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Just outside of Charlotte in Concord, NC a NASCAR wonderland awaits.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) is one of the best NASCAR venues in the nation to watch stock car racing.
There are 3 different tracks to enjoy races (including a dirt track, a smaller raceway and the 1.5 mile Speedway itself).
People come from all over the world to watch their favorite racers. Some will stay at nearby hotels for a big race weekend. Others will camp out for as many as 2 weeks. Whether you are dragging the trusty camping trailer or stopping in for a one night stand, the atmosphere of the Charlotte Motor Speedway is family friendly and a whole lot of family fun!
My family was hosted at the Dollar General 300 race by Goody’s Headache Relief Shot. Goody’s supports Dale Jr. so it felt kinda like we were part of the crew for a night! (Okay… we were just spectators but still!)
10 Charlotte Motor Speedway Newbie Tips
(You’ll thank me!)
1. Traffic Will Be Heavy
Getting there will be congested, so plan around it. Leave early, make a whole day or afternoon of it. There are more than 10 large hotel chains nearby the speedway and camping is a great inexpensive alternative (see #10 below). There’s plenty of nearby fast food chains and restaurants to enjoy dinner or lunch with the family before the race. Traffic suggestions are on the CMS website.
2. Parking is Free
There is free parking surrounding the entire Speedway for your convenience. Check the parking and driving directions page to find the free parking area closest to your seats and/or your traveling point.Free trams shuttle you to the entrances. Beware the ‘golf carts’ are NOT free. They charge $20 to shuttle you.
NOTE: Reserved Handicap Parking passes are available at a cost. Unreserved handicap parking is free and located in the Orange and Green Zone.
3. Restrictions on Drinks and Food
You are allowed to bring in a small cooler no bigger than 14 inches square. But do not bring glass bottles. You can bring alcohol (in cans only). If you plan to buy a soda, be prepared because it will cost you $5 for a 20 oz bottle! I suggest you bring your own chips and drinks. (Note: Alcohol Free Family Section AA-GG)
4. Dealing with the Noise
I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you. What did you say? I SAID IT’S VERY LOUD! They aren’t kidding when they suggest you bring your own ear plugs. And headphones are even better. We purchased kid head phones for only $10 in the Speedway. WORTH every cent! The sound when the stock cars are speeding around the speedway at 175 mph is like the loudest chain saw cutting through 18 gauge metal…times 10! Just one racecar is 130 decibels and there are 43 out on the track!
5. Choosing the Best Seats
Partly due to the sound and partly due to views the better seats are NOT up close and personal. You want to sit about 20 rows up from the bottom for the best views around the whole track. The Charlotte Motor Speedway has all stadium seats, each with arm rests. You can bring in blankets or pillows to sit on, but cannot bring in seating with arms built in.
6. How Early to Arrive
Before the race gets started there is so much to see and do. It’s more like a family festival going on outside the raceway. There are vendors, booths and bounce houses for the kids! Plus you’ll avoid some of the worst traffic.
7. Insider Tips
Get closer to the action by purchasing a “Pit Pass” or a “Driver Intro Pass” along with your entry ticket. These work like VIP add ons and you can go down directly onto the track before the race. Also you can rent a scanner which acts as both a noise reducer and you can hear a radio broadcast of the race including listening in on some of the pit crew directors to their racers.
{Bonus TIP} USE THE FAN ASSISTANCE LINE: (704) 454-4718
A real live human being answers the phone and everything! I was confused about the seating (see #4 above) and I called the help line. Someone answered right away and had several other tips for me.
8. Camping is Available
CMS is built for camping! So much room very close to the speedway and affordable. Everything from basic amenities to full service camping with pre-packaged amenities and separate camp sites. Talk about a family friendly event! Call the raceway directly to reserve your perfect camping experience.
9. Resources for First Time Fans
There’s a great FAQ resource on the CMS website called First Time Fans. The videos are especially helpful.
10. Buying Tickets
The price range to attend a NASCAR Sprint or Nationwide Series varies widely. From $49 in the 4 Turn section up to $135 for premium rows on the straight away. Plus upgrades like the “Pit Pass” of “Driver Intro” will cost as much as $100-150 more (some of these purchases at certain races come free with a 3 day race pass). You can purchase your tickets in person at the speedway, over the phone or via the website.
Disclosure: Goody’s provided Carissa and her family with 4 tickets to attend the Dollar General 300 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Otherwise she was not compensated for this post. Her opinions are her own and with noise levels that loud, a headache relief shot just might be in order.
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