The NASCAR race season is upon us once again, which means one thing: It’s time for the annual pilgrimage to the sport’s biggest and best race track, the Dallas Motor Speedway in Texas.
For those who have never been there, let me tell you – you have definitely missed out. Not only are they the absolute best in terms of race track design, but the hospitality is second to none. The food is unbelievably good, too. And for those who love their NASCAR, you can’t miss out on the opportunity to catch a race there. It is easily one of the sport’s most prestigious tracks.
So, if you’re even thinking about visiting the States this coming winter or summer, then I’d advise you to make a beeline for Dallas. It’s not only home to one of the great race tracks but also has some incredible restaurants and bars to offer. If you’re looking for a new location to visit this coming winter or summer, then I’d definitely recommend Dallas over any other city.
The History Of Lil Texas
Although it may seem like it’s been around forever, the Dallas Motor Speedway actually only opened its gates in 1966 and has been a hub of motorsport activity ever since. The 1.5 mile concrete track has hosted everything from IndyCar races to monster truck rallies and even the Monster Jam Monster Truck Championship. The track was even the site of the 1971 Grand National Championship – which is one of the most prestigious events in the history of NASCAR.
The track has seen many changes over the years. In 1977, they expanded the track to its current size of 2 miles, added more turns and lengthened the straightaways. Today, it’s one of the most famous tracks in the world and a bucket-list destination for race fans. Many consider it to be superior to both Daytona and Talladega in terms of design and feel. And, as I mentioned, the food and hospitality are outstanding.
The Amazing Race
If you’re looking for a new series to watch, then I’d highly recommend you try out The Amazing Race. It’s an American reality competition series that pits two families with young children against each other in a race across Europe. The objective is to visit as many of the iconic sites as possible within a certain amount of time. The show is currently in its 14th season and is easily one of the most popular non-scripted shows on television today.
Season 14 kicked off in mid-November and will conclude in mid-April. So you have plenty of time to catch up on the entire series. The Amazing Race recently became the second most-watched non-scripted television show of all time, right behind another Dallas landmark, the NFL’s regular season finale. More than 40 million people are anticipated to tune in to see who wins this year’s edition – and perhaps, the show’s biggest mystery season yet!
The Food And Drinks
Another reason why you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to Dallas is because of the local cuisine. Besides the all-you-can-eat salad bar that will be sure to leave you stuffed, the offerings at the Italian restaurants downtown are superb. Sights and sounds of the track can be enjoyed at various bars and restaurants around the facility. The Dallas Cowboys are even named after one of their own and the barbecue joints outside of the track are definitely worth a try. For dessert, the pecan pie is a must-have and if you ever get the chance, you must try the key lime pie. And did I mention the ice cream? It’s pretty amazing what they create there. If you ever visit during the winter, you can enjoy ice cream with a side of snow.
What To Do
If you’re visiting Dallas this coming winter or summer, then there’s plenty to do. Besides the obvious – go to the race track and catch a race if you can – there are a number of museums and galleries to visit. The Nasrecords Museum, for example, is the place to be if you’re a hip-hop fan and if you love cars, then you can’t miss the Heard Museum’s amazing automotive collection. Another highlight is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is dedicated to American artistry. It was originally opened by the Dallas Museum of Art in 1972 and was later expanded to include other departments like the Mettre Museum of Contemporary Art. The galleries here showcase the best of American artistry and are definitely worth a visit.
This coming winter, many top NASCAR drivers and teams will be calling the Dallas Motor Speedway home. If you’ve never been there, then this coming winter is the time to go. If you’ve been there before, then this coming summer is the time to go again as it’s a bit quieter then. Either way, make sure to add Dallas to your travel plans soon. You’ll be glad you did.