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Charlotte Motor Speedway, United States of America - Things to Do in Charlotte Motor Speedway

Things to Do in Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, North Carolina, is one of America's premier motorsports destinations and a crown jewel of NASCAR racing. This iconic 1.5-mile quad-oval track has been hosting thrilling races since 1960 and serves as home to the legendary Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Bank of America ROVAL 400. The speedway complex encompasses much more than just racing, featuring the NASCAR Hall of Fame nearby, driving experiences, tours, and year-round entertainment events that attract motorsports enthusiasts from around the globe. The greater Charlotte area surrounding the speedway offers visitors a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, modern urban amenities, and rich racing heritage. Beyond the track, the region boasts excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it an ideal destination for both die-hard racing fans and casual visitors. The speedway's location just outside Charlotte provides easy access to the city's attractions while maintaining its own unique motorsports atmosphere that captures the excitement and tradition of American stock car racing.

Top Things to Do in Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR Race Experience

Attend one of the premier NASCAR Cup Series races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the iconic Coca-Cola 600 or the Bank of America ROVAL 400. Experience the thunderous roar of 40 stock cars racing at speeds exceeding 180 mph on this legendary 1.5-mile track. The atmosphere is electric with pre-race festivities, driver introductions, and the unforgettable moment when engines fire up for 'Gentlemen, start your engines!'

Booking Tip: Race tickets range from $35-200+ depending on seating location and race importance. Book early for better prices and seating options, especially for the Coca-Cola 600. Consider purchasing parking passes in advance as traffic can be heavy on race days.

Speedway Tours and Behind-the-Scenes Access

Take a guided tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway to explore areas typically off-limits to the public, including the garage areas, victory lane, and pit road. Learn about the track's rich history, see where drivers prepare for races, and get an up-close look at the banking and scale of this impressive facility. Tours often include visits to the media center and exclusive photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $15-25 for adults and run year-round except during race weekends. Best times are weekday mornings when crowds are smaller. Look for combo packages that include driving experiences or NASCAR Hall of Fame admission.

Driving Experience Programs

Get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR-style stock car or take a high-speed ride-along with a professional instructor on the actual Charlotte Motor Speedway track. These adrenaline-pumping experiences let you feel the G-forces and banking that professional drivers experience during races. Programs range from ride-alongs to multi-lap driving sessions reaching speeds up to 160 mph.

Booking Tip: Driving experiences range from $99 for ride-alongs to $400+ for extended driving sessions. Book well in advance as popular time slots fill quickly. Weight and height restrictions apply, and participants must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license.

zMAX Dragway Events

Experience the intense quarter-mile action at zMAX Dragway, located on the Charlotte Motor Speedway property and one of only a few four-wide dragstrips in the world. Watch NHRA national events, local bracket racing, and special events throughout the racing season. The facility offers an intimate racing experience where you can get close to the 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars.

Booking Tip: Dragway tickets are typically $20-60 depending on the event level. NHRA national events are more expensive but offer the highest level of competition. General admission provides excellent viewing, and parking is usually included in ticket prices.

Speedway Christmas and Special Events

During the holiday season, Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms into a winter wonderland with Speedway Christmas, featuring a spectacular drive-through light display using the racing surface. The facility also hosts concerts, car shows, driving schools, and corporate events throughout the year. These special events showcase the versatility of this world-class motorsports facility beyond traditional racing.

Booking Tip: Holiday light displays cost around $20-30 per vehicle and run nightly from late November through early January. Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends. Special event pricing varies widely, so check the speedway's official calendar for current offerings and prices.

Getting There

Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, North Carolina, approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte. The closest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 30 minutes away by car. Interstate 85 provides direct access to the speedway via Speedway Boulevard (Exit 49). For those driving from other regions, the speedway is easily accessible from I-77, I-485, and US Highway 29. Amtrak service is available to Charlotte's main station, though rental cars or rideshare services are recommended for reaching the speedway. Many visitors fly into Charlotte and rent cars, as the speedway's location makes it a convenient hub for exploring the greater Charlotte region.

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is highly recommended for visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway, as public transportation options are limited in the Concord area. The speedway provides extensive parking facilities that can accommodate over 89,000 vehicles, though traffic management is crucial during major race events. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but may have surge pricing and longer wait times during events. For race weekends, many visitors choose to stay at nearby hotels and walk or take hotel shuttles when available. The speedway complex is walkable once you arrive, with trams and shuttles provided during major events to transport guests from distant parking areas to the main facilities.

Where to Stay

Concord (closest to speedway)
Charlotte Uptown/Downtown
Charlotte Airport Area
Kannapolis
Harrisburg
Matthews

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Charlotte Motor Speedway offers everything from classic Southern comfort food to upscale motorsports-themed restaurants. Inside the speedway, concession stands serve traditional race day fare including BBQ, burgers, and local North Carolina specialties. The nearby Concord Mills area features numerous chain restaurants and fast-casual options perfect for pre or post-race meals. For a more authentic experience, local BBQ joints and Southern cuisine restaurants throughout Concord and Charlotte showcase regional flavors like pulled pork, hush puppies, and sweet tea. Many establishments embrace the racing theme with NASCAR memorabilia and race-day specials, while food trucks often set up in speedway parking areas during major events, offering convenient trackside dining options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Charlotte

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

STK Steakhouse

4.7 /5
(7628 reviews) 4
bar night_club

Haberdish

4.5 /5
(2994 reviews) 2

300 East

4.5 /5
(1884 reviews) 2
bar

Rooster's Wood-fired Kitchen Uptown

4.5 /5
(1749 reviews) 2
bar

BrickTop's

4.6 /5
(1620 reviews) 3

Burtons Grill & Bar

4.6 /5
(1494 reviews) 2
bar

When to Visit

The best time to visit Charlotte Motor Speedway depends on your interests and tolerance for crowds. Race season runs from March through October, with the most popular events being the Coca-Cola 600 in May and the playoff races in September/October. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor events, with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F and lower humidity. Summer races can be extremely hot and humid, but they're also the most exciting from a motorsports perspective. Winter months offer fewer racing events but feature special attractions like Speedway Christmas. For the best experience with moderate crowds and pleasant weather, consider visiting during spring races in March-April or fall races in September-October when temperatures are comfortable and the racing action is intense.

Insider Tips

Bring ear protection for races as stock cars can reach 130+ decibels; many vendors sell earplugs at the track but bringing your own saves money and ensures comfort.
Pack sunscreen and a hat regardless of the season, as the aluminum grandstands reflect sunlight and there's limited shade in most seating areas throughout the day.
Arrive early on race days to explore the fan zone activities, driver appearances, and pre-race ceremonies - the gates typically open 3-4 hours before green flag, and there's plenty of entertainment to enjoy before the main event begins.

Explore Activities in Charlotte Motor Speedway