zMAX Dragway
zMAX Dragway, 'The Bellagio of Drag Strips,' offers a premier 4-lane racing experience for NHRA events and more.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nitro cars under the lights!
zMAX Dragway
Best Time
Nitro cars under the lights!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
zMAX Dragway, 'The Bellagio of Drag Strips,' offers a premier 4-lane racing experience for NHRA events and more.
"The zMAX Dragway is an amazing track and the 4 wide racing is a ton of fun to watch!"
👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs
Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs!
🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler
Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

NHRA 4-Wide Nationals
zMAX Dragway
Witness the thunderous spectacle of four dragsters racing side-by-side. Pure adrenaline and a unique racing format!

Top Fuel Dragsters
Starting Line
Experience the raw power of 11,000 horsepower machines as they blast down the strip in seconds.

Funny Cars
Starting Line
Watch these iconic, nitro-fueled machines set track records and deliver thrilling passes.

Streetcar Takeover
zMAX Dragway
A vibrant event showcasing a wide array of modified street cars and intense drag racing action.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ear Protection is Non-Negotiable
Pack Smart for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs
Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs!
🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler
Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun can be intense. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
🪑 Bring Seat Cushions
Metal grandstand seats can get uncomfortable. Cushions make a big difference for long races.
Tips
from all over the internet
👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs
Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs!
🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler
Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun can be intense. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
🪑 Bring Seat Cushions
Metal grandstand seats can get uncomfortable. Cushions make a big difference for long races.
🚗 Easy Parking & Shuttles
Parking is well-organized with clear signage and helpful shuttles to the track.
📸 Capture the Speed
Get ready for incredible photo opportunities of the fastest cars on earth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise zMAX Dragway for its thrilling 4-wide racing and the sheer power of NHRA events. The facility is noted for its cleanliness, spacious pits, and well-organized parking. However, attendees strongly advise bringing high-quality ear protection and packing your own food and drinks due to high venue costs.
"Easy to get to. Not too far off the exit. Clear signs to and from. Parking attendance and police directing you where to go. $10 to park which was not bad at all. Plenty of parking and shuttles from parking lot to bring you up to the speedway. Recommend packing your own cooler. We didn't know we could and lunch was $38 for a small cup of French fries, a sausage dog with raw onions, and two waters! $10 for additional 2 waters after the fact later on. Also, bring really good ear muffs, not the cheap hearing protection. Trust me. Also don't skimp on the sun block. You'll thank me."
Metal Man
"Had a blast! Got there early, parking was easy, walked around. Food selections were great! Enjoyed watching! Will definitely be back!"
Becky Simpson
"Saturday April 26, 2025. A wonderful experience start to finish. The zMAX Dragway is an amazing track and the 4 wide racing is a ton of fun to watch but bring ear muffs, plugs just are not enough. The entire facility is extremely clean and well kept. Plenty of great parking. Very spacious pits makes getting around easy and enjoyable. Every seat is a good seat just depends on how close you want to be to the start or finish. There are 2 tunnels that connect each side. Grand stand seating has backs and are large enough for a small cooler but metal seats are not comfortable after a while so bring cushions."
Daryl Wiggins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
zMAX Dragway is located at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. It's easily accessible via I-85. Clear signage directs you from the exit to the venue and parking areas.
Yes, ample parking is available. Attendees report it's well-organized with clear directions and shuttles to the track entrance. Parking fees are typically around $10.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, ride-sharing services are generally a viable option for events at large venues like zMAX Dragway. Confirm drop-off/pick-up points with your service.
Follow the signs for zMAX Dragway. The venue is part of the larger Charlotte Motor Speedway complex, and clear directional signage is provided for attendees.
Public transportation options directly to zMAX Dragway are limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services are the most common methods of arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for zMAX Dragway events, including NHRA races, can be purchased through the official zMAX Dragway website, Charlotte Motor Speedway channels, and authorized ticket vendors. Look for 'zMAX Dragway tickets' or 'NHRA zMAX tickets' online.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event and seating location. For NHRA events, expect prices to range from general admission to premium seating. 'zMAX Dragway discount tickets' might be available through promotions.
It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for major NHRA events like the 4-Wide Nationals, to secure your preferred seats and avoid potential sell-outs.
You can find the 'zMAX Dragway schedule' and 'zMAX Dragway events' on their official website. This includes NHRA schedules and other special events.
Yes, for the 'zMAX 4 Wide' events, various seating options are available, from general admission to grandstand seats. 'zMAX 4 wide tickets' can be purchased in advance.
🎫 🏎️ Onsite Experience
The 'best seats at zMAX Dragway' depend on your preference. Some enjoy being close to the start line for the initial roar, while others prefer the finish line for the speed. Many seats offer good views, and the pits are also spacious and enjoyable to explore.
The 'zMAX 4 wide' racing is an exhilarating spectacle where four nitro-powered cars launch simultaneously. It's a unique and intense experience that many find thrilling.
Yes, the pits at zMAX Dragway are generally spacious and accessible, allowing visitors to get up close to the race cars and teams. This is a highlight for many attendees.
Besides NHRA events, zMAX Dragway hosts other motorsports like autocross,
Supercross, and special car shows like Streetcar Takeover. Check the 'zMAX Dragway events' for a full list.Yes, zMAX Dragway can be a fun experience for families, especially during NHRA events. However, the extreme noise levels require adequate ear protection for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food selections at zMAX Dragway can be great, but can also be expensive. Expect typical concession fare like hot dogs and fries. Bringing your own cooler with snacks and drinks is a popular money-saving tip.
Yes, it is highly recommended to pack your own cooler with food and drinks to save money. This is a common practice among attendees.
Food prices at zMAX Dragway can be high. One reviewer noted paying $38 for a small meal and two waters.
While specific options aren't detailed, standard concession stands often have basic vegetarian choices like fries or salads. It's best to check with the venue directly or pack your own if you have strict dietary needs.
Alcoholic beverages are typically available for purchase at major sporting venues like zMAX Dragway. Please drink responsibly.
📸 📸 Photography
The starting line offers dramatic shots of the launch, while the finish line captures the speed. The pits provide opportunities for close-ups of the cars and teams.
Generally, professional camera equipment (like DSLRs with large lenses) may have restrictions. Check the specific event's policy, but smaller cameras and phone photography are usually permitted.
Expect to capture incredible action shots of dragsters and funny cars, close-ups of engines and tires, and the overall atmosphere of a high-octane racing event.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Consider panning with the cars for a sense of motion. The evening races under the lights offer unique photographic opportunities.
Daytime offers bright conditions, but the evening races under the lights provide dramatic lighting. Be prepared for both bright sun and artificial lighting scenarios.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main drag racing can be intense, events like the Streetcar Takeover might offer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere with a wider variety of vehicles to admire. Check the specific event schedule for family-friendly activities or entertainment. Remember to pack sunscreen and comfortable seating for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of 4-Wide Racing
The 'zMAX 4 wide' format is not just about more cars; it's about a heightened sensory experience. The noise is amplified, the visual impact is doubled, and the competition feels even more fierce. It's a testament to the engineering and bravery of the drivers and teams involved, pushing the limits of what's possible in drag racing.
Attending an event featuring this configuration is a must for any drag racing enthusiast. It's a signature experience that sets zMAX Dragway apart and provides unforgettable moments for spectators.
NHRA at zMAX Dragway: A Premier Destination
Fans can expect to see the thunderous power of Top Fuel dragsters, the iconic Funny Cars, and competitive Pro Stock classes. Drivers like Brittany Force and John Force have set records here, showcasing the track's capabilities and the drivers' skill. The atmosphere during NHRA events is electric, filled with the smell of nitromethane and the roar of engines.
Beyond the main NHRA series, zMAX Dragway also hosts other racing disciplines and events, demonstrating its versatility. Whether you're a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer, experiencing an NHRA event at zMAX Dragway is a bucket-list item for motorsports enthusiasts.
Beyond the Races: Other Events and Experiences
The dragstrip also serves as a venue for enthusiast gatherings like the Streetcar Takeover, which brings together a diverse range of modified vehicles and their owners for a day of racing and car culture appreciation. These events offer a different, often more community-focused, vibe compared to the professional NHRA races.
Furthermore, zMAX Dragway has been a location for music festivals, such as the Breakaway Music Festival, featuring popular DJs and artists. This highlights the venue's capacity to host large-scale entertainment beyond just motorsports, making it a versatile entertainment hub in the Charlotte area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit