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

Things to Do in Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway, United States - Complete Travel Guide

Charlotte Motor Speedway sits in Concord, North Carolina, about 13 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte. This legendary 1.5-mile quad-oval track has been the heart of NASCAR racing since 1960, hosting some of the sport's most prestigious events including the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. The facility actually encompasses much more than just the main speedway - you'll find a dirt track, dragstrip, and various entertainment venues spread across the 2,000-acre complex. What makes this place special isn't just the racing, though that's obviously the main draw. The speedway has evolved into a year-round entertainment destination with driving experiences, tours, and events that cater to both die-hard racing fans and casual visitors. The atmosphere during race weekends is genuinely electric, with that particular blend of Southern hospitality and high-octane excitement that NASCAR does so well.

Top Things to Do in Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR Cup Series Races

The speedway hosts multiple NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the year, with the Coca-Cola 600 being the crown jewel - it's the longest race on the NASCAR calendar at 600 miles. The Bank of America ROVAL 400 in the fall combines the oval track with an infield road course, creating a unique and challenging race format. Race day atmosphere is intense, with pre-race ceremonies, flyovers, and crowds that can exceed 100,000 people.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $35 for upper-level seats to $200+ for premium locations. Book early for the Coca-Cola 600 as it often sells out. Consider grandstand seats between turns 1-2 for the best view of racing action and pit road activity.

Speedway Tours

Behind-the-scenes tours take you into normally restricted areas including pit road, victory lane, and sometimes the infield care center. The tours provide fascinating insights into race day operations and the history of the facility. You'll actually get to walk on the banking of the track, which gives you a real appreciation for how steep those turns are - 24 degrees doesn't sound like much until you're standing on it.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $15-20 for adults and run year-round except during race weekends. The best tours happen on non-race days when you can access more areas. Book online in advance, especially during busy racing seasons.

Driving Experiences

Multiple companies offer driving experiences where you can actually get behind the wheel of a NASCAR-style stock car or ride along with a professional driver. The ride-along experiences reach speeds of 160+ mph and give you an authentic feel for what drivers experience during a race. For those wanting to drive themselves, instruction sessions teach you racing lines and techniques before you take solo laps.

Booking Tip: Driving experiences range from $99 for ride-alongs to $400+ for driving packages. Book well in advance as spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. Weather can affect scheduling, so consider purchasing insurance or flexible booking options.

zMAX Dragway Events

This quarter-mile dragstrip hosts NHRA national events and various other drag racing competitions throughout the year. The facility features some of the most advanced timing and safety systems in drag racing, making it a premier venue for both professional and amateur racers. The atmosphere is different from NASCAR - more intimate but equally passionate, with incredible acceleration that you feel in your chest.

Booking Tip: NHRA event tickets start around $25 for general admission, with reserved seating $40-80. Bring ear protection as dragsters are significantly louder than stock cars. Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions offer great value with less crowded conditions.

The Dirt Track Racing

The dirt track hosts World of Outlaws sprint car races and other dirt racing events, offering a grittier, more grassroots racing experience. Sprint cars are incredibly fast and agile, creating wheel-to-wheel racing that's often more unpredictable than NASCAR. The facility also hosts monster truck shows and other motorsports events throughout the year, making it a versatile entertainment venue.

Booking Tip: Dirt track event tickets are generally more affordable, typically $15-40 depending on the event. Bring a cushion for bleacher seating and expect to get dusty - it's part of the authentic dirt track experience. Check the schedule as events are less frequent than NASCAR races.

Getting There

Charlotte Motor Speedway is easily accessible via Interstate 85, about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Most visitors fly into Charlotte and rent a car, though the speedway does offer shuttle services from select hotels during major race weekends. If you're driving from other parts of the Southeast, the speedway is well-positioned with good highway access - it's about 2 hours from Asheville, 1.5 hours from Greensboro, and 4 hours from Atlanta. Parking is plentiful but can cost $20-40 during major events, so factor that into your budget.

Getting Around

Having a car is pretty much essential for getting to and around the speedway area, as public transportation options are limited. During race weekends, traffic can be intense, so plan extra time - it might take an hour to exit the parking areas after major events. The speedway complex is walkable once you're there, though it's quite large, so comfortable shoes are important. Some hotels in the area offer shuttle services during race weekends, which can be worth considering to avoid parking hassles. Rideshare services operate but expect higher prices and longer wait times during events.

Where to Stay

Concord Mills area
Downtown Charlotte
University area
Airport vicinity
Kannapolis
Harrisburg

Food & Dining

The food scene around Charlotte Motor Speedway reflects both traditional Southern cuisine and the broader Charlotte dining landscape. Inside the speedway, you'll find typical race track fare - barbecue, burgers, and beer - but the quality has improved significantly in recent years. The nearby Concord Mills area offers chain restaurants and casual dining options that are convenient for race weekends. For better dining, it's worth the drive into Charlotte proper, where you'll find excellent barbecue joints, farm-to-table restaurants, and a growing craft beer scene. Many race fans make dining part of their weekend experience, tailgating in the parking lots with elaborate setups that rival the racing itself.

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 racing season runs from spring through fall, with the Coca-Cola 600 in late May being the marquee event - though it's also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. Fall races often offer the best weather conditions with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. If you're interested in tours and driving experiences rather than races, winter months can be ideal with smaller crowds and sometimes discounted prices. That said, North Carolina weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and dress in layers. Summer race weekends can be brutally hot and humid, so plan accordingly with sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.

Insider Tips

Bring a scanner or download the NASCAR app to listen to driver radio communications during races - it adds a whole new dimension to understanding race strategy
The infield camping experience is legendary among NASCAR fans, but book early as spots fill up months in advance for popular races
If you're new to NASCAR, sit in the lower rows of the grandstands rather than higher up - you'll hear the cars better and feel more connected to the action, even if the overall view isn't quite as broad

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