. This incredible prize will be presented to the winner in Victory Lane courtesy of EchoPark Automotive.  

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

EchoPark Speedway has a storied history in NASCAR, hosting races every year since it opened as Atlanta International Raceway in 1960. The speedway hosted NASCAR’s season finale from 1987-2000, including the epic conclusion of the 1992 campaign which saw “The King,” Richard Petty, compete in his last NASCAR race; future legend Jeff Gordon make his first NASCAR Cup Series start; and Georgia’s own Bill Elliott win the race – narrowly losing the title to underdog owner-driver Alan Kulwicki.

Racing enthusiasts have long celebrated EchoPark Speedway’s high-speed, close-quarters racing action and exhilaratingly close finishes. Since its reconfiguration to a 28-degree banked, superspeedway-style track in 2021, that reputation has only been further bolstered. Three- and four-wide racing with abundant lead changes have become the norm when NASCAR visits Atlanta. In February 2024, EchoPark Speedway saw the closest three-wide finish in NASCAR history with race winner Daniel Suárez eclipsing Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by just 0.003 and 0.007 seconds, respectively. Earlier this year, a new record was set for most lead changes at the speedway. This month’s Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart is expected to continue that trend of thrilling NASCAR action in Atlanta.

EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–MAY 2025–There are some iconic attractions associated with Daytona Beach, Florida. Of course, there are the beautiful Atlantic beaches, known both as the “Birthplace of Speed” and as a premier vacation spot. Today, this long-famous destination is known for much more. It is home to a surprising variety of attractions that are bringing visitors with diverse interests, all year long.

Iconic

On the coast, just an hour’s drive from Orlando, St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach is still steeped in racing, but it’s not just racing history. The innovative Daytona International Speedway (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 800-748-7467) complex is home to much more than a race track. (But what a race track it is!) Speedway tours are also a fantastic way to get an up-close look at the world-famous track, with its 31-degree banking, the infield Fan Zone, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the $400 million renovation. The NASCAR Racing Experience (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 800-237-3889) invites fans to drive a NASCAR race car at the “World Center of Racing!” Visitors can choose to drive a race car by themselves or take a ride along as a passenger. 

Historic

Baseball history was made here, too. Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172), is the place where Robinson broke the color barrier. This is the oldest operating ballpark in the minor league baseball system and is home to the Daytona Tortugas minor league team, a Class single A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The nearby Halifax Historical Museum (252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-6976) takes a broader look at the area’s history. This is a treasure trove of displays on topics ranging from Native American history to handmade surfboards.

Artistic

Daytona Beach is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country. At the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285), where visitors can experience the beauty of art, the wonder of science, stories of history and Coca-Cola memorabilia. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285) has the largest collection of Florida art in the world.

Splashy

Daytona Lagoon (601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-254-5020) is a premier waterpark and family entertainment center filled with thrilling slides, chilling pools, fast-paced arcades and more than a million gallons of rushing water. Twelve water rides, a ropes course and a 70-foot-high zipline are only the beginning of the ways to enjoy a day of adventure here. From Adventure Mountain and Kraven’s Revenge to wave pools and the Castaway Children’s Play Area, there is fun for visitors of any age.

Outdoorsy

The 15 beach parks in Daytona Beach provide public parking for a nominal fee and a range of amenities. State parks add a variety of ways to enjoy the diverse landscapes here. Tomoka State Park (2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-676-4050) is great for birding, boating and camping along the Halifax River. Further inland, Blue Spring State Park (2100 West French Avenue, Orange City, Florida 32763; 386-775-3663) is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River, a crystal clear, 73-degree designated Manatee Refuge.

Find Your Favorite

Daytona Beach is an excellent golf destination, ranked among the top 15 places to play golf in the U.S. There are nearly 20 courses from which to choose for year-round play. And of course, there is fishing. Whether pursuing a big game catch, trolling just offshore or casting on the inland waters, there are plenty of charter options here. There are also trails of all kinds to take in during a trip to Daytona Beach. Make time for these additional Daytona Beach area adventures: Ale Trail, Motorsports Trail, Iconic Trail, African American Heritage Trail and the Monument and Statue Trail. 

Where to eat

For a little casual local flavor, try these area restaurants:

Down the Hatch Seafood Company (4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-761-4831), a favorite spot for casual waterfront dining, overlooks the scenic waters of Ponce de Leon Inlet.

Racing’s North Turn (4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-322-3258) is the place where beach racing history is recounted, overlooking the ocean.

Ormond Garage (48 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-492-7981) is a popular craft brewery and eatery, which pays homage to the area’s racing heritage and sits in the heart of a vibrant entertainment district.Joe’s Crab Shack Daytona Beach (1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118; 386-238-4050) is an over-the-water eatery on Daytona Beach’s ocean pier, offering casual, family-friendly dining.

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DAWSONVILLE, GEORGIA—JANUARY 2025—When the Depression hit in the 1930s, residents of the rural North Georgia town of Dawsonville suffered greatly. Prohibition was still in effect and moonshine production provided residents with a needed source of income, said native David Sosebee, whose family has lived in the area for generations. Folks didn’t trust the government that allowed their banks to fail, Sosebee added, so they didn’t mind that the selling of moonshine was against the law.

But that didn’t keep the feds from coming. Dawsonville residents supercharged their cars for speed to outrun those aimed at stopping their trade and that need for speed prevailed. Over time, stock car racing became a sport in the North Georgia Mountains, eventually leading to the creation of NASCAR and securing Dawsonville as the Birthplace of Stockcar Racing. Some of the biggest names in racing hail from Dawsonville, including Bill and Chase Elliott, Raymond Parks, Red Vogt, Roy Hall, Lloyd Seay and Gober Sosebee, father to David Sosebee who’s also a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race car driver.

Visitors to Dawsonville will find this racing tradition, then and now, evident throughout town. And to make a visit to Dawsonville even more enticing, there’s new things to see and experience.

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum 

The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum (415 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 706-216-7223) offers an overview of this unique history, including the early days of moonshine running, the history of motorsports in the region and the men who carried on the racing tradition. The museum contains both original and replica racers from the 1940s to today, the Elliott Family Room, showcasing the triumphs of award-winning NASCAR drivers Bill “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” Elliott and his son, Chase Elliott, and the years of inductees into the Racing Hall of Fame.

New to the museum, after a major renovation, are six state-of-the-art iRacing Simulators where visitors can experience the thrill of racing on 60 tracks with a choice of cars—even compete against each other while others watch on a large screen. One simulator is handicapped accessible, making the fun available to all. Racing leagues are in the works, to be offered every Thursday starting in January 2025.

Overhead audio projectors now complement the Hall of Fame exhibits, offering information on the racing experts. A new exhibit in the style of a 1950s garage honors Red Vogt of Atlanta, known as NASCAR’s first master mechanic and premier engine builder to bootleggers. 

What’s New at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Complex

In addition to its massive renovation, the museum complex welcomes Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. (415 Highway 53 East, Suite 130, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 706-781-1829) and the Station House Restaurant (415 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 706-525-5145), both family- owned and -operated businesses. 

Country artist and owner Tommy Townsend, along with his daughter Megan Kimsey, serve a variety of “shine” at Mimm’s, recipes carried down from Townsend’s grandfather known affectionately as Mimm. Choose from barrel-aged whiskey and Owltown Vodka to pure and flavored moonshine. Plans are in the works to install a stage and add concerts to Mimm’s monthly music bingo. Mimm’s is both family- (check out the many board games!) and pet-friendly. 

Dawsonville is the second venue for the Station House, but the menu remains the same—delicious Southern favorites such as crispy fried chicken, meatloaf and cornbread dressing and their famous pancakes and biscuits for breakfast, all made from scratch daily. Marla Nix grew up in the restaurant business; her family has owned and operated restaurants for more than 40 years! For those who want to take home some of Marla’s tasty creations, simply drive up to the old filling station adjacent to the museum and restaurant to gather your take-out.

Soon, a greenspace will be added to the exterior of the museum complex allowing folks to enjoy both Mimm’s drinks and The Station House fare in the great outdoors.

Atlanta Motorsports Park

Rather hit the tracks yourself? Dawsonville puts the public behind the wheel on the two-mile, F1-designed circuit created by the renowned Hermann Tilke and the .85-mile pro kart tracks with more than 43 feet of elevation change at the Atlanta Motorsports Park (20 Duck Thurmond Road, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 678-329-8051). It’s a one-of-a-kind playground for those wishing to race high performance cars, motorcycles and karts.

There’s race viewing, racing schools and car handling experiences on what Road and Track Magazine called one of the “Top 10 racetracks in North America.” In addition, for its “excellence and innovation in the high-performance driving and racing industry,” AMP took the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Facility Award by SPEED SPORT.

AMP’s pro kart track, the fastest kart track in the region, caters to ages 5-70+ in 13 different classes on a race day and its driving academy offers several driving courses, including the non-profit DriveStrong for teens with real-world conditions to prepare them for a lifetime of safe driving. To entice folks even more, Atlanta Motorsports Park has now added lights to the kart racing track to allow night racing and night leagues to enjoy racing throughout the year. 

Dawsonville Pool Room 

Racing enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the Dawsonville Pool Room (9 Bill Elliott Street, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 706-265-2792), which serves as a racing museum as well as a great spot for lunch and dinner. Gordon Pirkle, known to locals as “Mr. Dawsonville” and founder of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, opened his restaurant in 1966. Over the years, he’s collected racing memorabilia, including decades-old newspaper clippings and issues of “MotorWeek Illustrated,” and covered the walls of his restaurants with its history. 

One of Pirkle’s employees was known to create unique dishes and hand them to customers without their approval, although they hardly complained. One was a unique burger consisting of a crisp meat patty topped with house-made slaw, onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup. Labeled the “Bully Burger,” it’s now a North Georgia favorite and attracts foodies from all over.

If you’re fortunate to be in Dawsonville when a hometown boy wins a race, you’ll hear what sounds like a tornado siren. Pirkle started this tradition of sounding the “sireeeen” when locals win races, such as in 2020, when Chase Elliott became the youngest driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship (and the third father-son duo to win the trophy). The siren blared for hours. It’s all part of the love Dawsonville shares for the Elliott family, and the many other famous drivers hailing from the region. 

“If you hear a siren here, it’s either an air raid or Chase Elliott won the race,” said David Sosebee. 

Annual festivals

During the year, the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame offers several special events, such as car shows and the Daytona 500 Watching Party. The 58th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival, which celebrates both the town’s moonshine history and its being the Official Birthplace of Stockcar Racing, will be October 24-26, 2025, at Main Street Park. The festival is one of the longest running festivals in the country and includes 600 cars on display and 300-plus vendors each year with proceeds helping children in need.

Where to stay 

Just a short drive from downtown Dawsonville lies Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge  (418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 800-573-9656) with its miles of hiking trails, a cozy lodge situated on top of a mountain with breathtaking views, attractions such as zip lining and a dramatic 729-foot waterfall, the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The park’s also eight miles from the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the new welcome center tells the trail’s history through exhibits and interactive displays. 

For those wanting an adventure, hike from the park five miles into the backcountry to the Len Foote Hike Inn (280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534). Friendly staff greet you at trail’s end and provide a room, meals served family-style and one of the best sunrise views in Georgia.

The post Dawsonville’s Racing Traditions Then and Now appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.