April 13, 2023
Whether you’re attending the Coca-Cola 600 in the spring or Bank of America ROVAL 400 in the fall, the first tip for visiting Cabarrus County for a race is to arrive a few days early! As the home of premier motorsports entertainment, there is so much racing heritage and excitement to experience here before the main event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Check out these suggestions to help you plan the ultimate NASCAR race weekend!
Get the Backstory
Begin your journey by brushing up on the history of the sport. 2023 is the 75th Anniversary of NASCAR, and motorsports museums throughout Cabarrus County and the surrounding area show off the spectacular cars and fearless drivers who have impacted racing over the years.
The Curb Motorsports Museum in Kannapolis lets you peek inside cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and other racing trailblazers. In Concord, wander through 18,000-square-feet of automotive memorabilia at Morrison Motor Car Museum to discover vintage rides and a gift shop stocked with NASCAR merchandise. At the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the thrill of racing comes to life with immersive exhibits and racing simulators.
Explore Race Shops
Get a glimpse of the sport’s past, present and future by visiting the facilities where it all comes together. Some 90% of NASCAR race teams have their headquarters in this area and many welcome visitors at no charge. At most team shops, you’ll see displays in the lobby and some even offer a chance to watch the team preparing cars for race day from a special viewing area. Use the list inside the Cabarrus County, NC Destination Guide to plan your trip to Hendrick Motorsports, RFK Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Trackhouse Racing and others to see how crews work year-round to shave fractions of seconds off lap times.
Select race shops also host special events for fans during race weekends in Concord, so be sure to keep an eye on your favorite team’s social media channels for details. Have a question? Call or stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your copy of the guide and other helpful information including a list of current race shop hours.
Visit a NASCAR Legend’s Hometown
Learn all about the biggest legend in NASCAR right here in his backyard. Dale Earnhardt Sr. grew up in Kannapolis and his legacy lives on throughout Cabarrus County.
In the heart of downtown, Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza stands as a memorial to The Intimidator. Here, the 9-foot bronze statue centerpiece is surrounded by a serene park that is filled with significance. Along with engraved bricks and a granite monument contributed by fans, subtle references to Earnhardt’s life and career can be found throughout the park. Among them, benches are in groups of three, seven steps descend into the plaza representing each of his Cup Championships, and the oval plaza walkway represents a racetrack.
Get Behind the Wheel
Experience what the thrill of racing feels like with driving experiences throughout Cabarrus County. From open wheel to exotic cars, Charlotte Motor Speedway has racing schools of all kinds. Check the calendar to find on-track availability for stock car experiences including the NASCAR Racing Experience, the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, then reserve your ride along or driving adventure. Each driving experience begins with classroom instruction followed by a pure adrenaline rush behind the wheel.
Prefer something with a little less horsepower? K1 Speed in Concord features all-electric indoor kart racing with the Super Track, the longest of any K1 Speed course.
Take it All in at the Track
After setting the stage at Cabarrus County’s exclusive racing attractions, you’ll have a whole new perspective on race day. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, settle in for a fun-filled day of family-friendly entertainment and heart-pounding racing action.
Keep these tips in mind when preparing for your visit to “America’s Home for Racing”:
- Know Before You Go: Download the Charlotte Motor Speedway app for all the information you need at your fingertips including maps, schedules, and your tickets. The app also links to a Fan Guide with FAQ that covers everything from what to bring, parking and directions, and more.
- Opt for Add-Ons: Purchase a Pre-Race Track Pass to get on the track before the race and secure the best seats in the house for pre-race festivities like concerts and driver introductions.
- Gear Up: Dress for the weather and be sure to bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones for your whole crew. Rent a scanner to listen in on the action throughout the race.
- Arrive Early: Get to the track early on race day to take part in the family-friendly Fan Zone outside the track. Stop by the Explore Cabarrus Fan Van for area information and recommendations on local restaurants, shops and more to complete your perfect race weekend.
Book Your Stay
Extend race day to get the full motorsports experience in Cabarrus County!
The area is home to a variety of hotels and campgrounds minutes from the track including Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Spa, Great Wolf Lodge, and Camping World Racing Resort. Find perfect lodging options for your crew in the heart of NASCAR country.
