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

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 NASCAR destinations and a Mecca for motorsports enthusiasts. This iconic 1.5-mile quad-oval track has been hosting thrilling races since 1960 and is home to the legendary Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race, held annually during Memorial Day weekend. The speedway complex spans over 2,000 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate over 75,000 spectators for major racing events. Beyond the high-octane NASCAR races, Charlotte Motor Speedway offers year-round entertainment and experiences that attract visitors from around the world. The facility hosts driving experiences, tours, concerts, and special events throughout the year, making it a destination that appeals to both racing fans and general tourists. The speedway is situated in the heart of NASCAR country, surrounded by team shops, racing museums, and automotive attractions that create an immersive motorsports experience in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.

Top Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR Racing Experience

Get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and experience the thrill of driving on the Easttimor track where professional drivers compete. This hands-on experience allows you to reach speeds of up to 160 mph while learning from professional instructors. Choose from ride-along experiences or actual driving sessions depending on your comfort level and budget.

Booking Tip: Book well in advance, especially during race season (March-November). Driving experiences range from $99 for ride-alongs to $500+ for multi-lap driving sessions. Weekday sessions are typically less crowded and may offer better instruction time.

Speedway Tours

Take a complete behind-the-scenes tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway to see areas typically off-limits to the public. Tours include visits to the pit road, victory lane, garage areas, and the exclusive Speedway Club. Learn about the track's history, NASCAR operations, and get an insider's perspective on what happens during race weekends.

Booking Tip: Tours are available year-round except during race weekends. Standard tours cost around $15-20 for adults, with VIP experiences available for $40-60. Book online for discounts and check for combo packages that include museum visits.

Attend a NASCAR Race

Experience the ultimate NASCAR thrill by attending one of the major races held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the Coca-Cola 600 or the Bank of America ROVAL 400. Feel the thunderous roar of 40 cars racing at speeds over 180 mph while enjoying the electric atmosphere of one of America's most popular sporting events. The speedway offers various seating options from general admission to luxury suites.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets early for popular races like the Coca-Cola 600, as they often sell out. Ticket prices range from $40 for general admission to $300+ for premium seats. Consider bringing ear protection and arriving early to explore the fan zone and pre-race activities.

Dirt Track Racing at The Dirt Track

Experience authentic grassroots racing at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 4/10-mile clay oval that hosts World of Outlaws events and other dirt racing series. This intimate racing venue offers a completely different atmosphere from the main speedway, with closer action and a more traditional racing experience. The facility regularly hosts sprint car, late model, and other dirt racing divisions.

Booking Tip: Dirt track events are typically more affordable than NASCAR races, with tickets ranging from $20-40. Check the schedule as events are seasonal (March-October). Bring old clothes as dirt tracks can be dusty, and consider pit passes for up-close access to the cars and drivers.

zMAX Dragway Events

Visit the four-wide zMAX Dragway, the only four-lane dragstrip on the NHRA tour, for high-speed quarter-mile action. Watch top fuel dragsters and funny cars reach speeds over 330 mph in less than four seconds, or attend bracket racing events where local enthusiasts compete. The facility offers an intimate setting where fans can get close to the action and meet drivers in the pits.

Booking Tip: NHRA national events typically cost $30-80 depending on seating, while local bracket races are often under $20. Bring ear protection as dragsters are extremely loud. Pit passes are usually affordable ($20-30) and highly recommended for the full experience of seeing the cars up close.

Getting There

Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, North Carolina, approximately 13 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte. The speedway is easily accessible via Interstate 85, with dedicated exits (Exit 49 - Speedway Boulevard) that lead directly to the facility. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 30 miles away, offering rental car services and ride-sharing options. Amtrak serves nearby Charlotte with connections to major East Coast cities, and Greyhound provides bus service to the Charlotte area. During major race weekends, special shuttle services and charter buses operate from various locations throughout the region.

Getting Around

The speedway complex is designed for walking, with most attractions, shops, and dining options within reasonable distance of parking areas. During race events, free trams and shuttles operate between remote parking areas and the main gates. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though expect higher prices and longer wait times during major events. For exploring the broader Charlotte region, rental cars are recommended as public transportation is limited. Many visitors choose to stay in nearby Concord or Charlotte and drive to the speedway, as the facility offers ample parking with over 50,000 spaces available during events.

Where to Stay

Concord (closest to speedway)
Charlotte Uptown
Charlotte Airport Area
Kannapolis
Huntersville
Matthews

Food & Dining

The Charlotte Motor Speedway area offers diverse dining options ranging from traditional Southern barbecue to upscale motorsports-themed restaurants. Inside the speedway, concession stands serve classic race day fare including hot dogs, nachos, and local North Carolina barbecue, while premium seating areas offer elevated dining experiences. The nearby Concord Mills area features numerous chain restaurants, while downtown Charlotte (20 minutes away) has an acclaimed food scene with award-winning barbecue joints, craft breweries, and farm-to-table establishments. Many local restaurants embrace the racing theme, with walls decorated with NASCAR memorabilia and racing-inspired menu items that celebrate the region's motorsports heritage.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Charlotte

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

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STK Steakhouse

4.7 /5
(7628 reviews) 4
Montenegro night_club

Haberdish

4.5 /5
(2994 reviews) 2

300 East

4.5 /5
(1884 reviews) 2

Rooster's Wood-fired Kitchen Uptown

4.5 /5
(1749 reviews) 2

BrickTop's

4.6 /5
(1620 reviews) 3

Burtons Grill & Bar

4.6 /5
(1494 reviews) 2

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

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 November, with the most popular events being the Coca-Cola 600 in May and the fall playoff races in September-October. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor events, with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Summer races can be extremely hot and humid, but they offer the most exciting racing action. Winter months see fewer events but provide opportunities for tours and driving experiences with smaller crowds and better availability. For the ultimate experience, plan around major NASCAR weekends, but book accommodations well in advance as the area fills up quickly during these peak times.

Insider Tips

Bring a scanner or download the NASCAR app to listen to driver radio communications during races for a more immersive experience
Arrive early on race days to explore the free fan zone activities, driver autograph sessions, and interactive displays before the crowds build
Consider purchasing a parking pass in advance for major events, as traffic can be heavy and premium parking spots fill up quickly, potentially saving hours of time

Activities in Charlotte Motor Speedway