In case you didn’t know, Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the largest motorsport venues in the world. With a track length of 2.5 miles, it hosts some of the most popular motorsport events, including the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series, the NASCAR Ganderbilt Cup Series, the ARCA Menards Series, and the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series. If you’re looking for a date night with your significant other or are just looking for a fun day out with your friends, then you should consider heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The Track Is Pretty Long
The track at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a very long one. While it is quite short when compared to other sports venues, it is by far the longest track in the world. The only other tracks that are even remotely close in length are the Chinese Formula One circuit and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The short 0.9-mile oval at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama is also quite famous, but it lacks the history that the Charlotte track has.
Even though it’s a short track, it’s still considered a large one. To give you an idea of how much of an undertaking this is, it takes around 20,000 cars to fill it up. With a current capacity of around 175,000, it’s safe to assume that there are a lot of empty seats during events. This is mostly thanks to the layout of the track. While it does allow for some degree of safety, it also limits the number of spectators that can fit inside. This is also why the track has been nicknamed the ‘Death Valley’ of motorsport. It would be cool to see a race at the speedway, but you don’t want to be too close to the action, as you’ll likely get in the way of the drivers.
NASCAR Racing Is The Name Of The Game
You may know that NASCAR is the name of the game at Charlotte Motor Speedway. There’s also another sport called ARCA that has been held there as well. However, it’s not the same. While NASCAR is a popular spectator sport, ARCA is predominantly for drivers and enthusiasts. If you’re unfamiliar, NASCAR is the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. The main distinction between NASCAR and other forms of motorsport is that it is regulated by the National Racing Association (NRA). This means that only cars which are approved by the NRA can participate in races at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, like Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This also makes things like ‘restrictors’ a thing of the past in NASCAR. In previous years, teams would have to make do with whatever was available, but now they can run specific models. This not only makes for more enjoyable races, but it also gives the manufacturers a better chance of winning. You may see some formula cars at other venues, but nothing compares to the spectacle at a NASCAR race. The cars look different, the drivers are different, and most importantly, the rules are different. This is why NASCAR is the premier sport at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The Food Is Excellent
You may not know this, but Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the famous foodie destinations in the country. They have a barbecue restaurant named ‘Smokey Joe’s’ which is known for its juicy, half-pound burgers and crisp, tangy coleslaw. In addition, the track houses a number of burger joints, as well as a variety of food trucks outside of the venue. The fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway are extremely into their food, which is why the track is often referred to as the ‘Hungry Wall’ or the ‘Dining Destination.’ The fans will be cheering for their favorite food vendors during the grandstands. This is also why the drivers are known to stop by the concession stands for some snacks during the breaks between heats, sets, or races. If you’re a car enthusiast who is also a foodie, then you should visit Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Famous Celebrities Attended The Races
It would be great if we could say that celebrities only attended the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but that’s far from true. Between 1979 and 1980, the venue hosted several rock concerts. The most famous concert was probably the Van Halen / Scorpions concert, which was a part of their ‘Talladega Nights’ world tour. A variety of other artists also performed there, including Joe Cocker, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. This is mainly due to the fact that the venue was hosting the Grand National Championship during that time period. It was also during this era that the speedway saw an influx of European ex-pats, who helped to make it the cultural hub that it is today.
The Atmosphere Is Electric
There’s no other way to put it. The atmosphere at Charlotte Motor Speedway is electric! It feels like a cross between a concert and a NASCAR race, which is exactly what the organizers want. It is widely considered to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the country. The fans are incredibly engaged in the action, whether they are sitting in the stands or outside in the paddock. It is one of the few venues in the country where you have to pay attention to what’s going on both inside and outside the track.
The combination of great food, thrilling sports, and unforgettable concerts make for an exciting day or night out. You may not know this, but if you haven’t been there yet, you should make it a point to visit Charlotte Motor Speedway as soon as possible, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. You’ll have the opportunity to see some of the greatest automobile races in the country while enjoying some of the best meals North Carolina has to offer.