Atlanta Motor Speedway Pit Road Fire: A Local’s Experience

Originally published on LinkedIn; Updated for this post. Link

Overview

Scott Jackson has been a pit road firefighter at Atlanta Motor Speedway for over 13 years, also working in Charlotte and Daytona. As a Battalion Chief, he directs responsibilities among the fire safety team before, during, and after race events. While being near the action is exciting, safety is always the priority—for pit crews, fans, and staff.

The pit road firefighters at AMS are a tight-knit group, returning race after race. They train together, work together, and even share meals off the clock. Scott’s wife, Lisa, also a certified firefighter, coordinates pit road fire radio communications. Their dedication extends beyond the track—Scott volunteers as a firefighter in Bleckley County and as a fire instructor for GPSTC.

At the Ambetter Health 400, the pit road firefighters were honored to present the flag alongside Speedway Children’s Charities. For the Jacksons, NASCAR races at AMS aren’t just events—they’re a way of life.

Scott's Journey with Pit Fire

Scott is willing to do about anything for the work, always stepping up when needed to ensure the safety and success of the team. Scott has worked in NASCAR races as a pit road firefighter at Atlanta Motor Speedway for over 13 years, gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. During this time, he has had the opportunity to work in Charlotte and Daytona, broadening his expertise and strengthening his connections within the motorsports fire community. Atlanta Motor Speedway is home, and so is the group of firefighters that make up the pit road fire safety team, a tight-knit unit built on trust and shared experience.

Scott supports the team now as a Battalion Chief, directing responsibilities among members before, during, and after race events, ensuring seamless operations and quick response times. His leadership extends beyond race weekends—he actively mentors new team members, shares his knowledge from years on pit road, and takes pride in fostering a culture of professionalism and readiness. He has volunteered for many different roles, including pit road supervisor and communications, always willing to step in wherever needed to keep the operation running smoothly. His dedication and adaptability make him an integral part of the fire safety team at every event.

The Comradery

While being close to the action on pit road is an incredible experience, safety remains the top priority for Scott and the rest of the Atlanta Motor Speedway pit road firefighters. Every second matters when working alongside high-speed race cars, volatile fuels, and fast-paced pit crews. The common phrase among the team is, “Keep your head on a swivel.” This mindset ensures that every firefighter stays constantly aware of their surroundings, anticipating potential hazards before they become real dangers.

Firefighters on pit road, at the Sunoco fuel island, and in the garages must be prepared for anything. From responding to fuel spills and fire hazards to assisting injured pit crew members, the team operates in an unpredictable, high-intensity environment. The challenges change with the seasons as well—late summer and fall races bring heat-related dangers, requiring the team to monitor not just the drivers and pit crews, but also themselves and each other to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health concerns.

Beyond the high-stakes nature of their job, the pit road firefighters at Atlanta Motor Speedway form a close-knit community. Many return for every race, drawn by camaraderie as much as the thrill of the work. Off the clock, the team gathers at the camping compound, cooking meals together, sharing stories, and strengthening bonds that translate into a seamless working relationship on race days. On duty, they are constantly looking out for one another, ensuring everyone has the gear and support they need to perform at their best. The track, its competitors, and the fans depend on these firefighters and emergency personnel to remain sharp and ready at all times.

As part of their commitment to safety and tradition, the Atlanta Motor Speedway pit road firefighters continue to play a special role in NASCAR’s biggest events. At the Ambetter Health 400, they were honored to present the American flag during the national anthem, accompanied by children from Speedway Children’s Charities. This meaningful moment highlights the team’s dedication not just to firefighting, but to honoring the spirit of racing, patriotism, and community. The flag presentation has become a tradition for the Cup Series race, reinforcing the strong connection between the firefighters, the sport, and the fans who come together to celebrate NASCAR.

Together

The weeks spent at Atlanta Motor Speedway for NASCAR races have become more than just a tradition—they are a cornerstone of life in the Jackson household. For Scott and Lisa, fire service isn’t just a job or a volunteer role—it’s a way of life, deeply embedded in their family identity. Lisa, a certified firefighter, plays a crucial role in race operations by coordinating pit road fire radio communications, ensuring seamless response and communication between fire crews and race control.

Beyond their work at Atlanta Motor Speedway, both Scott and Lisa have dedicated their careers to fire service and training, constantly seeking ways to mentor and educate others in the field. Last year, both earned their Instructor 2 certifications, further solidifying their commitment to training the next generation of firefighters. Scott actively volunteers as a fire instructor in neighboring counties and with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC), sharing his extensive experience and knowledge with fellow first responders.

In 2023, their world changed with the arrival of their son, Rowan. Now at two years old, Rowan has added a new layer of excitement. While parenthood has shifted some of their roles, their love for the fire service and doing life together remains unchanged. Balancing family life with firefighting and NASCAR has required adjustments, but their passion for both has never wavered. Rowan is already growing up surrounded by fire trucks, race cars, and a strong community of public safety professionals who have become an extended family.

Through all these changes, one thing remains constant—the Jacksons are dedicated to service, training, and the NASCAR fire community. Whether it’s working pit road fire at Atlanta Motor Speedway, volunteering in Bleckley County, or instructing future firefighters, Scott and Lisa continue to do what they love while embracing the new joys and challenges of raising Rowan in a life built on passion, purpose, and service.

A relic of the past – passes from previous years.