Texas Motor Speedway
Location:
Fort Worth, Texas, USA, USA
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Texas Motor Speedway
|
Texas
Nascar Cup
2 - 3 May
|
Track Info
Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
High-speed quad-oval with asymmetric corners after the 2017 reprofile - clockwise - 1.500 mi / 2.414 km oval with 4 turns - infield road course options from 0.5 to 2.324 mi
First Race
Apr 5–6, 1997
First weekend featured the NASCAR Busch (Xfinity) Coca-Cola 300 on Apr 5 (won by Mark Martin) and the inaugural NASCAR Cup race on Apr 6 (won by Jeff Burton).
Circuit Length
1.500 mi / 2.414 km (oval)
Official oval length; frontstretch 2,250 ft, backstretch 1,330 ft.
Turns
4
Banking: Turns 1–2 at 20° (widened to ~80 ft in 2017), Turns 3–4 at 24° (≈60 ft), straights 5°.
Lap Records (oval)
IndyCar race lap 0:22.972 - Tony Stewart (1998) • IndyCar pole 222.556 mph - Charlie Kimball (2017) • Cup race lap 0:27.617 - Kevin Harvick (2018) • Cup qualifying 192.137 mph - Terry Labonte (2000)
Headline benchmarks by series and session.
Road Course Options
2.324 mi • 1.07 mi • 0.7 mi • 0.5 mi
Infield road course with four configurations; longest layout hosted LMP900 sports cars in 2000.
When was the track built?
Texas Motor Speedway opened in 1997 as a modern 1.5-mile quad-oval. A full repave and reprofile ahead of 2017 reduced the banking in Turns 1–2 from 24° to 20° and widened that end of the track to ~80 ft while keeping Turns 3–4 at 24°, creating the asymmetric character teams manage today. Straights are 5° banked.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race weekend ran on April 5–6, 1997: Mark Martin won the Busch (Xfinity) Coca-Cola 300 on Saturday and Jeff Burton won the inaugural Cup race on Sunday. (IndyCar debuted that June.)
What's the circuit like?
- Two ends, two attitudes: The flatter, wider Turns 1–2 reward early rotation and throttle commitment; the tighter, steeper Turns 3–4 put a premium on entry stability and rear-tyre security.
- High-speed momentum: Long straights and big corner speed keep lap averages high; clean air matters, but timing runs in traffic is an art.
- IndyCar vs. stock cars: IndyCar poles have cleared 222 mph here, while modern Cup qualifying sits ~185–190 mph depending on weather and package.
- Benchmark pace: Kevin Harvick’s 27.617 s stands as the official Cup race-lap mark; Terry Labonte’s 192.137 mph remains the Cup qualifying record.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series and layout)
- IndyCar - race lap (1.5 mi oval): 0:22.972 - Tony Stewart, 1998.
- IndyCar - qualifying record: 222.556 mph (2-lap avg) - Charlie Kimball, 2017.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:27.617 - Kevin Harvick, 2018.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying record: 192.137 mph - Terry Labonte, 2000.
- Infield road course - outright reference: 1:12.912 - Allan McNish, Audi R8 (LMP900), 2000, 2.324-mi layout.
Records are tracked by era and layout due to repaves and the 2017 reprofile.
Why go?
Texas is a speed amphitheatre. You get high-commitment entries into 1–2, divebombs into 3–4, and long green-flag stretches that turn strategy into a chess match. The infield adds road-course variety, while the broader campus (including a dirt track and karting) keeps the place buzzing on non-Cup weekends.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Frontstretch grandstands: Starts, restarts, and full-throttle launches into the wide Turn 1 funnel with pit road in clear view.
- Turn 1–2 upper rows: Best angle on the different lines and who can keep it pinned across the expanded 80-ft width.
- Turn 3 entry: See passes get set up as drivers trade short-run grip for long-run drive.
- Infield road course spectator berms (event-dependent): Close-up braking and change-of-direction shots on the 2.324-mi layout.
Not just one series - headline events at Texas
NASCAR Cup, Xfinity & Trucks: The speedway’s anchor weekends deliver 1.5-mile pack chess and late-race drama.
IndyCar legacy: A cornerstone of the IRL/IndyCar oval era with 220+ mph poles and photo-finish lore.
Sports cars & club racing: The infield course’s 2.324-mi configuration has hosted top-line prototypes and today supports testing and regional series.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, Texas
Best options are driving via I-35W - SH 114 and following event signage, using the free general parking fields or buying Preferred - Express parking closer to the gates, and taking the on property tram - golf cart shuttles between lots, gates and campgrounds. There is no direct city bus - rail to the gates.
Address - sat nav
Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177
Official postal - navigation address. Main phone 817-215-8500.
Free general parking
Yes - west side fields + Dirt Track lot
Most parking is free, including unpaved west fields and the paved Dirt Track lot across Lone Star Circle.
Rideshare
Signed drop off - pick up zone
Marked on the current facility diagram as "Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up".
On site transport
Trams + golf cart shuttles
Trams serve gates, Express Parking and Lone Star Circle campground. Golf cart shuttles run from 1 hour before gates to 1 hour after the checkered flag.
Closest airport
Dallas Fort Worth Intl. - DFW
About 20 - 22 miles by road. Typical car - rideshare time around 30 - 35 minutes.
Public transport - limited direct options
- No direct service to the gates: There is no fixed bus - rail that enters TMS entrances. If you ride regional transit toward the Alliance - North Fwy area, plan to finish with a taxi - rideshare.
- Best alternative: Arrange rideshare - taxi to the signed Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up zone, then walk or take a tram to your gate.
Driving - I-35W to SH 114 with clearly signed approaches
- From Fort Worth: Take I-35W north → exit SH 114 and turn under the overpass to the speedway.
- From Dallas: Go west on SH 114. At the I-35W - SH 114 junction continue straight under the bridge, then turn right to the speedway.
- From Denton: I-35W south → exit SH 114 or via US 380 → FM 156 → SH 114.
- Traffic patterns: Inbound - outbound flow maps are published for race weekends. Obey police - marshal direction.
Parking - free GA fields, plus Preferred - Express options
- General parking: Free in the unpaved west fields and in the paved Dirt Track lot across Lone Star Circle. Follow staff to the nearest open area.
- Preferred - Express parking: Closer paid lots are sold for headline events. Match the name on your pass to the lot label on the facility map.
- Accessible parking: ADA bays are shown on the facility diagram near major entrances. Arrive early to secure the closest spaces.
- Maps: Download the latest Facility Diagram and Tram Map before you travel.
Trams - free routes linking lots, gates and campgrounds
- Tram routes: Free tram lines operate to gate plazas, Express Parking and the WinStar World Casino & Resort Lone Star Circle campground. Post race, trams make all stops.
- Golf cart shuttles: Fan assistance carts run 1 hour before gates open until 1 hour after the final checkered flag. Find them at Information Booths or flag a blue canopy cart.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zone: Use the signed Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up area shown on the facility diagram, then follow pedestrian - tram signage to your gate.
- From DFW - DAL: Typical ride times are roughly 30 - 40 minutes depending on traffic. Check your app for current pricing.
Walking from lots - gate plazas
- From free fields: Expect 5 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on where you park. The tram map shows stops that can shorten your walk to your assigned entrance.
Camping - infield and outside grounds with rules - services
- Campgrounds: GEICO Infield, VIP Infield, and outside Reserved - Unreserved areas. Rules cover quiet hours, vehicle types, waste disposal and space sizes.
- Facilities: RV dump stations and shower locations are shown on camping guides - facility diagrams.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Dallas Fort Worth Intl. DFW → TMS: about 20 - 22 miles by road, roughly 30 - 35 minutes in typical conditions.
- Dallas Love Field DAL → TMS: roughly 31 - 33 miles, around 35 - 45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.5 mile quad oval with expansive campus: Facility diagrams show gates, parking categories, rideshare zone, tram stops and campground names to help you plan your arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: I-35W → SH 114 to the speedway, then follow event traffic patterns to your lot.
- Parking: Free west fields and Dirt Track lot, with Preferred - Express upgrades signed on approach.
- On site movement: take the free trams or golf cart shuttles from lots to gates.
- Rideshare: set your app to the Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up zone shown on the facility diagram.
- Exact address: 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth - Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, big short track shows at the Bullring or Lil' Texas dirt oval, car shows, driving experiences or a track tour, this 1.5 mile quad oval sits in North Fort Worth near lakes, stockyards heritage, first class museums and kid friendly attractions to fill your non race time.
Motorsport at TMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - Short track - Dirt - Experiences
1.5 mile quad oval with high banking and wide lanes. The infield road course, 1/4 mile Bullring and Lil' Texas Motor Speedway dirt oval host select events.
Typical peak windows
Spring - Fall
NASCAR typically lands in spring or early fall depending on the season schedule. Summer is very hot with late day storms possible.
Nearby hubs
Fort Worth - Roanoke - Grapevine - Southlake - Denton
Dallas and Arlington stadiums are straightforward add ons if you extend your stay.
Event impact
Big camping - concert energy
I-35W, SH 114 and SH 170 see surges Friday - Sunday. Stockyards, Grapevine and lake parks get busier after the chequered flag.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- Fort Worth Stockyards: Twice daily longhorn cattle drives, Cowtown Coliseum rodeo dates, petting zoo and the Cattlepen Maze.
- Fort Worth Zoo and Botanic Garden: Shaded paths, splash areas in warm months and easy picnic lawns in the garden complex.
- Grapevine Main Street - Vintage Railroad: Historic downtown with seasonal train rides, ice cream stops and a walkable water tower plaza.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium: Compact indoor winners for hot or stormy afternoons.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Dallas: Hands on dinosaur, space and engineering floors for a big weather proof day.
- DFW adventure parks: Indoor trampoline - ninja parks and go kart venues dot the suburbs for quick energy burns between sessions.
Popular zoos, aquariums and attractions often use timed entry on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon practice or qualifying.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: World class collections in striking buildings across a leafy cultural district.
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art: Free entry galleries that pair perfectly with a short park stroll.
- Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - Dallas: Well interpreted history exhibits with skyline views nearby.
- AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field tours - Arlington: Behind the scenes on non game days if schedules align.
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: Engaging exhibits with strong family guides and interactive stops.
Eat and drink like a local
- Texas barbecue trail: Brisket, ribs and jalapeño sausage across Fort Worth, Roanoke and Grapevine. Lines move fastest before noon.
- Tex Mex - tacos: Breakfast tacos, queso, fajitas and elote are everywhere from Stockyards to Denton square.
- Steakhouses - Stockyards classics: Crowd pleasing cuts and family friendly sides near the cattle drives.
- Craft stops: Fort Worth breweries and Grapevine wine bars offer patios and food trucks. Always designate a driver.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables around the Stockyards, Southlake Town Square and Grapevine book fast on NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Trinity Trails - Fort Worth: Flat, stroller friendly river paths linking parks, play spaces and cafés.
- Grapevine Lake: Lakeside parks, SUP - kayak rentals on calm mornings and easy picnic shelters.
- Eagle Mountain Lake: Quiet coves and marinas for sunset photos after qualifying.
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge: Bison views, boardwalks and short shaded loops on the river.
- Cedar Ridge Preserve - Dallas side: Hilltop lookouts and short rocky trails if you want a tougher leg stretch.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Dallas Arts District - 35 to 55 minutes. Perot Museum, Dallas Museum of Art and lunch at Klyde Warren Park food trucks.
- Arlington sports corridor - 30 to 45 minutes. Stadium tours, water park seasons and family dining clusters.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park - Glen Rose - 75 to 110 minutes. Real dino footprints in the riverbed and shady riverside loops.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose - 80 to 110 minutes. Drive through safari with giraffes and cheetahs. Timed entry commonly required.
- Waco sampler - 90 to 120 minutes. Cameron Park Zoo, Magnolia Silos and riverside trails if you add a longer day.
- Denton square - 25 to 40 minutes. Courthouse lawn, coffee shops and live music in a compact college town core.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Safari drives, stadium tours and some parks require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - NASCAR lands in spring or early fall with support races and concerts. Camping and hotels around Alliance - Roanoke - Grapevine fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - North Texas is warm much of the year. Expect very hot sunny days June - September, pleasant spring and fall with quick thunderstorms possible, and mild winters with a few cold snaps. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Spring wildflowers and fall football weekends add regional demand. Indoor museum days pair well with hot afternoons.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Driver intros, fan zones, kids areas and concerts are common on major weekends. Driving experiences and tours may 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.
- Heat - hydration: Grandstands and mounds are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes and a compact umbrella for sun or a pop up shower.
- Traffic patterns: I-35W, SH 114 and SH 170 back up before and after sessions. Consider an early dinner in Roanoke or a Grapevine lakefront stroll while traffic thins.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for lake evenings and grippy shoes for bleachers and park paths.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Fort Worth, Texas, USA, USA
Track Info
Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
High-speed quad-oval with asymmetric corners after the 2017 reprofile - clockwise - 1.500 mi / 2.414 km oval with 4 turns - infield road course options from 0.5 to 2.324 mi
First Race
Apr 5–6, 1997
First weekend featured the NASCAR Busch (Xfinity) Coca-Cola 300 on Apr 5 (won by Mark Martin) and the inaugural NASCAR Cup race on Apr 6 (won by Jeff Burton).
Circuit Length
1.500 mi / 2.414 km (oval)
Official oval length; frontstretch 2,250 ft, backstretch 1,330 ft.
Turns
4
Banking: Turns 1–2 at 20° (widened to ~80 ft in 2017), Turns 3–4 at 24° (≈60 ft), straights 5°.
Lap Records (oval)
IndyCar race lap 0:22.972 - Tony Stewart (1998) • IndyCar pole 222.556 mph - Charlie Kimball (2017) • Cup race lap 0:27.617 - Kevin Harvick (2018) • Cup qualifying 192.137 mph - Terry Labonte (2000)
Headline benchmarks by series and session.
Road Course Options
2.324 mi • 1.07 mi • 0.7 mi • 0.5 mi
Infield road course with four configurations; longest layout hosted LMP900 sports cars in 2000.
When was the track built?
Texas Motor Speedway opened in 1997 as a modern 1.5-mile quad-oval. A full repave and reprofile ahead of 2017 reduced the banking in Turns 1–2 from 24° to 20° and widened that end of the track to ~80 ft while keeping Turns 3–4 at 24°, creating the asymmetric character teams manage today. Straights are 5° banked.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race weekend ran on April 5–6, 1997: Mark Martin won the Busch (Xfinity) Coca-Cola 300 on Saturday and Jeff Burton won the inaugural Cup race on Sunday. (IndyCar debuted that June.)
What's the circuit like?
- Two ends, two attitudes: The flatter, wider Turns 1–2 reward early rotation and throttle commitment; the tighter, steeper Turns 3–4 put a premium on entry stability and rear-tyre security.
- High-speed momentum: Long straights and big corner speed keep lap averages high; clean air matters, but timing runs in traffic is an art.
- IndyCar vs. stock cars: IndyCar poles have cleared 222 mph here, while modern Cup qualifying sits ~185–190 mph depending on weather and package.
- Benchmark pace: Kevin Harvick’s 27.617 s stands as the official Cup race-lap mark; Terry Labonte’s 192.137 mph remains the Cup qualifying record.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series and layout)
- IndyCar - race lap (1.5 mi oval): 0:22.972 - Tony Stewart, 1998.
- IndyCar - qualifying record: 222.556 mph (2-lap avg) - Charlie Kimball, 2017.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:27.617 - Kevin Harvick, 2018.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying record: 192.137 mph - Terry Labonte, 2000.
- Infield road course - outright reference: 1:12.912 - Allan McNish, Audi R8 (LMP900), 2000, 2.324-mi layout.
Records are tracked by era and layout due to repaves and the 2017 reprofile.
Why go?
Texas is a speed amphitheatre. You get high-commitment entries into 1–2, divebombs into 3–4, and long green-flag stretches that turn strategy into a chess match. The infield adds road-course variety, while the broader campus (including a dirt track and karting) keeps the place buzzing on non-Cup weekends.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Frontstretch grandstands: Starts, restarts, and full-throttle launches into the wide Turn 1 funnel with pit road in clear view.
- Turn 1–2 upper rows: Best angle on the different lines and who can keep it pinned across the expanded 80-ft width.
- Turn 3 entry: See passes get set up as drivers trade short-run grip for long-run drive.
- Infield road course spectator berms (event-dependent): Close-up braking and change-of-direction shots on the 2.324-mi layout.
Not just one series - headline events at Texas
NASCAR Cup, Xfinity & Trucks: The speedway’s anchor weekends deliver 1.5-mile pack chess and late-race drama.
IndyCar legacy: A cornerstone of the IRL/IndyCar oval era with 220+ mph poles and photo-finish lore.
Sports cars & club racing: The infield course’s 2.324-mi configuration has hosted top-line prototypes and today supports testing and regional series.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, Texas
Best options are driving via I-35W - SH 114 and following event signage, using the free general parking fields or buying Preferred - Express parking closer to the gates, and taking the on property tram - golf cart shuttles between lots, gates and campgrounds. There is no direct city bus - rail to the gates.
Address - sat nav
Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177
Official postal - navigation address. Main phone 817-215-8500.
Free general parking
Yes - west side fields + Dirt Track lot
Most parking is free, including unpaved west fields and the paved Dirt Track lot across Lone Star Circle.
Rideshare
Signed drop off - pick up zone
Marked on the current facility diagram as "Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up".
On site transport
Trams + golf cart shuttles
Trams serve gates, Express Parking and Lone Star Circle campground. Golf cart shuttles run from 1 hour before gates to 1 hour after the checkered flag.
Closest airport
Dallas Fort Worth Intl. - DFW
About 20 - 22 miles by road. Typical car - rideshare time around 30 - 35 minutes.
Public transport - limited direct options
- No direct service to the gates: There is no fixed bus - rail that enters TMS entrances. If you ride regional transit toward the Alliance - North Fwy area, plan to finish with a taxi - rideshare.
- Best alternative: Arrange rideshare - taxi to the signed Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up zone, then walk or take a tram to your gate.
Driving - I-35W to SH 114 with clearly signed approaches
- From Fort Worth: Take I-35W north → exit SH 114 and turn under the overpass to the speedway.
- From Dallas: Go west on SH 114. At the I-35W - SH 114 junction continue straight under the bridge, then turn right to the speedway.
- From Denton: I-35W south → exit SH 114 or via US 380 → FM 156 → SH 114.
- Traffic patterns: Inbound - outbound flow maps are published for race weekends. Obey police - marshal direction.
Parking - free GA fields, plus Preferred - Express options
- General parking: Free in the unpaved west fields and in the paved Dirt Track lot across Lone Star Circle. Follow staff to the nearest open area.
- Preferred - Express parking: Closer paid lots are sold for headline events. Match the name on your pass to the lot label on the facility map.
- Accessible parking: ADA bays are shown on the facility diagram near major entrances. Arrive early to secure the closest spaces.
- Maps: Download the latest Facility Diagram and Tram Map before you travel.
Trams - free routes linking lots, gates and campgrounds
- Tram routes: Free tram lines operate to gate plazas, Express Parking and the WinStar World Casino & Resort Lone Star Circle campground. Post race, trams make all stops.
- Golf cart shuttles: Fan assistance carts run 1 hour before gates open until 1 hour after the final checkered flag. Find them at Information Booths or flag a blue canopy cart.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zone: Use the signed Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up area shown on the facility diagram, then follow pedestrian - tram signage to your gate.
- From DFW - DAL: Typical ride times are roughly 30 - 40 minutes depending on traffic. Check your app for current pricing.
Walking from lots - gate plazas
- From free fields: Expect 5 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on where you park. The tram map shows stops that can shorten your walk to your assigned entrance.
Camping - infield and outside grounds with rules - services
- Campgrounds: GEICO Infield, VIP Infield, and outside Reserved - Unreserved areas. Rules cover quiet hours, vehicle types, waste disposal and space sizes.
- Facilities: RV dump stations and shower locations are shown on camping guides - facility diagrams.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Dallas Fort Worth Intl. DFW → TMS: about 20 - 22 miles by road, roughly 30 - 35 minutes in typical conditions.
- Dallas Love Field DAL → TMS: roughly 31 - 33 miles, around 35 - 45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.5 mile quad oval with expansive campus: Facility diagrams show gates, parking categories, rideshare zone, tram stops and campground names to help you plan your arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: I-35W → SH 114 to the speedway, then follow event traffic patterns to your lot.
- Parking: Free west fields and Dirt Track lot, with Preferred - Express upgrades signed on approach.
- On site movement: take the free trams or golf cart shuttles from lots to gates.
- Rideshare: set your app to the Rideshare Drop Off & Pick Up zone shown on the facility diagram.
- Exact address: 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth - Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, big short track shows at the Bullring or Lil' Texas dirt oval, car shows, driving experiences or a track tour, this 1.5 mile quad oval sits in North Fort Worth near lakes, stockyards heritage, first class museums and kid friendly attractions to fill your non race time.
Motorsport at TMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - Short track - Dirt - Experiences
1.5 mile quad oval with high banking and wide lanes. The infield road course, 1/4 mile Bullring and Lil' Texas Motor Speedway dirt oval host select events.
Typical peak windows
Spring - Fall
NASCAR typically lands in spring or early fall depending on the season schedule. Summer is very hot with late day storms possible.
Nearby hubs
Fort Worth - Roanoke - Grapevine - Southlake - Denton
Dallas and Arlington stadiums are straightforward add ons if you extend your stay.
Event impact
Big camping - concert energy
I-35W, SH 114 and SH 170 see surges Friday - Sunday. Stockyards, Grapevine and lake parks get busier after the chequered flag.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- Fort Worth Stockyards: Twice daily longhorn cattle drives, Cowtown Coliseum rodeo dates, petting zoo and the Cattlepen Maze.
- Fort Worth Zoo and Botanic Garden: Shaded paths, splash areas in warm months and easy picnic lawns in the garden complex.
- Grapevine Main Street - Vintage Railroad: Historic downtown with seasonal train rides, ice cream stops and a walkable water tower plaza.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium: Compact indoor winners for hot or stormy afternoons.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Dallas: Hands on dinosaur, space and engineering floors for a big weather proof day.
- DFW adventure parks: Indoor trampoline - ninja parks and go kart venues dot the suburbs for quick energy burns between sessions.
Popular zoos, aquariums and attractions often use timed entry on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon practice or qualifying.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: World class collections in striking buildings across a leafy cultural district.
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art: Free entry galleries that pair perfectly with a short park stroll.
- Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - Dallas: Well interpreted history exhibits with skyline views nearby.
- AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field tours - Arlington: Behind the scenes on non game days if schedules align.
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: Engaging exhibits with strong family guides and interactive stops.
Eat and drink like a local
- Texas barbecue trail: Brisket, ribs and jalapeño sausage across Fort Worth, Roanoke and Grapevine. Lines move fastest before noon.
- Tex Mex - tacos: Breakfast tacos, queso, fajitas and elote are everywhere from Stockyards to Denton square.
- Steakhouses - Stockyards classics: Crowd pleasing cuts and family friendly sides near the cattle drives.
- Craft stops: Fort Worth breweries and Grapevine wine bars offer patios and food trucks. Always designate a driver.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables around the Stockyards, Southlake Town Square and Grapevine book fast on NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Trinity Trails - Fort Worth: Flat, stroller friendly river paths linking parks, play spaces and cafés.
- Grapevine Lake: Lakeside parks, SUP - kayak rentals on calm mornings and easy picnic shelters.
- Eagle Mountain Lake: Quiet coves and marinas for sunset photos after qualifying.
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge: Bison views, boardwalks and short shaded loops on the river.
- Cedar Ridge Preserve - Dallas side: Hilltop lookouts and short rocky trails if you want a tougher leg stretch.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Dallas Arts District - 35 to 55 minutes. Perot Museum, Dallas Museum of Art and lunch at Klyde Warren Park food trucks.
- Arlington sports corridor - 30 to 45 minutes. Stadium tours, water park seasons and family dining clusters.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park - Glen Rose - 75 to 110 minutes. Real dino footprints in the riverbed and shady riverside loops.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose - 80 to 110 minutes. Drive through safari with giraffes and cheetahs. Timed entry commonly required.
- Waco sampler - 90 to 120 minutes. Cameron Park Zoo, Magnolia Silos and riverside trails if you add a longer day.
- Denton square - 25 to 40 minutes. Courthouse lawn, coffee shops and live music in a compact college town core.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Safari drives, stadium tours and some parks require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - NASCAR lands in spring or early fall with support races and concerts. Camping and hotels around Alliance - Roanoke - Grapevine fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - North Texas is warm much of the year. Expect very hot sunny days June - September, pleasant spring and fall with quick thunderstorms possible, and mild winters with a few cold snaps. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Spring wildflowers and fall football weekends add regional demand. Indoor museum days pair well with hot afternoons.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Driver intros, fan zones, kids areas and concerts are common on major weekends. Driving experiences and tours may 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.
- Heat - hydration: Grandstands and mounds are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes and a compact umbrella for sun or a pop up shower.
- Traffic patterns: I-35W, SH 114 and SH 170 back up before and after sessions. Consider an early dinner in Roanoke or a Grapevine lakefront stroll while traffic thins.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for lake evenings and grippy shoes for bleachers and park paths.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway and attraction sites for your exact dates.
