The 1961 Dixie 400 was a NASCAR Grand National Series event that was held on September 17, 1961, at Atlanta International Raceway in Hampton, Georgia.

While Fireball Roberts, Nelson Stacy and Banjo Matthews would dominate the earliest parts of this event, the closing moments were a contest between Junior Johnson and David Pearson.

[2] Lee Reitzel would be the lowest-finishing driver to complete the entire event while Banjo Matthew's faulty engine prevented him from finishing in the top ten.

[2] Lap deficits were noticed between the top cars once Banjo dropped out; forcing the flagman to throw the white flag multiple times.

[7] Six notable crew chiefs would take part in this race, including Ray Fox, Bud Allman and Shorty Johns.

[8] Failed to qualify: Tony Lavati (#66)[9] Dave Mader and Jesse James Taylor would retire from NASCAR Cup Series competition after the conclusion of this event.