NOLA Motorsports Park

NOLA Motorsports Park is a premier motor racing facility located in Avondale, Louisiana, near New Orleans. The park opened in 2011 and serves as a comprehensive motorsports destination for professional racing, amateur events, and track day activities. Designer Alan Wilson created the circuit layout, bringing his experience from projects like Utah Motorsports Campus and Barber Motorsports Park. The facility was built on former swampland at a construction cost of $62 million, transforming the landscape into a world-class racing venue.

History and Development

The park began operations in 2011 as a country-club-style facility for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The venue hosted its first major professional event in 2015 when IndyCar held the Grand Prix of Louisiana. James Hinchcliffe won this inaugural IndyCar race. Since then, NOLA Motorsports Park has attracted various racing series including the AMA Superbike Championship, Trans-Am Series, and GT World Challenge America. The facility currently hosts the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association's NOLA SpeedTour, featuring vintage racing, Formula Vee, Formula Regional Americas, F4 US Championship, and the Mazda Miata Heritage Cup Series.

Track Layout and Configurations

The main circuit measures 2.75 miles (4.43 kilometers) in length and includes 14 to 17 turns depending on configuration. The track features a modular design that creates five distinct road course layouts. The north track configuration runs 1.1 miles, while the south track extends 1.6 miles. This flexibility allows organizers to customize the circuit for different event types and skill levels. The facility combines high-speed straights with technical corner sections, creating varied challenges for drivers. The flat topography includes subtle elevation changes that add complexity to racing lines and vehicle setup.

Technical Specifications

NOLA Motorsports Park holds FIA Grade 2 certification, meeting international standards for professional racing. The track surface consists of high-quality asphalt that provides excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions. Track width ranges from 40 to 50 feet across different sections. The longest straight measures between 5,200 and 5,800 feet, while the main straight extends 3,800 feet. This long straight allows drivers to reach high top speeds and creates exciting braking zones. The facility includes over 100 miles of fiber optic cables that support electronic timing systems, scoring equipment, and television broadcasting capabilities.

Karting and Additional Facilities

The park operates a 30-acre karting complex that ranks as the largest karting track in the United States. This complex offers three separate karting track configurations. An 8-acre autocross pad provides space for additional driving activities and vehicle testing programs. The facility includes climate-controlled garage spaces, hospitality suites, conference rooms, and classroom spaces for driver education programs.

Current Racing Events

NOLA Motorsports Park hosts multiple annual racing series. The venue welcomes FR Americas, USF Pro 2000 Championship, and USF2000 Championship events. The facility also hosts the 24 Hours of Lemons endurance race and Cooper Tires WinterFest. The SVRA NOLA SpeedTour remains a highlight event on the calendar, attracting vintage racing enthusiasts and modern formula car competitors. The track serves both professional racing teams and amateur drivers through various track day programs and driving experiences.