Hickory Motor Speedway
Location
Newton, North Carolina, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Hickory Motor Speedway - Newton, North Carolina, USA
Historic NASCAR short track known as the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars” - compact, unevenly banked and famous for close Saturday-night racing
When was the track built?
Hickory opened in 1951 as a half-mile dirt track. It quickly became an important training ground for stock-car drivers from North Carolina and the surrounding states.
The dirt circuit was shortened to 0.4 miles in 1955 and paved in 1967. A further reconfiguration in 1970 created the present 0.363-mile oval.
When was its first race?
Gwyn Staley won the first race during the 1951 opening season and became Hickory's first track champion. Junior Johnson, Ralph Earnhardt and Ned Jarrett were among the future NASCAR stars who won local championships during the following decade.
The first NASCAR Grand National race, now part of Cup Series history, took place on 16 May 1953. Tim Flock won the event on the original dirt layout.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely compact: Cars complete laps quickly, so leaders soon encounter slower traffic.
- Unequal corners: Turns 1-2 have more banking than Turns 3-4, forcing teams to find a setup that works at both ends.
- Close racing: The short straights and crowded corners keep competitors close together, especially after restarts.
- Momentum matters: Braking too much or choosing the wrong line can cost several positions before the driver recovers.
The layout appears simple, but a fast lap requires precise steering and careful throttle control. Drivers must also protect their tyres during longer races.
Lap records and benchmarks
- ARCA East qualifying: 0:15.036 - Max Reaves, Toyota, 2026.
- NASCAR Busch qualifying: Approximately 0:14.774 - Robert Pressley, 88.453 mph, 1998.
- Late Model Stock: Connor Hall set the fastest Late Model qualifying lap recorded by the circuit at the 2022 season opener.
Different categories use different engines, tyres and technical rules. Qualifying laps are also normally faster than laps completed in traffic during a race.
Why is it famous?
Hickory hosted 35 NASCAR Cup-level races between 1953 and 1971. Junior Johnson earned a record seven victories, while Richard Petty won five times.
The circuit later hosted 42 races for the series now known as NASCAR's second national division between 1982 and 1998. Jack Ingram and Tommy Houston share the track record with eight victories each.
This history gave Hickory its best-known nickname: the Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.
What events are held here?
The modern programme centres on NASCAR-sanctioned weekly racing. Regular categories include Late Model Stocks, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks, Super Trucks and Renegades.
Major meetings include the CARS Tour Throwback Classic, Bobby Isaac Memorial and Fall Brawl. In March 2026, Hickory hosted the ARCA Menards Series East for the first time, with Tristan McKee winning the Cook Out 200.
Why go?
Hickory offers a traditional American short-track experience. The lap is easy for new spectators to follow, the cars pass the grandstands every few seconds and most of the circuit can be seen from one seat.
The speedway is beside major roads near Newton and Hickory, approximately one hour northwest of Charlotte.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Upper main grandstand: Provides the clearest overall view of the complete oval and developing traffic.
- Turns 1-2: Watch drivers enter the more heavily banked end of the circuit after the frontstretch.
- Turns 3-4: A useful area for seeing cars struggle for grip before accelerating towards the finish line.
- Start and finish area: Best for restarts, final-lap battles and victory celebrations.
Ticket prices, grandstand sections, paddock access and carry-in rules vary between weekly races and major touring events. Check the organiser's latest information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Hickory Motor Speedway (Newton, North Carolina)
Hickory Motor Speedway is just outside Hickory in Newton, North Carolina. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, with the circuit close to Interstate 40. Visitors flying into Charlotte can also use an airport shuttle to Hickory before arranging the final ride to the speedway.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From I-40: leave at Exit 128 for Fairgrove Church Road and follow the local Speedway signs towards the circuit.
- From Charlotte: allow roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Aim for the I-40 corridor near Newton for the final approach.
- From Asheville: follow I-40 east towards Hickory and Newton before leaving at Exit 128.
- Navigation: enter 3130 Hwy 70 SE, Newton, NC 28658.
- Parking: follow speedway staff and event signage when you arrive, as spectator and competitor areas are kept separate.
Tip: Race-day schedules often ask competitors to arrive well before spectators. Check that you are using the correct gate before joining a queue.
Charlotte Airport transfers
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): the main airport for most visitors flying to Hickory.
- Rental car: usually the simplest option. Rental-car companies operate from the airport's dedicated Rental Car Facility.
- Hickory Hop: a scheduled shuttle runs between Charlotte Airport and Hickory seven days a week, making it useful if you do not want to drive the full journey.
- After the shuttle: the Hickory depot is not at the speedway, so arrange a taxi, rideshare or pickup for the final journey.
Bus & public transport
Local public transport exists around Hickory and Newton, but it is less convenient than driving directly to the speedway.
- Greenway Public Transportation: fixed-route buses serve Hickory, Newton and Conover.
- Operating days: the fixed-route network currently operates Monday-Saturday, with shorter hours on Saturdays.
- For the speedway: check the current route map for the closest useful stop and be prepared to use a taxi or rideshare for the final section.
- Sunday events: do not assume normal local bus service will be available.
For visitors without a car, the Charlotte Airport shuttle followed by a local taxi or rideshare is usually simpler than building the whole trip around local buses.
Train
There is currently no passenger railway station in Hickory or Newton with direct service to the speedway.
- Charlotte: Amtrak serves Charlotte, but you will still need road transport for the approximately 65-mile journey to Hickory.
- For most visitors: flying into Charlotte or driving directly is normally easier than combining rail and road transport.
Camping
- Track campground: Hickory Motor Speedway operates a designated campground beside the lower entrance.
- 2026 rate: campground spaces are listed at $100 per event and require registration with the speedway.
- RV-style camping: reserved areas are for self-contained camping vehicles; tents are not permitted in those reserved spaces.
- Quiet hours: generators and sound systems must be switched off during the midnight-7am quiet period.
Camping rules are detailed, so read the current speedway campground information before bringing an RV or other camping vehicle.
Where to stay
- Hickory: the easiest base for a wider choice of hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Newton and Conover: useful alternatives if you want to stay closer to the speedway.
- Major race weekends: reserve early, particularly for large touring-series events and the end-of-season Fall Brawl.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car is generally the simplest option because it avoids transfers between regional and local transport.
- Before travelling: contact the speedway if you need accessible parking or the shortest route to the grandstands.
- Flying: hiring a car at Charlotte Airport gives you the most flexibility for travelling between your hotel and the track.
Quick guide
- Driving? Take I-40 to Exit 128 at Fairgrove Church Road and follow Speedway signs.
- Flying? Charlotte Douglas is the main airport; hire a car or take the Hickory Hop shuttle.
- Without a car? Use the airport shuttle to Hickory and arrange the final ride to the circuit in advance.
Check Hickory Motor Speedway shortly before travelling, as gate opening times, tickets, parking and camping arrangements can change between events.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Hickory Motor Speedway (Newton, North Carolina)
Whether you’re here for late models, NASCAR local racing or a special short-track event, Hickory Motor Speedway puts you at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains - close to family museums, lakes, hiking and some of North Carolina’s most famous racing history.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Catawba Science Center: Hands-on science exhibits, aquariums, animal habitats and planetarium shows make this one of the easiest nearby activities for children.
- Hickory Aviation Museum: See more than 30 aircraft, cockpits and other aviation exhibits at Hickory Regional Airport. The museum reopened in its new facility in May 2026.
- Lake Hickory: Spend a quiet afternoon boating, fishing or simply relaxing beside a lake with more than 100 miles of shoreline.
- Kiwanis Park: A useful warm-weather stop with recreation areas and a splash pad for younger children.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Catawba Science Center: Most exhibits are indoors, so the aquarium and planetarium work particularly well when rain changes your plans.
- Hickory Aviation Museum: Aviation and engineering displays provide a natural second stop for anyone already interested in motorsport machinery.
- Hickory Furniture Mart: Hickory has a long furniture-making tradition, and this huge indoor centre gathers more than 100 showrooms across four floors.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Downtown Hickory: Head towards Union Square for restaurants, cafés, bars and local shops in a compact area that is easy to explore on foot.
- North Carolina barbecue: Look for slow-cooked pork with regional-style sauce and classic sides for an easy introduction to Carolina food.
- Lake Hickory: During warmer months, lakeside restaurants and marinas provide a quieter alternative to downtown.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Bakers Mountain Park: This 189-acre park reaches the highest point in Catawba County and has around 4.5 miles of trails through mature forest.
- Lake Hickory: Fishing, boating and paddling are easy ways to slow the pace after an evening of short-track racing.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Blowing Rock: Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a walkable mountain town, shops, cafés and long-range views from The Blowing Rock attraction.
- Charlotte: Motorsport fans can make a full day of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, with historic cars, exhibits and interactive racing experiences.
- Boone & High Country: Continue into the mountains for hiking, scenic drives and cooler temperatures during the warmer months.
Good to know when visiting Hickory Motor Speedway
- Check the race-night schedule: Hickory runs weekly and special-event programs, so gate times, divisions and ticket arrangements vary by date.
- Camping is available: The speedway operates a designated campground for events, with registration required and specific rules for camping vehicles.
- Bring hearing protection: Short-track racing puts spectators close to the cars, so ear defenders are especially worthwhile for children and first-time visitors.
- Prepare for Carolina weather: Warm months can be hot and humid with sudden thunderstorms, so water, sunscreen and lightweight rain protection are useful.
Race schedules, camping, museum hours and outdoor facilities can change - check live event and attraction information before travelling.