Thousands of people drive through Braselton every day, but it's easy to forget that tucked just outside of town is a motorsports destination known by racing fans across the country and around the world.

This weekend will offer another reminder.

The Mustang Club of America is celebrating its 50th anniversary August 28–30, and it has chosen Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton as the destination for the milestone celebration.

The three-day event will bring Mustang enthusiasts to Braselton for a national car show and on-track driving events, putting one of America's most recognizable cars on one of America's premier road courses.

But the celebration is also another opportunity to appreciate something pretty remarkable about the community we call home.

And the racing action doesn't stop with Mustangs. Just one week later, motorcycles take over the track when WERA returns to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta September 5–6 for its Regional Double Header. Saturday features a track day geared toward non-racers, followed Sunday by practice and a double-header Sportsman Sprint race -another example of the variety of motorsports events happening right here in Braselton.

A World-Class Racetrack in Our Backyard

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta isn't simply a local racetrack.

The 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course has built an international reputation over decades of racing and today hosts major professional and amateur motorsports events throughout the year.

Its presence has helped make Braselton a destination for racing enthusiasts, drivers, teams and manufacturers from around the world.

And perhaps no event illustrates that connection better than IMSA's - Petit Le Mans.

The late Dr. Don Panoz, founder of Chateau Elan and former owner of Road Atlanta, created Petit Le Mans in 1998 after being inspired by the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.

Today, racing fans from around the world travel to Braselton each fall for one of North America's premier endurance races.

For residents, that means something internationally significant happens practically in our backyard every year.

Bringing the Racing Celebration Into Downtown Braselton

This year, Braselton is taking another step toward embracing that racing heritage.

On Wednesday, September 30, the Town of Braselton will host the inaugural Braselton Race Fest on the Braselton Town Green.

And though IMSA and Road Atlanta are not affiliated with this event, this new community celebration is will bring some of the excitement downtown.

One of the highlights will be a parade featuring race cars with a history at Road Atlanta, giving residents an opportunity to see - and hear- these incredible machines away from the track.

The evening will also feature live music by Good Measure, local vendors, family activities, giveaways and participation from downtown businesses.

It's a chance for longtime racing fans to celebrate a sport they love, but perhaps more importantly, it's an opportunity for residents who have never attended a race to experience a little of the motorsports culture that has played such an important role in Braselton's history.

A Racing Town Worth Celebrating

The Mustang Club of America choosing Braselton for its 50th anniversary, Petit Le Mans bringing international racing to town each fall, and the launch of Braselton Race Fest all tell part of the same story.

Braselton isn't simply a town located near a racetrack.

Racing is part of Braselton's identity.

And as Mustang enthusiasts arrive this weekend to celebrate 50 years of their own automotive history, it's also a good opportunity for those of us who live here to appreciate the remarkable racing history happening right in our own backyard