If you had told people a year ago that Atlanta Dragway would be on the path to reopening, there would have been a lot of laughter, and not the good kind. It’s truly amazing how much can change in just 365 days, and now the gates could be opening at a drag strip in Commerce, Georgia, once again.
At a recent Banks County Planning Commission (BCPC) meeting, the process to revive the drag strip, located in the Banks Crossing area, officially gained momentum. The BCPC recommended approval of a conditional use permit, which was then forwarded to the Banks County Board of Commissioners for review and final approval.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Banks County Board of Commissioners meeting was packed with more than 300 people eager to see how the Board would rule. Numerous speakers voiced their support for granting the conditional use permit so the track could begin operations again. The permit allows the 318-acre facility to once again operate as a drag strip, just as it did from 1975 to 2021.
Commissioner Chris Ausburn punctuated the moment by saying, “Drag racers, start your engines,” as the vote came back unanimous in favor of bringing drag racing back to Commerce.
There is one condition attached to the approval: On Sundays, racing cannot begin until after 12 p.m. to allow a local church to hold uninterrupted services.
The next move now belongs to the IHRA, which has been waiting in the wings for the necessary approvals to be secured. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as developments unfold in the revival of Atlanta Dragway.
You might also like
Forged vs Cast Pistons: How They're Made And When You Should Use Each
Knowing when to use a forged vs a cast piston is important. Here is a breakdown of the two types of pistons and when to use them.
