Petit Le Mans
Atlanta’s premiere Motorsports event is the Petit Le Mans, or “Little Le Mans”. Since 1998 the Petit Le Mans has brought a version of the famous French race and many of the same cars and teams to the Atlanta area. The event covers 4 days in October and includes over a dozen different races from no less than 4 different series.
The premiere event, occurring on Saturday and running 10 hours in length and covering a variety of classes it is some of the most exciting racing you’ll see. It’s the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship season finale. People literally travel from all of the world to see this event.
It’s also a tailgaters dream. Petit Le Mans brings out many day and overnight campers. Find a great spot, take in the action and enjoy the sites and sounds.
Another great thing about Petit Le Mans is all of the automotive marketing tents. Many of the major car manufacturers host owners in private tents or facilities throughout the weekend.
Many of the local car clubs also participate in events. BMW CCA and other clubs are known for hosting parade laps. It’s a great, easy and safe way to get a couple of trips around one of the 10 must do things in the Atlanta Car Scene.
We’ve got a complete breakdown of information you need to know whether you are visiting for an afternoon or camping fall 4 days.
2023 Petit Le Mans Event Information
Official Name: Motul Petit Le Mans
Date: October 11th-14th, 2023
Location: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
More Information/Tickets: Official Ticket Website
Petit Le Mans Parking And Tailgating
Parking Plan
The following areas will be available for day parking:
- Turn 3 Parking
- Turn 9 Parking
- Spectator Hill Parking
- Turn 10 Parking
- Tower Paddock (Saturday only)
Parking is generally regularly available for most of the week EXCEPT on Saturday. If you have not already secured a parking pass for Saturday don’t expect to park in the infield easily that day. There are parking lots outside of the gate with a shuttle that are available.
Petit Le Mans Tailgating
Officially outside alcohol is not allowed and vehicles are subject to inspection. We find this rule is not proactively enforced, but if you cause a scene inspect to get a visit from the numerous .
You may bring in outside of food, have controlled fires (in the camping areas) and bring gas and charcoal grills.
Car Corrals/Brand Specific Parking
Several large car clubs host what are known as “car corrals”. These are special parking areas, for an additional fee, hosted by some of the larger car clubs. For 2023 those Corrals are Porsche, BMW, and Corvette. The Corvette and Porsche Corral tickets can be purchased directly through the Petit Le Mans ticketing website.
The BMW Corral tickets are only available to members of the BMW CCA. You can purchase them directly from the club. Membership is required. The BMW Corral tickets also include access to a BMW CCA viewing tent which includes refreshments, TV broadcasts the races and a place to sit. We should note, this area is different than the BMW manufacturer hospitality building.
While these spots come with an additional fee, they are also in a great spot. They are located in area near Turn 11 and 12, the front straight and the Fan Zone. These spaces make for easy walking to the major attractions near the paddock.
Camping At Petit Le Mans
Non-Reserved Tent/RV Camping
Non-Reserved camping is an affordable way to enjoy the entire weekend. Gates open Wednesday morning for non-reserved camping. The best spaces fill up very quickly. Some have been known to camp out Tuesday night on the roadside just to get in line for the best spots Wednesday. This is usually a bigger concern for RVers. By mid-day Thursday even the best tent spots are likely gone.
Non-Reserved Spots are first come first serve. We have had lucky setting up a tent and leaving for one or more nights. However, when doing this you likely look some of your area and even parking. So it is possible, but wouldn’t recommend it if you are sensitive to the amount of space.
Golf Carts are allowed but require an additional pass.
Tent Camping Area: 18′ by 18′
RV Camping Area: 18′ by 55′
Non-Reserved Tent/RV Camping Locations
- Turn 5 Bathhouse
- Turn 9 Infield
- Turn 10 Infield
Reserved RV Camping
Reserved camping has already sold out for 2023. In fact, it generally sells out nearly immediately each year. Reserved camping locations are assigned when buying the ticket. You can enter on Tuesday with a reserved camping ticket.
Hospitality
Several major manufacturers offer access to hospitability buildings, including BMW and Lexus. These heapability buildings are generally open to any owner of those brands vehicles. Just bring a key, even if you didn’t drive the vehicle that day.
Among our favorites is the BMW building. It includes prime viewing areas entering the front straights, includes give aways such as hats, as well as refreshments.
Petit Le Mans Experience Gallery
Streaming Petit Le Mans
Can’t attend? While we think you will be missing out, we do have complete details on how to stream or watch the Petit Le Mans.
Where: Peacock Premium or Premium Plus
Cost: Starts at $4.99/month (premium) or $9.99/month (premium plus with no/limited ads)
IMSA officially partners with Peacock for streaming. The Peacock subscription includes access to other motorsports such as IndyCar.
Expect coverage of the race on USA Networks as well, but traditionally linear television does not broadcast the entire race and generally does not cover a lot of the non-main event races.
You can learn more about how to stream your favorite racing events with our handy guide.
2024 Petit Le Mans Dates
IMSA has already announced their 2024 schedule, including the 2024 dates for the Petit Le Mans, which will be held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta October 9th-12th, 2024.
More details on the 2024 as they are available.
