Dawsonville is a town deeply rooted in racing culture, with a history tied to moonshine runners and the birth of stock car racing. Today, the city blends its storied past with new ways for visitors to connect with its legacy.
In the 1930s, the residents of Dawsonville turned to moonshine production as a way to survive the hardships of the Great Depression and Prohibition. To evade federal agents, they modified their cars for speed, which laid the foundation for what would become stock car racing. This rural North Georgia town earned the title “The Birthplace of Stockcar Racing,” and many racing legends, including Bill and Chase Elliott, Raymond Parks, and Red Vogt, hail from the area.
David Sosebee, a Dawsonville native whose father, Gober Sosebee, was a celebrated NASCAR driver, explained the spirit of the time. “Folks didn’t trust the government that allowed their banks to fail, so they didn’t mind that the selling of moonshine was against the law,” he said.
Explore the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum
Visitors can dive into this history at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum, which highlights the early days of moonshine running and the evolution of stock car racing. Displays include historic race cars, an exhibit honoring NASCAR legends Bill and Chase Elliott, and a newly renovated 1950s-style garage tribute to Red Vogt, NASCAR’s first master mechanic.
A standout addition to the museum is a set of six state-of-the-art iRacing simulators, where visitors can virtually race on 60 tracks using a variety of cars. One simulator is wheelchair accessible, ensuring the experience is available to all. Racing leagues on the simulators begin in January 2025.
Dining and Distilling at the Hall of Fame Complex
The museum complex is now home to Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. and the Station House Restaurant. Grandaddy Mimm’s, run by country musician Tommy Townsend and his daughter, Megan Kimsey, serves moonshine and whiskey based on family recipes. The space is family- and pet-friendly, offering games and plans for concerts in the near future.
The Station House Restaurant serves Southern classics, including scratch-made biscuits, fried chicken, and meatloaf. Guests can grab take-out from a historic filling station next to the restaurant or dine outdoors in the soon-to-be-added greenspace.
Race at Atlanta Motorsports Park
For those who want to get behind the wheel, Atlanta Motorsports Park offers an adrenaline-filled experience. The facility features a two-mile circuit designed by renowned track architect Hermann Tilke, as well as a professional kart racing track with elevation changes and night racing under newly installed lights.
Atlanta Motorsports Park hosts racing schools, driving academies, and karting for all ages. Its nonprofit program DriveStrong focuses on teaching teens safe driving techniques. The park has received national recognition, including the 2023 Outstanding Facility Award from SPEED SPORT.
A Stop at the Dawsonville Pool Room
No trip to Dawsonville is complete without visiting the Dawsonville Pool Room, a local institution founded by Gordon Pirkle, who also created the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The restaurant doubles as a racing museum, with memorabilia covering the walls and menu items like the famous “Bully Burger.”
The Pool Room also honors a unique Dawsonville tradition. When Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, or any other local driver wins a race, the town’s “sireeeen” blares to celebrate. “If you hear a siren here, it’s either an air raid or Chase Elliott won the race,” joked David Sosebee.
Festivals and Annual Events
Dawsonville hosts several events celebrating its racing heritage, including the 58th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival from October 24-26, 2025. This festival features hundreds of classic cars, live entertainment, and over 300 vendors, with proceeds benefiting local children in need.
Where to Stay
A short drive from downtown Dawsonville, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers scenic views, hiking trails, zip-lining, and a 729-foot waterfall, the tallest in Georgia. For an immersive backcountry experience, visitors can hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn, a rustic lodge with family-style meals and breathtaking sunrise views.
Dawsonville’s rich history and modern attractions ensure that visitors can experience the thrill of the past while making new memories. From racing simulators to moonshine tastings, the town continues to embrace its roots while racing toward the future.
