NOLA Motorsports Park
Location
Avondale, Louisiana, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
NOLA Motorsports Park - Avondale, Louisiana, USA
Modern road course near New Orleans - wide, flat and technical, with several layouts and a history that includes one rain-soaked IndyCar race
When was the track built?
Businessman Laney Chouest announced plans for the park in 2009. American circuit designer Alan Wilson created the layout, and construction began in 2010 on former swampland near New Orleans.
The soft ground required extensive preparation before the asphalt could be laid. The first phase opened in 2011 with the main road course, karting track, paddock and areas for driver training.
A new back straight and revised southern section were completed before the 2015 IndyCar event, producing the faster 13-turn configuration used that weekend.
When was its first race?
Club events and open track days began soon after the venue opened. Its first major professional meeting was the AMA Pro Racing season finale in October 2012.
Josh Hayes won the headline Superbike race on a Yamaha YZF-R1, becoming the circuit's first professional race winner.
What's the circuit like?
- Wide and mostly flat: Drivers have space to choose different lines, but there are few hills to help them see the next section.
- Technical full course: Repeated direction changes reward accurate positioning and a responsive vehicle.
- Long acceleration zones: Powerful cars can build substantial speed before several heavy braking areas.
- Multiple layouts: The full A Course can be shortened, while the 13-turn IndyCar version removes some of the slower corners.
The circuit looks relatively simple from above, but quick laps require patience. Entering one corner too quickly can spoil the line through the next two or three bends.
Lap records and benchmarks
- IndyCar, 13-turn layout: 1:28.5583 - Scott Dixon, Dallara DW12, 2015.
- Pro Mazda, full A Course: 1:32.336 - Spencer Pigot, Star Formula Mazda, 2014.
- GT3: 1:34.800 - Giacomo Altoè, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo, 2022.
- Superbike: 1:39.487 - Josh Hayes, Yamaha YZF-R1, 2012.
NOLA has several configurations, so lap times are only comparable when the exact layout is known. Qualifying and private testing laps are separate from official race records.
Why is it famous?
NOLA hosted Louisiana's first IndyCar race on 12 April 2015. Severe rain cancelled qualifying, flooded spectator areas and caused much of the race to run behind the safety car.
Only 47 of the planned 75 laps were completed before the time limit. James Hinchcliffe won after starting 16th, but financial and legal problems meant the Grand Prix never returned.
What events are held here?
The circuit now concentrates on national, regional and amateur motorsport. Formula Regional Americas, Formula 4 United States and the Ligier Junior Formula Championship opened their 2026 seasons here during the NOLA SpeedTour.
The wider calendar includes NASA Gulf South racing, car and motorcycle track days, drifting, driver education, historic competition and manufacturer testing.
Why go?
NOLA offers a more accessible atmosphere than a large international circuit. Depending on the event, visitors can see the garages and paddock while watching everything from junior single-seaters to motorcycles and club racing.
The complex includes a covered pit area, RV connections, a large skidpad and an extensive karting facility. Its location in Avondale also makes it easy to combine an event with a visit to New Orleans.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and pit area: Best for starts, finishes and activity around the teams.
- Turn 1: Watch competitors brake at the end of the straight and challenge for position.
- Back-straight braking area: One of the clearest places to see overtaking attempts from high speed.
- Final corner: Drivers must find a clean exit to carry maximum speed onto the main straight.
Public viewing areas, paddock access and temporary grandstands vary between professional races, club meetings and private track days. Check the event information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to NOLA Motorsports Park (New Orleans)
NOLA Motorsports Park is in Avondale, just outside New Orleans. Driving or rideshare is the easiest way to arrive, although local buses can get you into the Avondale area if you are travelling without a car.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From New Orleans: head west towards Avondale and use 11075 Nicolle Blvd as your destination. The circuit is outside the main city centre, so you do not need to drive into downtown Avondale first.
- From the French Quarter: the circuit is commonly described as around 20 minutes away in light traffic, but allow extra time during rush hour and large events.
- Parking: parking is available at the venue. Follow signs and staff instructions because different events may use different lots or entrances.
- Race trailers and large vehicles: check your event information before arriving, particularly if you are bringing a trailer, RV or support vehicle.
Tip: New Orleans traffic can change quickly. Give yourself extra time if you need to be at the circuit for an early drivers' meeting or the start of a race programme.
Bus
- JP Transit W1: the Avondale route serves parts of Avondale, Waggaman and Westwego.
- From New Orleans: reaching the W1 may require a connection through the Jefferson Parish bus network, so public transport takes more planning than driving.
- Final section: check the current JP Transit journey planner for the closest usable stop to NOLA Motorsports Park and be prepared for some walking.
- Race days: always check the return timetable before travelling, especially if the event finishes late in the afternoon or evening.
For first-time visitors without a car, rideshare is normally simpler than making several bus connections.
Train
- New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal: Amtrak trains arrive at 1001 Loyola Avenue in central New Orleans.
- Station → circuit: there is no passenger railway station at NOLA Motorsports Park, so continue by rental car, taxi or rideshare.
- Staying downtown: arriving by Amtrak can work well if your hotel is in central New Orleans and you plan to use a rideshare to the circuit each day.
Airport transfers
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): this is the main airport for visitors flying to the circuit.
- Rental car: usually the most convenient choice for a multi-day motorsport visit. Airport shuttles connect the passenger terminal with the rental-car facility.
- Taxi or rideshare: both are practical if you do not want to hire a car and can take you directly to the circuit or your hotel.
- Airport buses: public buses connect MSY with New Orleans, but they do not provide a simple direct journey to the circuit. Expect additional transfers if travelling entirely by public transport.
Taxis & rideshare
- From New Orleans: Uber, Lyft and taxis are a straightforward alternative if you are staying downtown without a car.
- After a large event: demand may rise sharply when spectators leave, so waiting times and fares can increase.
- Pickup: use the location requested by event staff rather than asking your driver to stop in an active traffic lane near the entrance.
RV camping
- Trackside RV spaces: NOLA Motorsports Park operates an RV area beside the motorsports facility.
- Reserve ahead: book your space before travelling rather than assuming a hookup will be available when you arrive.
- Event rules: individual race meetings can have additional camping, parking and vehicle-access requirements, so read your event information carefully.
Accessibility
- Accessible facilities: the venue provides accessibility arrangements, and major spectator events have included accessible parking, seating, restrooms and transportation.
- Before travelling: contact the circuit or event organiser to confirm the accessible entrance and parking area being used for your event.
- Limited mobility: car, taxi or rideshare will usually be easier than relying on buses and walking from a local stop.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale and follow event parking signs.
- Staying in New Orleans without a car? A taxi or rideshare is the simplest option; JP Transit W1 is available if you prefer public transport.
- Flying? Use Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and hire a car or take a taxi/rideshare.
Check NOLA Motorsports Park and JP Transit shortly before travelling, as gate times, parking areas, event rules and bus schedules can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around NOLA Motorsports Park (Avondale, Louisiana)
Whether you’re here for car racing, motorcycle action, a track day or karting, NOLA Motorsports Park puts you just outside New Orleans - with Cajun and Creole food, family attractions, live music and Louisiana wetlands all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Throttle & Swing: Stay at the circuit for rental karting, an 18-hole mini-golf course and arcade games - an easy option when some of the family wants a break from watching cars.
- Audubon Zoo: A large zoo beneath mature oak trees with animals from around the world, children's areas and plenty to fill most of a day.
- Audubon Aquarium: A useful indoor option near the French Quarter with marine life plus exhibits featuring animals from Louisiana's bayous.
- Mardi Gras World: Walk among enormous parade floats and decorations while learning how New Orleans creates its famous Mardi Gras celebrations.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- National WWII Museum: One of New Orleans' major museums, combining historic vehicles, artifacts, personal stories and large interactive exhibitions.
- Mardi Gras World: Tours through the working float studios last around an hour, making this easy to fit around a shorter track day.
- French Quarter: Explore Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Royal Street and the French Market while taking in some of the city's most recognisable architecture.
Eat & drink like a local
- French Quarter: An easy place to start for gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, oysters and plenty of traditional New Orleans restaurants.
- Uptown & Magazine Street: Head here if you want neighbourhood restaurants and cafés away from the busiest tourist streets.
- Beignets: These warm squares of fried dough covered with powdered sugar are one of the simplest New Orleans classics for first-time visitors to try.
New Orleans portions can be generous, so sharing several dishes is an easy way to try unfamiliar Cajun and Creole flavours.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Barataria Preserve: Explore Louisiana wetlands south of the circuit, where swamp, marsh and forest habitats are home to alligators and hundreds of bird species.
- Audubon Park: A relaxed option in Uptown New Orleans for walking or jogging beneath large oak trees when you only have an hour or two.
Some Barataria Preserve trails and visitor facilities can close for maintenance or wetland conditions, so check National Park Service updates before setting out.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- French Quarter & Garden District: Give New Orleans a full day if it is your first visit - combine the historic centre with a streetcar ride and a walk past the Garden District's distinctive homes.
- Jean Lafitte & Barataria: Spend a day exploring the West Bank's wetlands, boardwalks and bayous for a completely different side of Louisiana.
- City Park: One of the city's biggest green spaces, with walking paths, old live oaks and attractions that make it easy to build a relaxed family day.
- Chalmette Battlefield: Learn about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans at this National Park Service historic site east of the city.
Good to know when visiting NOLA Motorsports Park
- Check spectator access: The calendar includes private rentals, testing and driver-training days as well as public events, so confirm admission before travelling.
- The complex is large: Main-circuit and karting activities use different areas, so check where your event is taking place before you arrive.
- A car is useful: The circuit is in Avondale on the West Bank, while most major visitor attractions are spread across greater New Orleans.
- Prepare for heat and rain: Louisiana can be hot and humid, with sudden heavy showers. Water, sunscreen and lightweight rain protection are useful at the circuit.
Circuit access, track events, karting sessions, attraction hours and wetland trails can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.