ABOUT:
Are you a racing fan or a racer or a pit crew team member? Whatever category you fall into you'll find plenty of high-speed action at the NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, LA, just 14 miles from downtown New Orleans. The 700-acre facility opened its gates at the beginning of 2012 and has seen plenty of action since.
Whether you're into karting, autocross, motorcycle racing or hot car lapping or road racing, NOLA Motorsports Park has it all. You can rent karts on their .4 mile road course or bring your own and drive our 1/8 mile oval or one of the 44 race track configurations from .5 to .9 miles long. You can sign up your cycle, road car or sports car for track time on the full 2.8-mile North Track. On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy the 25 foot and 30 foot inflatable slides, set up adjacent to the race track. Or you can simply come out, bring your ice chest and chairs and be a spectator. There is something going on there every day of the week and especially on weekends.
Traveling with your family? Bring them out to the track. Motorsports are fun for all ages!
Karting
For karting enthusiasts, NOLA Rental Geaux Karts are specially designed for maximum comfort and safety. Speeds range from 20 to 45 miles per hour, depending on the size of the kart and the age of the driver. Helmets and neck braces are provided by the track and drivers can have their speeds and times measured by computer. A handy, computer-generated printout will tell them how they measure up to other kart drivers.
Up to 18 karts can be allowed on the track at a time and, to accommodate more, a second track can be opened to accommodate up to 30 total drivers at a time. A convenient, 5.7 acre paddock area adjacent to the track is provided for kart drivers and their families. Drivers must be at least 52 inches tall to operate one of these vehicles and minors must be accompanied by their parents. Racing leagues, a full-service shop and driver coaching services are all available.
Once a month the Kart paddock area becomes the staging area for radio controlled-powered racing events that are open for public participation and viewing. Manually operated bicycling events are in the planning stages.
Autocross
Nearby, a 7.4 acre autocross pad tests the driving skills of participants. Autocross drivers must maneuver around rubber cones in a timed event. Prizes are given out to the winners of the autocross competitions. The autocross pad can also be used for driver training, especially for younger drivers enrolled in school driver-ed programs.
North Track Car and Motorcycle Racing
At the present time, only the North Track is operational. The South Track is under construction, slated for completion in 2013 and, once it is completed, it will be connected to the North Track in several places. While awaiting completion of the full course, racers and racing fans can enjoy the trial runs and actual competitions on the North Track's long and short courses. The long course of 2.8 miles includes 16 turns, a 3,360-foot straightaway and a width ranging from 40 to 50 feet. The short course is 1.8 miles with 12 turns and the 2.4 mile track uses a 5,090-foot straightaway. Safety features include large runoff areas and FIA spec tire walls.
Up to 75 cars at a time can run on the North Track and an even larger number of motorcycles. Covered pits along the pit stop lane are available for an extra cost.
When completed, the South Track will also be 2.8 miles in total length with 13 turns and a 3,050 straightaway. Width will also be 40-50 feet.
Amenities and Related Services
NOLA Motorsports Park offers a wide range of amenities and related services, with many more still envisioned once all the construction is completed. Offering a country club-like atmosphere, a two-level 34,000 square foot Events Center is available for corporate and other private parties and receptions for up to 1,000 people. There are full bars on both levels. The second level offers a balcony with an optimum view of the track and the entire facility is handicap accessible with elevators and ramps.
An on-site restaurant, Stanley at the Track, operated by Chef Scott Boswell, is expected to be open soon.
Garages
For those who wish to store and work on their cars and/or motorcycles on the premises, a wide range of paid rental options are offered by the NOLA Motorsports Park garages. The garages are divided into units measuring 20' by 25' or 500 square feet and up to 10,000 square foot units. At least seven or eight different configurations are offered. All the units are plumb with compressed air, AC 110 and 220V electric power. Tenants can install lifts for cars or motorcycles and build a mezzanine for storage or lounge space to relax. Twenty-four hour security is provided.
Parking and Other Planned Projects
Other projects in the planning or construction stages include parking for up to 20,000 vehicles (including RVs), a tailgating area alongside the track, grandstands in key trackside locations, and 1/3-acre sites for the construction of villas. A man-made lake at the rear of the property is envisioned for fishing (it will be stocked), jet skiing and other aquatic sports and activities.
Sanctioning and Special Events
Sanctioning organizations for events at the track currently include the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Big Kahuna National Motorcycle race in October. Others include:
- ARMHA Vintage Motorcycle race
- National Auto Sport Association monthly racing program
- West East Racing Association Motorcycle National
- Historic Sports Car Racing Vintage Racing
IndyCar, ALMS and Grand Am are all exploring NOLA Motorsports Park as a track for their championships.
Memberships
Memberships to the NOLA Motor Club are now being sold at various levels, each one offering benefits commensurate with the level that is purchased. Visiting memberships are available to those who don't live in the New Orleans area and reciprocal memberships are offered that allow members access to other member tracks around the country.