There’s something about fall in Georgia that just hits different. Cooler weather, golden afternoons and a calendar full of festivals, football and all things spooky. If you’re looking for a unique activity to add to your list of pumpkin patches and hayrides this October, let us introduce you to one of North Georgia’s most underrated fall traditions: Motul Petit Le Mans. For 25 years, this iconic endurance race has taken place at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Motul Petit Le Mans invites 140,000 people from across the globe to Braselton for a four-day event that combines world–class motorsports with the fall tailgate vibe we’re looking for.
Petit Le Mans (French for “Little Le Mans,” pronounced “luh-mahn” if you’re feeling fancy) is the season finale of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Just as the Kentucky Derby is a key event in horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Motul Petit Le Mans is a pivotal round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. Now, before you say “I’m not a race car person,” hear us out. Even if you’ve never sat through a NASCAR lap, this isn’t just a race. And if you’re not a racing fan (yet), all you really need to know is this: it’s 10 hours of non-stop racing featuring some of the most elite sports cars, drivers and teams in the world. Saturday is the main event, but if you want the full experience, arrive early in the week (October 9 –12) to catch practice sessions, qualifying rounds and behind-the-scenes action that puts you right in the middle of the motorsport magic.
If you love camping or have recently been wanting to camp at a festival, Road Atlanta offers several camping options, from tent setups to RVs. Waking up trackside? Kinda iconic & definitely instagrammable. If your ideal weekend is more “rosé and room service” than “cooler and camp chair,” Chateau Elan is just minutes away from the track. This luxurious resort and winery features European-style accommodations, a full-service spa and of course, wine tastings. There are also plenty of hotels and Airbnb stays in Braselton and the surrounding area if you’re looking for something charming and convenient.
One of the best things about Motul Petit Le Mans? It’s more than just race day. The entire weekend is a vibe—and with so much to do in and around Braselton, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by only coming for a day. We recommend turning this into a weekend getaway. Spend your day at the track, then wind down with a wine tasting at Chateau Elan or dinner downtown.
We love that you can build your adventure here, whether it’s high-speed, slow-sipped or a little of both. If you’re a motorsports mega-fan or just here for the adrenaline and ambiance, add Motul Petit Le Mans to your list of fall events this October. You don’t have to be a car person to fall in love with it…but we can’t promise this weekend won’t turn you into one.