Caffeine and Octane's Lanier Raceway — Attraction in Georgia

This venue was once an amazing place for the drift community. Over the last ten years, multiple event organizers and hosts have used this track to put on some of the best—and worst—drifting events Atlanta has ever seen. Unfortunately, mismanagement has become an issue, and little is being done to improve the current state of operations.

I have significantly reduced my attendance over the past year after realizing that what we once thought were just "early development issues and growing pains"—such as long wait times between laps, poor grid management, unsafe and unregulated tech inspections, untrained staff, a lack of safety measures, and inadequate track-clearing equipment—have become long-term problems. These ongoing issues have ultimately driven me away from the venue.

Caffeine and Octane would greatly benefit from listening to drivers who have concerns and learning from their feedback instead of dismissing it. Time and time again, someone—either online or in person at C&O Lanier Raceway—has raised issues and provided constructive feedback or data-driven suggestions for improvement. However, every time I’ve seen someone offer genuine input, the staff—Dustin, Misty, Joe—seem to get defensive or dismissive, rather than considering the suggestions. This is not an effective business strategy.

At the end of the day, drivers want a few simple things:

Affordable drifting Convenience A solid and safe team that understands proper procedures An efficient and effective recovery crew when incidents happen A management team that is open to growth and constructive criticism If you compare Lanier to other venues around Atlanta, it falls short in customer service, safety, policy enforcement, and overall efficiency—despite having more space and potential. Those other venues may be smaller, but they outperform Lanier in nearly every operational aspect.

If Lanier restructured its management, brought in outside perspectives, and stopped alienating the drivers who simply want a better experience, it could see significant growth. Since it's February, there will likely be an influx of drivers as the weather warms up. However, new drivers should not be mistaken for long-standing customers who have been driven away by years of poor management.

I used to defend this venue, arguing that it was convenient and that the grid times weren’t "that bad." But with two smaller, friendlier, and better-run venues within two hours of me, I no longer plan on attending until I hear that meaningful improvements have been...

I attempted to come out karting here to see the facility, learn more about their layout of the track and experience a different track besides AMP Kart Main - needless to say after today's experience, I'll be waiting for some time to attempt again. It was an hour one way to come out and I'm a little upset I wasted two hours of drive time.

I arrived roughly 15 minutes before business open to have a chance to take a look at the karts, how they run the sessions and the facility - I didn't even get a chance to go out and kart because their internet was down and couldn't process payment electronically (plus, the nearest ATM for me was 15+ mins one way from the track). After it almost taking an hour just to get my information taken down and a waiver signed just to find out there isn't an alternative method for cards I grabbed my helmet/gloves and left. It wasn't busy at all, I was the first customer to arrive this morning.

Its a 50/50 from what reviews I'm reading, so take it worth a grain of salt. I'm just upset the register worker and the surrounding staff in the registration booth weren't being proactive with finding a temporary solution to process payment and sort've shooed me away because I didn't have cash on...

Lanier Speedway has been closed for many years. I used to love coming up and watching the races. Recently Caffeine and Octane purchased the facility and it is alive again!

It is bustling with activity. They have Drift events most Fridays. They have a fleet of fast Go Karts and have race nights and team building events. The layout changes often so you never know what you are going to get. They host a number of auto swap meets throughout the year and this last weekend they even had a Drive In movie. The speedway is located less then a few miles from my house and i am so happy it is back in action.

Parking is easy, there are plenty of places to sit (Bring your own lawn chairs). It’s reasonably priced (even if you want to bring the whole family) and its just good family fun. Its hard to beat a night of go kart racing or just sitting in a comfy lawn chair watching the drifting on a balmy Georgia night. I will be a fixture here. Come give it a try. It’s throw back entertainment that shouldn’t be missed, and a must see for any car...