Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location:
Concord (Charlotte), North Carolina, USA, USA
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Charlotte Motor Speedway
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Charlotte
Nascar Cup
23 - 24 May
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Charlotte Roval
Nascar Cup
10 - 11 Oct
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Track Info
Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord, North Carolina, USA
Home of the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR ROVAL - clockwise - 1.500 mi / 2.414 km quad-oval (4 turns) plus a 2.28 mi, 17-turn ROVAL that dives through the infield and both chicanes
First Race
Jun 19, 1960
Inaugural World 600 (now Coca-Cola 600), won by Joe Lee Johnson.
Circuit Lengths
Oval 1.500 mi • ROVAL 2.28 mi • Frontstretch quarter-mile “Legends” oval 0.25 mi
The ROVAL (introduced 2018) blends the infield road course with the high banks and two chicanes.
Turns
Oval 4 • ROVAL 17
Oval banking 24° in the corners; straights ~5°.
Lap Records
Oval Cup pole >193 mph (sub-28 s) • ROVAL Cup race laps typically 1:22–1:25
Exact records vary by era, aero package, and weather; modern Cup poles on the oval consistently dip under 28 seconds.
Headline Events
Coca-Cola 600 (Memorial Day weekend) • Bank of America ROVAL 400 (Playoffs)
Plus Xfinity and Craftsman Truck triple-header weekends, the “ROVAL” fall road-course race, major late-season tests, and marquee short-track shows on the quarter-mile.
When was the track built?
Conceived by Bruton Smith and Curtis Turner, Charlotte opened in 1960 as one of NASCAR’s first purpose-built 1.5-mile superspeedways. It survived early financial swings, added grand condominiums and lighting for full-stadium night racing, and in 2018 debuted the now-famous ROVAL-a 2.28-mile, 17-turn hybrid course that kept the high-bank drama while threading a technical infield.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the World 600 on June 19, 1960. That 400-lap marathon established Charlotte as NASCAR’s Memorial Day weekend tradition-a crown-jewel endurance test still known today as the Coca-Cola 600.
What's the circuit like?
- High-bank momentum (oval): Long, fast straights feed 24° corners where aero balance and clean air matter. Tyre falloff and night-to-day transitions in the 600 test long-run discipline.
- Two chicanes, one heartbeat (ROVAL): A flowing infield links to aggressive backstretch and frontstretch chicanes-track limits and braking precision decide passes and penalties.
- Benchmark pace: Cup poles on the oval frequently clock sub-28-second laps; ROVAL race laps live around the low-to-mid 1:20s with traffic and cautions reshuffling strategy.
- Versatility: The campus includes the quarter-mile oval in front of the main grandstand, a 4-lane zMAX Dragway across the street, and a clay dirt track-there’s action almost every month.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- NASCAR Cup - Oval qualifying: Fastest poles exceed 193 mph (sub-28 s) in prime conditions.
- NASCAR Cup - Oval race laps: Typically high-28s to low-29s on fresh tyres; pace drops with falloff over a green-flag run.
- NASCAR Cup - ROVAL race lap: Low-to-mid 1:20s benchmark; track limits in the chicanes can make or break a stint.
- NASCAR Xfinity - ROVAL: Usually 1–2 s slower than Cup in race trim; qualifying margins are razor thin through the final chicane.
- Craftsman Truck - Oval: Race laps hover around 30–31 s with significant falloff late in stages.
Charlotte’s “records” are tracked separately for oval vs. ROVAL, and by session (qualifying vs. race) due to frequent package and tyre updates.
Why go?
Because Charlotte showcases every side of stock-car racing in one place. You get 600 miles of day-to-night strategy in May, Playoff jeopardy on the ROVAL in the fall, and year-round events across the campus. Sightlines are excellent, the fan zone is lively, and the city’s motorsport scene-race shops, museums, and haulers rolling past-turns a race ticket into a full weekend.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Frontstretch grandstands (oval): Starts, restarts, pit road choreography and the run to Turn 1 under the lights.
- High rows in Turns 1–2 (oval): Panoramic view of entry speed, lane choice and who maintains momentum on exit.
- Backstretch chicane (ROVAL): Heaviest braking on the lap-prime for divebombs, lockups and penalties.
- Frontstretch chicane & finish (ROVAL): Last-lap drama as drivers attack kerbs and drag to the stripe.
Not just one series - headline events at Charlotte
NASCAR Cup: Coca-Cola 600 (oval) and Bank of America ROVAL 400 (Playoffs).
NASCAR Xfinity & Craftsman Trucks: Full companion cards on both the oval and ROVAL weekends.
Short-track & grassroots: Summer “Cookout Summer Shootout” on the 0.25-mile Legends oval, plus dirt-track specials nearby.
Drag racing: NHRA Nationals at the 4-lane zMAX Dragway across the boulevard cap the campus’ big-event feel.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord, North Carolina
Best options are driving via I-85 Exit 49 to Bruton Smith Blvd then US 29, parking in the free daily lots or buying closer reserved parking when offered, and using on property tram routes between lots and gate plazas. Rideshare - taxi drop-offs are signposted near the entrances.
Address - sat nav
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
Located at the intersection of US 29 and Bruton Smith Blvd.
Primary approach
I-85 Exit 49 - Bruton Smith Blvd
From north or south, take Exit 49 then continue about 1 mile to the speedway.
Parking
Free daily lots + reserved options
Large free fields shown on official parking maps. Selected premium lots sold on major events.
On site transport
Tram routes to gates
Facility diagrams show tram lines and stops around the grandstands and Fan Zone.
Closest airports
CLT 20 mi - JQF 10 mi
Charlotte Douglas International about 20 miles - ~28 minutes by car. Concord-Padgett Regional is roughly 10 miles - ~15 minutes.
Public transport - limited direct options
- No fixed bus - rail to the gates: The track advises using the I-85 Exit 49 approach and venue parking. If you use regional transit into Charlotte, plan a taxi - rideshare for the final leg.
Driving - I-85 Exit 49 to Bruton Smith Blvd - US 29
- From the south: I-85 Exit 49 then right on Bruton Smith Blvd for about 1 mile to US 29 and the speedway.
- From the north: I-85 Exit 49 then left on Bruton Smith Blvd for about 1 mile to US 29 and the speedway.
- For zMAX Dragway - Dirt Track: From Exit 49 continue about 0.9 miles along Bruton Smith Blvd. Venues are on the left before US 29.
- Event maps: Download the current facility - parking diagrams for gate numbers, lot labels and tram stops.
Parking - free daily fields with closer reserved lots
- Free daily parking: Large signed fields on the property are free on most race weekends. Follow marshal direction to the nearest active lot shown on the map.
- Reserved - premium parking: Closer lots may be sold for headline events. Match your pass to the named lot on the facility map.
- Accessible parking: ADA bays are marked near major entrances on the diagram. Arrive early to secure the closest spaces.
Trams - free loops to gate plazas and Fan Zone
- Tram routes: On event days, free trams circulate with stops at key gates including the frontstretch plaza and Turn 4 area. Post race, trams make all stops until crowds thin.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zones: Event operations signpost Uber - Lyft drop-off and pick-up areas near the main entrances on US 29 - Bruton Smith Blvd. Confirm the active zone on the current facility map or with parking staff.
Walking from lots - pedestrian routes
- From free fields: Expect 5 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on your lot. Use the signed pedestrian crossings and tram stops shown on the facility diagram to shorten the distance.
Camping - infield and outside campgrounds with showers - hookups
- Camping World Racing Resort: Full service campground with water - sewer hookups, free Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facilities, playground and propane exchange.
- General policies: Quiet hours typically 12 AM - 7 AM, one camping unit and one vehicle per site unless approved. Check the specific event camping guide for details.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Charlotte Douglas International CLT → CMS: around 20 miles - typically ~28 minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Concord-Padgett Regional JQF → CMS: smaller regional airport roughly ~10 miles - about 15 minutes by road.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.5 mile quad oval with adjacent zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track: Official maps show gates, tram stops, parking categories and campground names to plan your arrival efficiently.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: I-85 Exit 49 → Bruton Smith Blvd → US 29, then follow gate - lot signage.
- Parking: Free daily lots on site with reserved options on headline events. Use the facility diagram for locations.
- Trams: free loops connect outlying lots to gate plazas - Fan Zone.
- Rideshare: use the signed Uber - Lyft zone near the entrances per the current map.
- Exact address: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord - Charlotte Metro - North Carolina (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, the fall ROVAL, zMAX Dragway NHRA events, The Dirt Track shows, car meets or a track tour, this multi venue complex sits beside outlet shopping, museums, lakes and adventure parks that are easy to enjoy on non race days.
Motorsport at CMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - ARCA - NHRA - Dirt - Experiences
1.5 mile quad oval, an infield - outside road course ROVAL configuration used in the fall, zMAX Dragway - 4 lane strip, and The Dirt Track at Charlotte next door.
Typical peak windows
May and September - October
Coca-Cola 600 typically runs on Memorial Day weekend. The ROVAL weekend anchors early fall. NHRA and dirt crown jewels land in spring - fall.
Nearby hubs
Concord - Kannapolis - University City - Uptown Charlotte
Gaston County gardens and Lake Norman are straightforward add ons if you extend your stay.
Event impact
Festival scale race weeks
I-85, Bruton Smith Blvd and Concord Mills area get very busy Friday - Sunday. Outlet dining and family attractions see post race surges.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium - Concord Mills: Compact, stroller friendly loop with touch pools and scheduled feeds.
- Great Wolf Lodge: Indoor waterpark resort minutes from the track. Day passes available on select dates.
- Concord Mills: Big outlet mall with food courts, movie theater and easy rainy day coverage.
- Carowinds Theme Park - NC - SC line: Coasters and kid zones if you add a full day. Waterpark open in warm months.
- Discovery Place Science - Uptown: Hands on exhibits and an indoor rainforest - excellent hot or stormy day fallback.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway tours: Guided track tours often run on non event days, with views of pit road, winner's circle and the garages.
Aquariums, theme parks and tours may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to be back for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- NASCAR Hall of Fame - Uptown: Simulators, cars and storytelling galleries for fans of all ages.
- Mint Museum Uptown - Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Neighboring art stops that pair well with a stroll through Romare Bearden Park.
- Levine Museum of the New South: Regional history and rotating exhibits in a compact format.
- Hendrick Motorsports Complex: Team museum style displays and viewing windows into race shops on business days.
- Reed Gold Mine - Midland: Historic underground walkways and gold panning in season for a unique half day.
Eat and drink like a local
- Carolina barbecue trail: Pulled pork, ribs and smoked turkey with vinegar - pepper or Lexington style sauces across Concord - Charlotte.
- Southern staples: Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collards and banana pudding - crowd pleasing pre or post session plates.
- Uptown - South End: Food halls and breweries with patios for groups. Always designate a driver.
- Lakeside lunches: Lake Norman and Lake Wylie marinas feature casual decks with views on calmer days.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in Concord Mills, University City and Uptown fill quickly on Coca-Cola 600 and ROVAL weekends. Reserve or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: Rafting, zip lines, ropes courses and long greenway loops beside the river. Evening concerts in season.
- Lake Norman - Jetton Park - Ramsey Creek Park: Flat waterfront paths, playgrounds and beach areas in warm weather.
- McDowell Nature Preserve - Lake Wylie: Short forest trails and lakeside overlooks 35 - 50 minutes from the paddock.
- Little Sugar Creek Greenway - Uptown stretch: Easy stroller friendly path linking parks and cafés.
- Frank Liske Park - Concord: Paddleboats, mini golf and shaded walks close to the track.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Lake Norman towns - 25 to 45 minutes. Davidson - Cornelius - Huntersville for coffee streets, playgrounds and marina patios.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Belmont - 35 to 55 minutes. Greenhouses, fountains and shady garden loops.
- North Carolina Transportation Museum - Spencer - 50 to 75 minutes. Historic roundhouse, locomotives and occasional ride days.
- South Mountains State Park - 70 to 100 minutes. Waterfall loops and ridgeline views if you add a hiking day.
- Asheboro - North Carolina Zoo - 90 to 120 minutes. Large natural habitat zoo that is great with kids on cooler days.
- Winston-Salem sampler - 70 to 100 minutes. Old Salem Museums and Gardens and a compact downtown arts scene.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Garden entries, zoo tickets and whitewater activities may require dated reservations or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600 week and the fall ROVAL weekend bring concerts, fan zones and full campgrounds. NHRA and dirt crown jewels also draw big crowds. Hotels from Concord to Uptown fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Humid subtropical. Spring and fall are comfortable with quick thunderstorms possible, summer is hot and humid with afternoon downpours, winter is cool with occasional frosty mornings. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Pollen peaks in spring. Holiday light shows sometimes run at the speedway in late November - December if you are visiting off season.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Driver intros, concerts, kids zones and midway displays are common on major weekends. Some tours pause or run special hours.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always confirm current policies before packing.
- Movement - traffic: Bruton Smith Blvd, I-85 interchanges and Concord Mills Boulevard back up before and after sessions. Consider an early dinner at the outlets or a park stroll while traffic thins.
- Heat - hydration: Grandstands and infields are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes, a compact umbrella for sun or a shower and a small seat cushion.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for lakeside evenings and grippy shoes for bleachers and boardwalks.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - garden ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Concord (Charlotte), North Carolina, USA, USA
Track Info
Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord, North Carolina, USA
Home of the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR ROVAL - clockwise - 1.500 mi / 2.414 km quad-oval (4 turns) plus a 2.28 mi, 17-turn ROVAL that dives through the infield and both chicanes
First Race
Jun 19, 1960
Inaugural World 600 (now Coca-Cola 600), won by Joe Lee Johnson.
Circuit Lengths
Oval 1.500 mi • ROVAL 2.28 mi • Frontstretch quarter-mile “Legends” oval 0.25 mi
The ROVAL (introduced 2018) blends the infield road course with the high banks and two chicanes.
Turns
Oval 4 • ROVAL 17
Oval banking 24° in the corners; straights ~5°.
Lap Records
Oval Cup pole >193 mph (sub-28 s) • ROVAL Cup race laps typically 1:22–1:25
Exact records vary by era, aero package, and weather; modern Cup poles on the oval consistently dip under 28 seconds.
Headline Events
Coca-Cola 600 (Memorial Day weekend) • Bank of America ROVAL 400 (Playoffs)
Plus Xfinity and Craftsman Truck triple-header weekends, the “ROVAL” fall road-course race, major late-season tests, and marquee short-track shows on the quarter-mile.
When was the track built?
Conceived by Bruton Smith and Curtis Turner, Charlotte opened in 1960 as one of NASCAR’s first purpose-built 1.5-mile superspeedways. It survived early financial swings, added grand condominiums and lighting for full-stadium night racing, and in 2018 debuted the now-famous ROVAL-a 2.28-mile, 17-turn hybrid course that kept the high-bank drama while threading a technical infield.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the World 600 on June 19, 1960. That 400-lap marathon established Charlotte as NASCAR’s Memorial Day weekend tradition-a crown-jewel endurance test still known today as the Coca-Cola 600.
What's the circuit like?
- High-bank momentum (oval): Long, fast straights feed 24° corners where aero balance and clean air matter. Tyre falloff and night-to-day transitions in the 600 test long-run discipline.
- Two chicanes, one heartbeat (ROVAL): A flowing infield links to aggressive backstretch and frontstretch chicanes-track limits and braking precision decide passes and penalties.
- Benchmark pace: Cup poles on the oval frequently clock sub-28-second laps; ROVAL race laps live around the low-to-mid 1:20s with traffic and cautions reshuffling strategy.
- Versatility: The campus includes the quarter-mile oval in front of the main grandstand, a 4-lane zMAX Dragway across the street, and a clay dirt track-there’s action almost every month.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- NASCAR Cup - Oval qualifying: Fastest poles exceed 193 mph (sub-28 s) in prime conditions.
- NASCAR Cup - Oval race laps: Typically high-28s to low-29s on fresh tyres; pace drops with falloff over a green-flag run.
- NASCAR Cup - ROVAL race lap: Low-to-mid 1:20s benchmark; track limits in the chicanes can make or break a stint.
- NASCAR Xfinity - ROVAL: Usually 1–2 s slower than Cup in race trim; qualifying margins are razor thin through the final chicane.
- Craftsman Truck - Oval: Race laps hover around 30–31 s with significant falloff late in stages.
Charlotte’s “records” are tracked separately for oval vs. ROVAL, and by session (qualifying vs. race) due to frequent package and tyre updates.
Why go?
Because Charlotte showcases every side of stock-car racing in one place. You get 600 miles of day-to-night strategy in May, Playoff jeopardy on the ROVAL in the fall, and year-round events across the campus. Sightlines are excellent, the fan zone is lively, and the city’s motorsport scene-race shops, museums, and haulers rolling past-turns a race ticket into a full weekend.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Frontstretch grandstands (oval): Starts, restarts, pit road choreography and the run to Turn 1 under the lights.
- High rows in Turns 1–2 (oval): Panoramic view of entry speed, lane choice and who maintains momentum on exit.
- Backstretch chicane (ROVAL): Heaviest braking on the lap-prime for divebombs, lockups and penalties.
- Frontstretch chicane & finish (ROVAL): Last-lap drama as drivers attack kerbs and drag to the stripe.
Not just one series - headline events at Charlotte
NASCAR Cup: Coca-Cola 600 (oval) and Bank of America ROVAL 400 (Playoffs).
NASCAR Xfinity & Craftsman Trucks: Full companion cards on both the oval and ROVAL weekends.
Short-track & grassroots: Summer “Cookout Summer Shootout” on the 0.25-mile Legends oval, plus dirt-track specials nearby.
Drag racing: NHRA Nationals at the 4-lane zMAX Dragway across the boulevard cap the campus’ big-event feel.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord, North Carolina
Best options are driving via I-85 Exit 49 to Bruton Smith Blvd then US 29, parking in the free daily lots or buying closer reserved parking when offered, and using on property tram routes between lots and gate plazas. Rideshare - taxi drop-offs are signposted near the entrances.
Address - sat nav
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
Located at the intersection of US 29 and Bruton Smith Blvd.
Primary approach
I-85 Exit 49 - Bruton Smith Blvd
From north or south, take Exit 49 then continue about 1 mile to the speedway.
Parking
Free daily lots + reserved options
Large free fields shown on official parking maps. Selected premium lots sold on major events.
On site transport
Tram routes to gates
Facility diagrams show tram lines and stops around the grandstands and Fan Zone.
Closest airports
CLT 20 mi - JQF 10 mi
Charlotte Douglas International about 20 miles - ~28 minutes by car. Concord-Padgett Regional is roughly 10 miles - ~15 minutes.
Public transport - limited direct options
- No fixed bus - rail to the gates: The track advises using the I-85 Exit 49 approach and venue parking. If you use regional transit into Charlotte, plan a taxi - rideshare for the final leg.
Driving - I-85 Exit 49 to Bruton Smith Blvd - US 29
- From the south: I-85 Exit 49 then right on Bruton Smith Blvd for about 1 mile to US 29 and the speedway.
- From the north: I-85 Exit 49 then left on Bruton Smith Blvd for about 1 mile to US 29 and the speedway.
- For zMAX Dragway - Dirt Track: From Exit 49 continue about 0.9 miles along Bruton Smith Blvd. Venues are on the left before US 29.
- Event maps: Download the current facility - parking diagrams for gate numbers, lot labels and tram stops.
Parking - free daily fields with closer reserved lots
- Free daily parking: Large signed fields on the property are free on most race weekends. Follow marshal direction to the nearest active lot shown on the map.
- Reserved - premium parking: Closer lots may be sold for headline events. Match your pass to the named lot on the facility map.
- Accessible parking: ADA bays are marked near major entrances on the diagram. Arrive early to secure the closest spaces.
Trams - free loops to gate plazas and Fan Zone
- Tram routes: On event days, free trams circulate with stops at key gates including the frontstretch plaza and Turn 4 area. Post race, trams make all stops until crowds thin.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zones: Event operations signpost Uber - Lyft drop-off and pick-up areas near the main entrances on US 29 - Bruton Smith Blvd. Confirm the active zone on the current facility map or with parking staff.
Walking from lots - pedestrian routes
- From free fields: Expect 5 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on your lot. Use the signed pedestrian crossings and tram stops shown on the facility diagram to shorten the distance.
Camping - infield and outside campgrounds with showers - hookups
- Camping World Racing Resort: Full service campground with water - sewer hookups, free Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facilities, playground and propane exchange.
- General policies: Quiet hours typically 12 AM - 7 AM, one camping unit and one vehicle per site unless approved. Check the specific event camping guide for details.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Charlotte Douglas International CLT → CMS: around 20 miles - typically ~28 minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Concord-Padgett Regional JQF → CMS: smaller regional airport roughly ~10 miles - about 15 minutes by road.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.5 mile quad oval with adjacent zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track: Official maps show gates, tram stops, parking categories and campground names to plan your arrival efficiently.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: I-85 Exit 49 → Bruton Smith Blvd → US 29, then follow gate - lot signage.
- Parking: Free daily lots on site with reserved options on headline events. Use the facility diagram for locations.
- Trams: free loops connect outlying lots to gate plazas - Fan Zone.
- Rideshare: use the signed Uber - Lyft zone near the entrances per the current map.
- Exact address: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord - Charlotte Metro - North Carolina (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, the fall ROVAL, zMAX Dragway NHRA events, The Dirt Track shows, car meets or a track tour, this multi venue complex sits beside outlet shopping, museums, lakes and adventure parks that are easy to enjoy on non race days.
Motorsport at CMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - ARCA - NHRA - Dirt - Experiences
1.5 mile quad oval, an infield - outside road course ROVAL configuration used in the fall, zMAX Dragway - 4 lane strip, and The Dirt Track at Charlotte next door.
Typical peak windows
May and September - October
Coca-Cola 600 typically runs on Memorial Day weekend. The ROVAL weekend anchors early fall. NHRA and dirt crown jewels land in spring - fall.
Nearby hubs
Concord - Kannapolis - University City - Uptown Charlotte
Gaston County gardens and Lake Norman are straightforward add ons if you extend your stay.
Event impact
Festival scale race weeks
I-85, Bruton Smith Blvd and Concord Mills area get very busy Friday - Sunday. Outlet dining and family attractions see post race surges.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium - Concord Mills: Compact, stroller friendly loop with touch pools and scheduled feeds.
- Great Wolf Lodge: Indoor waterpark resort minutes from the track. Day passes available on select dates.
- Concord Mills: Big outlet mall with food courts, movie theater and easy rainy day coverage.
- Carowinds Theme Park - NC - SC line: Coasters and kid zones if you add a full day. Waterpark open in warm months.
- Discovery Place Science - Uptown: Hands on exhibits and an indoor rainforest - excellent hot or stormy day fallback.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway tours: Guided track tours often run on non event days, with views of pit road, winner's circle and the garages.
Aquariums, theme parks and tours may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to be back for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- NASCAR Hall of Fame - Uptown: Simulators, cars and storytelling galleries for fans of all ages.
- Mint Museum Uptown - Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Neighboring art stops that pair well with a stroll through Romare Bearden Park.
- Levine Museum of the New South: Regional history and rotating exhibits in a compact format.
- Hendrick Motorsports Complex: Team museum style displays and viewing windows into race shops on business days.
- Reed Gold Mine - Midland: Historic underground walkways and gold panning in season for a unique half day.
Eat and drink like a local
- Carolina barbecue trail: Pulled pork, ribs and smoked turkey with vinegar - pepper or Lexington style sauces across Concord - Charlotte.
- Southern staples: Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collards and banana pudding - crowd pleasing pre or post session plates.
- Uptown - South End: Food halls and breweries with patios for groups. Always designate a driver.
- Lakeside lunches: Lake Norman and Lake Wylie marinas feature casual decks with views on calmer days.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in Concord Mills, University City and Uptown fill quickly on Coca-Cola 600 and ROVAL weekends. Reserve or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: Rafting, zip lines, ropes courses and long greenway loops beside the river. Evening concerts in season.
- Lake Norman - Jetton Park - Ramsey Creek Park: Flat waterfront paths, playgrounds and beach areas in warm weather.
- McDowell Nature Preserve - Lake Wylie: Short forest trails and lakeside overlooks 35 - 50 minutes from the paddock.
- Little Sugar Creek Greenway - Uptown stretch: Easy stroller friendly path linking parks and cafés.
- Frank Liske Park - Concord: Paddleboats, mini golf and shaded walks close to the track.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Lake Norman towns - 25 to 45 minutes. Davidson - Cornelius - Huntersville for coffee streets, playgrounds and marina patios.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Belmont - 35 to 55 minutes. Greenhouses, fountains and shady garden loops.
- North Carolina Transportation Museum - Spencer - 50 to 75 minutes. Historic roundhouse, locomotives and occasional ride days.
- South Mountains State Park - 70 to 100 minutes. Waterfall loops and ridgeline views if you add a hiking day.
- Asheboro - North Carolina Zoo - 90 to 120 minutes. Large natural habitat zoo that is great with kids on cooler days.
- Winston-Salem sampler - 70 to 100 minutes. Old Salem Museums and Gardens and a compact downtown arts scene.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Garden entries, zoo tickets and whitewater activities may require dated reservations or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600 week and the fall ROVAL weekend bring concerts, fan zones and full campgrounds. NHRA and dirt crown jewels also draw big crowds. Hotels from Concord to Uptown fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Humid subtropical. Spring and fall are comfortable with quick thunderstorms possible, summer is hot and humid with afternoon downpours, winter is cool with occasional frosty mornings. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Pollen peaks in spring. Holiday light shows sometimes run at the speedway in late November - December if you are visiting off season.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Driver intros, concerts, kids zones and midway displays are common on major weekends. Some tours pause or run special hours.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always confirm current policies before packing.
- Movement - traffic: Bruton Smith Blvd, I-85 interchanges and Concord Mills Boulevard back up before and after sessions. Consider an early dinner at the outlets or a park stroll while traffic thins.
- Heat - hydration: Grandstands and infields are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes, a compact umbrella for sun or a shower and a small seat cushion.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for lakeside evenings and grippy shoes for bleachers and boardwalks.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - garden ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway and attraction sites for your exact dates.
