Petit Le Mans, where to stay

[trahsub]

My buddy and I are planning on making the trip down to ATL for this year's race and I was curious where people typically stay? I know camping is popular but we are flying and don't want to deal with packing gear.

I guess I'd ask if there is any nightlife in the Road Atlanta area, and if so, what town is the best bet to have some fun at night while still being relatively close (30 miles) to the track?

[joeb]

Originally Posted by trahsub

My buddy and I are planning on making the trip down to ATL for this year's race and I was curious where people typically stay? I know camping is popular but we are flying and don't want to deal with packing gear.

I guess I'd ask if there is any nightlife in the Road Atlanta area, and if so, what town is the best bet to have some fun at night while still being relatively close (30 miles) to the track?

I would say make arrangements to camp! There is some good camping (and nightlife) at the track. In 2000 I flew to Sebring with camping gear and rented a car and then went shopping for whatever food and such I needed. Don't know if that is possible now with the rules regarding airline luggage weight limits, but it is defiantly worth exploring.

[broadrun96]

also, what day would most say is the best to arrive? Thinking about trying to get don there but need to rent a car (broke college student without one) and trying to estimate my costs. definitely thinking camping's the only way to go for me.

[Flyin Ryan]

Originally Posted by trahsub

My buddy and I are planning on making the trip down to ATL for this year's race and I was curious where people typically stay? I know camping is popular but we are flying and don't want to deal with packing gear.

I guess I'd ask if there is any nightlife in the Road Atlanta area, and if so, what town is the best bet to have some fun at night while still being relatively close (30 miles) to the track?

If you want any nightlife (and aren't going to camp at the track) you're going to have to stay south in Atlanta. Not much in Braselton.

[Canada ALMS fan]

I would advise against camping in a tent as it is a little cold at night. Get in Wednesday night and enjoy Thursday at the track as the paddock is open and the evening practice is a must. There is no night life I know of except in Atlanta. If you want decent accomodations for a reasonable price Commerce is good. The Best Western is where I stay. It is about 20 mi. north and the hotels have a large variety of restaurants right by them. You can stay in Gainesville which is a little closer but the hotels tend to cost a little more and there are some rougher areas IMO.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

I would advise against camping in a tent as it is a little cold at night.

I've stayed in a tent the last two years at PLM. I don't think it's gotten below 60F at night, which is hardly what one would call too cold at night. Even if there is a cold spell, something called Sleeping bags should keep you warm easily down into the 30's, if you are prepared.

[jc_nl]

An other option would be to rent a (small) rv, that way you have transportation to and from the track, and a comfortable place to stay in, way better then a tent.

That what we will be doing again this year (although our trip won't start in Atalanta but in New York :P), it worked realy well for us the 2007 race, it is an option that should be considerd IMO.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

I would advise against camping in a tent as it is a little cold at night. Get in Wednesday night and enjoy Thursday at the track as the paddock is open and the evening practice is a must. There is no night life I know of except in Atlanta. If you want decent accomodations for a reasonable price Commerce is good. The Best Western is where I stay. It is about 20 mi. north and the hotels have a large variety of restaurants right by them. You can stay in Gainesville which is a little closer but the hotels tend to cost a little more and there are some rougher areas IMO.

You're from Canada and you think Atlanta is cold?

There can be a temp swing from day to night, and over the years there have been some colder nights for sure, but it's much nicer to camp in the cool than in the hot muggy nights.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

also, what day would most say is the best to arrive? Thinking about trying to get don there but need to rent a car (broke college student without one) and trying to estimate my costs. definitely thinking camping's the only way to go for me.

To get a good camping spot I usually get there wednesday evening or Thursday morning. There are showers at the track too (some nicer than others). I usually just bring all the food and drink that I need and depending on the heat i sometimes have to make an ice run. But staying at the track is reasonable - much cheaper than hotels plus you can bring a grill and do all your cooking and save money that way.

[fieldodreams79]

come stay with the turn 4 crew if you want.
athens is about 45 minutes (33 miles) through the "countryside" from the track. it is a college town with more bars per square mile than the FrenchQuarter in NewOrleans and lots AND LOTS of hot (mostly college aged) women. i was borned&raised here and still reside here, but i've camped for the last 9 PLMs. not sure of the hotel rates, but you could find one within stumblin' distances of the nightlife. still, athens is a short drive. i know Commerce, Winder and Braselton have very little if no nightlife, but i am unsure of Gainesville. Hot 'lanta has great night life if you are looking to pay lots of money for drinks and a cab as well as interstates to and from the track.

Originally Posted by joeb

You're from Canada and you think Atlanta is cold?

my sentiments, exactly...
september/october in North GA is actually quite pleasent...cool nights and "not too" hot days. bring a long sleeve shirt and your tank top
and rain gear, too!

[trahsub]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

come stay with the turn 4 crew if you want.
athens is about 45 minutes (33 miles) through the "countryside" from the track. it is a college town with more bars per square mile than the FrenchQuarter in NewOrleans and lots AND LOTS of hot (mostly college aged) women. i was borned&raised here and still reside here, but i've camped for the last 9 PLMs. not sure of the hotel rates, but you could find one within stumblin' distances of the nightlife. still, athens is a short drive.

Now that's what I'm talking about! I will defintiely consider Athens, and that town did pop up in my search.

[JHamilton]

Only losers camp in turn 4... oh wait.

Nightlife is an hour + drive from the track... it's in the sticks. I know it would be a pain, but I'd fly in and stop at one of the multitude of wally worlds along the way and pick up some cheap gear. Even after you buy a tent, sleeping bags, grill, and supplies, you'll still be less than $200 and save the hotel cost.

As said above, prepare for rain. Don't wear anything your not willing to leave behind.

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by trahsub

Now that's what I'm talking about! I will defintiely consider Athens, and that town did pop up in my search.

Athens is a great town, just be prepared for the barking... woof woof

[trahsub]

What's the story with Duluth or Lawerenceville? They seem to be a little more direct to Road Atlanta and getting back to the airport in ATL. Is it about 30 mins to get to the track? Is one of these towns nicer to stay in than the other. I'd prefer not to stay in a rough part of Atlanta, but I have very limited knowledge of the metro.

[prototype]

If you stay in the north part of Atlanta you will be fine. I live in Atlanta, so you can PM me if you would like. If you are just going to stay at a hotel, I would stay in one close to Braselton. Probably a little cheaper, and there is nothing for tourist to do in Duluth or Lawrenceville.

Things a tourist can do in Atlanta: (not a great tourist town)
Buckhead for the bars and clubs
Georgia Aquarium / Centennial Park / World of Coke
Atlanta Braves Game
Stone Mountain
High Musuem of Art
Fox Theatre

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by trahsub

What's the story with Duluth or Lawerenceville? They seem to be a little more direct to Road Atlanta and getting back to the airport in ATL. Is it about 30 mins to get to the track? Is one of these towns nicer to stay in than the other. I'd prefer not to stay in a rough part of Atlanta, but I have very limited knowledge of the metro.

They're suburbs. You won't be able to tell when you've left one and entered the other. 30-40 minutes (depending on how far off of 85 you are) is about right. There's some shady areas in each, but they're not bad. I agree with proto, if your staying outside Atl., stay closer to Braselton. Somewhere around the Mall of GA (I think that's Buford) would be good. FWIW, the nighlife in Atlanta is in Midtown and Virginia Highlands as they have closed most of the bars/clubs in Buckhead.

[trahsub]

Thanks for the tips. Also, it turns out I have a ton going for PLM weekend, and while I really plan on being down there for the race, would a trip be worth it if one were to go to the track for just Thursday and Friday? I imagine the paddock will be a little easier to navigate and teams more approachable, and I'd catch practice and qualifying. But is it enough to justify the trip if I left Friday night?

[CarolK]

Originally Posted by trahsub

Thanks for the tips. Also, it turns out I have a ton going for PLM weekend, and while I really plan on being down there for the race, would a trip be worth it if one were to go to the track for just Thursday and Friday? I imagine the paddock will be a little easier to navigate and teams more approachable, and I'd catch practice and qualifying. But is it enough to justify the trip if I left Friday night?

The best part is the race. You might consider Sebring in March instead. FYI, I just added Thursday night to our existing reservations at the Best Western in Brasleton - can't get any closer or convenient so chances are there's still rooms available.

Carol

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

Only losers camp in turn 4... oh wait.

or is it turn 3?

Originally Posted by JHamilton

Athens is a great town, just be prepared for the barking... woof woof

had to go there, didn't you?
buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....go away insect!

Ca-Cauh!

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by trahsub

Thanks for the tips. Also, it turns out I have a ton going for PLM weekend, and while I really plan on being down there for the race, would a trip be worth it if one were to go to the track for just Thursday and Friday? I imagine the paddock will be a little easier to navigate and teams more approachable, and I'd catch practice and qualifying. But is it enough to justify the trip if I left Friday night?

if you come all the way, you ought to stay for at least the first few hours of the race. the race day atmosphere has become more intense over the years and would be well worth sticking around.
however, thursday and friday are great with the support races and q'ing sessions (which have been awesome the last few years as well). yes, the paddock areas are a lot less crowded on t & f, but it would be worth it to stick around until at least 9 pm saturday.
if you've never been to RoadATL, you MAY feel satisfied after 2 days, which will justify the trip...but after the first two, you may find yourself wanting to stay, because it is a fantastic facility for the spectators.

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

if you come all the way, you ought to stay for at least the first few hours of the race. the race day atmosphere has become more intense over the years and would be well worth sticking around.
however, thursday and friday are great with the support races and q'ing sessions (which have been awesome the last few years as well). yes, the paddock areas are a lot less crowded on t & f, but it would be worth it to stick around until at least 9 pm saturday.
if you've never been to RoadATL, you MAY feel satisfied after 2 days, which will justify the trip...but after the first two, you may find yourself wanting to stay, because it is a fantastic facility for the spectators.

Agreed. Although my favorite part of the weekend is night practice, once you get there, you won't want to leave.