8 Tips For Visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway

(UPDATED FALL 2022) Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motorsports entertainment for over 50 years. It has earned the title “The Greatest Place to See the Race.” Though Speedway hosts events all year, the biggest are the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL 400.

Attending an event at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a unique experience because fans are always put first. Your memories made at Charlotte Motor Speedway are sure to last a lifetime. Here are 8 tips for visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway to help you make the most of race day.

1. Download the Charlotte Motor Speedway App

The Charlotte Motor Speedway app is the best way to stay updated on the weekend’s happenings. It is full of information about your event, like a map of the Speedway, driver appearances, and the option to purchase tickets should you need to.

Tip: For a more personalized experience, create an account within the app.

2. Take a Speedway Tour

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte Motor Speedway by taking a tour. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway, pass by the garage areas, see Pit Road, and take a photo in the Winner’s Circle. This is one of my favorite tips for visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Tours last approximately 45-minutes and can be booked online.

Know what else you an do in Charlotte? Find out in this weekend getaway post.

3. Dine at the Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway has some really good eats. No matter what you’re craving, you can probably find it here: BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, chicken, turkey legs, French fries, hot dogs, pizza, and more. Wash your food down with a cold bottle of water, your favorite Coca-Cola product, margarita, beer, a cocktail of your choice, or Speedway’s own craft beer, the 600 Ale. 

Charlotte Motor Speedway is also home to Dale Earnhardt Junior’s restaurant, Whiskey River. While enjoying beer and wings, you can listen to the DJ playing classic rock ‘n roll songs and ride a mechanical bull. How cool is that?

4. Take Advantage of Weekend Activities

If you’ve been to a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway before, you know the race is only half of the fun. Don’t miss out on tailgating, pre-race concerts, events at the Z Max Dragway, and the Fan Zone’s many activities.

A Speedway Christmas is a highly anticipated event starting mid-November through the first week of December. Experience four million LED Christmas lights strewn over a four-mile area of the track, rain or shine. The display’s lights are synchronized to holiday music on FM 101.3.

5. Pack a Cooler

Charlotte Motor Speedway allows you to bring a cooler in–isn’t that awesome? Pack sandwiches, snacks, and, most importantly, water in your cooler. They may be brought into the Speedway until one hour after the start of the race and will be searched.

Note: Coolers may not exceed 14 x 14 x 14 inches in size or contain glass. 

6. Arrive Early

I recommend going into Charlotte Motor Speedway a bit before the race. You will have time to wander around and check out the concessions, find your seats, go to the restroom before a line forms, and see the pre-race show.

7. Bring Ear Protection

It should come as no surprise that you will need earplugs when seeing a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Although you can buy a cheap pair on the property when you arrive, I like these safety earmuffs because they’re more comfortable. 

8. Purchase a Pit Pass

The best seats in the house at Charlotte Motor Speedway aren’t seats at all–they’re standing on Pit Road. Get in on the action by purchasing a Pit Pass. Take part in the pre-race party, see your favorite drivers and their cars up close, and experience what goes into a race.

Fun Fact: This is our favorite tip for visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway.

From unique fan experiences to great food and activities for the whole family, see why Charlotte Motor Speedway is “The Greatest Place To See The Race”!

I was provided tickets to attend a NASCAR All-Star Race. All opinions are 100% unbiased and my own.