Charlotte Motor Speedway
Iconic NASCAR venue with a massive oval, dirt track, and the unique Roval road course. Experience thrilling races and vibrant fan culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic NASCAR venue with a massive oval, dirt track, and the unique Roval road course. Experience thrilling races and vibrant fan culture.
"Amazing experience something I’ll never forget. Getting to see how things operate behind the scenes."
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular races sell out fast. Secure your spot for the Coca-Cola 600 or other major events well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the massive speedway complex.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Oval Track
Main Speedway
Experience the thrill of a 1.5-mile oval, one of NASCAR's most historic and challenging tracks. Feel the roar of the engines!

The Speedway Club
Inside the Speedway
Enjoy fine dining with unparalleled views of the track. A classy experience, even if you're not attending a race.

Charlotte Dirt Track
Adjacent to Main Speedway
Witness high-octane dirt track racing, offering a different, grittier motorsport experience.

Driver Autograph Sessions
Various locations on race day
Meet your favorite NASCAR stars up close. Check schedules for opportunities to get autographs and photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular races sell out fast. Secure your spot for the Coca-Cola 600 or other major events well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the massive speedway complex.
🥤 Pack Your Cooler Wisely
Check Speedway rules, but many allow coolers with drinks and snacks to save money.
📱 Download the App
Get event schedules, maps, and important updates directly on your phone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular races sell out fast. Secure your spot for the Coca-Cola 600 or other major events well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the massive speedway complex.
🥤 Pack Your Cooler Wisely
Check Speedway rules, but many allow coolers with drinks and snacks to save money.
📱 Download the App
Get event schedules, maps, and important updates directly on your phone.
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Lots are huge! Note your section or use GPS. Consider ride-sharing for easier exit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Charlotte Motor Speedway for its massive scale and the electrifying atmosphere of race days. The opportunity to see behind-the-scenes operations and the impressive facilities like The Speedway Club are frequently highlighted. While the sheer size can be overwhelming, the overall experience is often described as unforgettable and highly recommended.
"Amazing experience something I’ll never forget. Getting to see how things operate behind the scenes what we normally don’t see on tv. It’s wild how much planning goes into putting on one of the biggest races of the year. Everyone we met from the sponsors, pit crew, organizers, drivers and their families were very polite and professional. I would recommend getting pit passes especially if you have young kids they will love it."
Eric Brudnak
"I had no idea just how massive a Nascar speedway is. This place is so huge. They had smaller summer races the night we were in town, so they didn't use the whole track. I bet it's really cool when they do."
Steven Brothers
"I attended a sales meeting that was held in the Speedway Club and the venue is impressive racing fan or not. Would love to come back for a race. Based on watching the driving schools zoom around the track from the restaurant, I can imagine there isn’t better high-level view. Very classy."
James Micklos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, NC, just northeast of Charlotte. Most visitors drive, and major highways like I-85 provide direct access. On race days, expect significant traffic. Ride-sharing services are an option, but be prepared for potential surge pricing and designated drop-off/pick-up zones.
Public transportation options directly to the speedway are very limited, especially on race days. It's primarily designed for car access. Planning to drive or use ride-sharing is generally recommended.
Arrive early! The earlier you get to the speedway, the less congested the roads will be. If possible, consider attending events on weekdays or during off-peak times.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is located at 5500 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027. It's easily accessible from Charlotte via I-85 North.
Yes, you can fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). From there, you would need to arrange ground transportation, such as a rental car or taxi/rideshare, to reach the speedway, which is about a 30-40 minute drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official Charlotte Motor Speedway website, Ticketmaster, or authorized third-party resellers. It's advisable to buy in advance, especially for major events like the Coca-Cola 600.
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event, seating location, and how far in advance you purchase. Expect general admission tickets to start around $50-$100 for smaller events, while prime seats for the Coca-Cola 600 can range from $150 to several hundred dollars.
Yes, pit passes are typically required for access to pit road and often for driver autograph sessions. These are usually sold separately and can be quite expensive, but offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
Operating hours vary significantly based on whether there is an event. On race days, gates typically open several hours before the race. For non-event days or tours, check the official website for specific hours.
Charlotte Motor Speedway has a strict bag policy. Generally, only clear bags or small clutch purses are allowed. Check the official website for the most up-to-date dimensions and restrictions before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the main oval races, the speedway complex includes a dirt track for different racing events, and hosts various concerts and festivals. You can also take tours, visit the Speedway Club for dining, and experience the vibrant tailgating culture.
The 'best' seats depend on your preference. Lower rows offer a close-up view of the action, while higher seats provide a broader perspective of the entire track. Many fans enjoy the views from the frontstretch grandstands.
During specific events or tours, you might get access to different areas. However, general admission typically grants access to the grandstands and concourse areas. Pit road access requires a separate pit pass.
The Charlotte Roval is a unique road course configuration within Charlotte Motor Speedway, combining parts of the oval with an infield road course. It's known for its challenging turns and exciting finishes.
Yes, guided tours are often available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the facility, including the media center, luxury suites, and sometimes even pit road. Check the official website for tour schedules and booking information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The speedway offers a variety of concession stands selling classic stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and nachos. Many fans also enjoy the tailgating experience, bringing their own food and drinks.
Yes, Charlotte Motor Speedway typically allows guests to bring in coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages, provided they meet size and content restrictions. Always check the latest policy on their official website before your visit.
Yes, The Speedway Club offers fine dining with spectacular views of the track. It's a great option for a more upscale experience, and reservations are recommended. You don't always need a race ticket to dine there.
While classic stadium food dominates, you can often find options like salads, fries, or sometimes dedicated vegetarian/vegan items at select concession stands. It's best to check the menu boards on the day of your visit.
The most budget-friendly option is to pack your own food and drinks in a cooler, adhering to the speedway's guidelines. Alternatively, look for combo deals at concession stands.
📸 📸 Photography
For iconic shots, capture the vastness of the oval from the grandstands. The Speedway Club offers stunning panoramic views. During events, the energy of the crowd and the race action itself make for dynamic photos.
Professional camera equipment, including detachable lenses, is often restricted. Check the speedway's policy on cameras and video equipment before your visit, as rules can vary by event.
Expect to capture high-speed action shots of the cars, the intense atmosphere of the crowd, pit crew activity, and potentially driver interactions during autograph sessions.
Yes, drone usage is strictly prohibited at Charlotte Motor Speedway for safety and security reasons. This applies to both event days and non-event days.
For dramatic lighting, consider early morning or late afternoon for races. Golden hour can provide beautiful light over the track. During night races, capturing the lights and speed is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Race Day at Charlotte Motor Speedway
When it comes to seating, the sheer scale of the 95,000-seat grandstand means there's a view for everyone. While lower seats offer a close-up perspective of the speed and intensity, higher vantage points provide a better understanding of race strategy and track dynamics. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, The Speedway Club offers fine dining with panoramic views, making it a popular choice for corporate events or a special occasion. Remember to check the speedway's policies on what you can bring, as coolers with food and drinks are often permitted, helping to manage costs.
Beyond the main oval, Charlotte Motor Speedway also hosts events on its adjacent dirt track, offering a different kind of motorsport thrill. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider purchasing pit passes, which grant access to the heart of the action and opportunities to see the teams at work and potentially meet drivers. Planning your arrival and departure is crucial; traffic can be heavy, so factor in extra time and consider ride-sharing or carpooling options.
Beyond the Oval: Dirt Tracks and Road Courses
Furthermore, the speedway features the Charlotte Roval, a unique road course that cleverly integrates sections of the traditional oval with an infield road course. This hybrid track, officially known as the Bank of America Roval 400, presents a significant challenge for drivers, demanding a blend of high-speed oval racing and technical road course maneuvering. The Roval events are known for their unpredictable nature and dramatic finishes, making them a must-watch for fans seeking variety in their racing experience.
Meeting the Stars: Autographs and Behind-the-Scenes
Beyond autographs, the speedway offers opportunities to glimpse the inner workings of a race team. Pit passes, though an additional expense, provide unparalleled access to the pit lane, allowing you to witness the lightning-fast tire changes and adjustments that happen during a race. This behind-the-scenes look offers a profound appreciation for the skill and precision involved in professional motorsport, making the entire experience more engaging and memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit