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Charlotte Motor Speedway
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
5555 Concord Pkwy SConcord, NC 28027
(800) 455-3267
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Charlotte Motor Speedway
13 reviews in English
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Review from John H.
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I personally have never attended a NASCAR event here, but I did get to run on the track in the very first NC Half Marathon! I can tell you it probably takes longer for me to run around the track on foot than to watch a car go around it. We were able to run in the infield and also around the entire Charlotte Motor Speedway property (also across the street to the Zmax Drag Strip). Overall I was pretty impressed with the facilities. The dirt track is looking pretty cool (I guess this is one of the newer installments of the Speedway).
Now that I've actually been inside, I definitely need to attend a race... even just one time. The grand scale of everything that is Charlotte Motor Speedway has me curious now... -
Review from Carrie S.
Mogadore, OH
4/4/2012
This is an amazing place. We have attended a few races here. The traffic people control the mass vehicles like its a science and you feel very safe. Our most recent visit was during a non-race day and we took the cheap ($8) tour. The van we rode in was comfy and it wasn't over crowded. There was not a lot of walking and the tour guide imparted a lot of knowledge in a short time. The tour takes you through the NASCAR track along with infield, dirt track, and drag strip. You get to ride for 2 laps at 70 mph and see the pits, garages, drifting lot, and infield care center. We were extremely impressed with this tour and felt it was worth every penny. I would insist on anyone in the area taking it even if they only have a hint of appreciation for racing.
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Review from Julia M.
10/28/2011 2 photos
Wow, I never thought in a million years that I'd be clicking on 4 stars for the CMS and saying, "Yay! I'm a fan." But it is true. And I'm not even into racing! (I am too ADHD to sit around for hours watching people driving around in circles on the tube and I am not excited about going out to the racetrack to sit in the chicken-bone throwing section of the stands with the 'real fans'!)
However, on my one and only visit to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, I experienced the holy grail of racing-dom... I was a guest in the President's Suite, got a "backstage VIP tour" including meeting all the execs and Bruton himself (dude is really short!). We even got to go up on the roof and see where some of their cameramen get those shots of the whole track.
After our VIP tour of the corporate offices, we also got Pit Passes. One of the marketing interns drove us out to Pit row. There was so much excitement and energy down on pit row. The garages of course are state of the art and looked as clean as an operating room. The pit stops were unblieveably cool as well - I had no idea how large those tires were!!
I was totally amazed with the whole tour! I do believe that I would become a major race fan if I always scored an invite to the President's suite & pit passes!
Now, back to the President's Suite. One of Bruton's sons is the President & GM (Marcus). He arrived at the suite a little late, shook hands with everyone and settled in to watch the race alone. (Side note, he's a short dude too- just like his dear old dad.) He was very quiet & kept to himself and everyone in the suite left him to watch the race on his own.
So what about the food? It was definitely what you would expect for this sort of venue. I think it is catered by the Levy Resturant Group which operates some upscale and semi-upscale restaurants. They also provide food for many sports complexes, arenas, convention centers, etc.
On the night we were there, they offered a wide variety of food... everything from hotdogs to roasted chicken. The chicken was seasoned well and roasted just right. They have a variety of assorted sides that were good as well. It was not the best meal I've ever had by any stretch, but for food served at a racetrack, it was damn good.
The only odd thing was that there was absolutely no alchol in the suite. They had plenty of sodas and bottled water... but no adult bevvies. I would have liked to have gone for a beer or glass of wine but I didn't feel that it was appropriate to bring one into the suite given that none was offered (not even for purchase) inside the suite. Oh well, it was a super-fun night even sans alcohol (which previously I thought was mandatory for having a good time at a race!)
I must admit (even though its pretty morbid) I really got excited when there was a crash (thankfully, no drivers were injured that night!).
The suite was really unbelievable! As you would expect, it was right in front of the checkered flag, so we had a great view of the start and finish of the race. I loved the big windows that gave you a great view of the track. The stadium style seating in the suite ensured that everyone had a great view!
Also, of the coolest things about the President's Suite is that it is stocked with plenty of those really cool scanner devices which have headsets & a little built-in screen so that you can listen in on communications between the driver and their crew. And, if the driver you're tuned in to has the camera in their car operating you can get a "birds-eye" view of the track from inside the car. I like it because you can hear them talking about pit strategies, how the cars are handling and what other drivers are doing on the track. You can listen to just one team or switch channels to see what each team is talking about. It was definitely the way to go if you are watching a race at the speedway (especially great for A.D.D. people like me!). http://storefront.nasc...
They also had these nice glossy NASCAR magazines for everyone in the suite so you could read about the drivers and the tracks. Again, nice for someone with a short attention span.
So I hate to admit it - but that night I became a "fair weather" race fan. What does this mean? For me, it means that I won't be buying tickets to sit in the stands and I won't be buying club membership either, but if I happen to score Speedway Club tickets, I'll definitely be there! And while I still don't sit down and watch a race on TV for any length of time, from time to time I'll tune in to a race for a short bit to see what's happening. -
Review from alan l.
6/3/2011
As this is the only NASCAR racetrack I have been to, I am left to compare this to the numerous baseball/football/sports venues I have experienced throughout the years.
Reasons this place rules:
- The massive scale is almost breathtaking (and a bit scary)
- You can bring your own beer in*
- You can bring your own beer in**
- You can bring your own food in***
- Even with a 140k capacity, you never have to wait to get in/out, for food/drinks or the bathroom
I have been here for the BoA500 and CC600 and have had a great experience both races.
To avoid the post-race traffic we camped out at the speedway last time. Not only was it well worth it to avoid sitting in a car for 2 hours after 10 hours of drinking and 4 of racing, but we made some VERY interesting friends at our campsite...
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* No limits
** If you run out you can walk back to your car, get more beer and come back into the stadium
***Pretty sure we're the first people to bring a veggie and cheese tray into a NASCAR raceListed in: Bucket List.
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Review from Andrew W.
Charlotte, NC
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went to see the Avett Brothers simulcast concert, and it was pretty great. They showed it on their huge screen (I think it's the largest in the world,) and it was better than seeing a live concert it some respects. We were able to bring our cars and coolers in, set up chairs and blankets, and sit where ever we wanted. The audio setup was really well done, and I felt like I was hearing as close of a reproduction of a live show possible.
Cons? The video feed stopped to buffer several times during the show, which was super annoying. Hopefully the next time they simulcast a concert here they'll work out the technical kinks. That being said, the problem may have been on the other end, so I won't dock the venue any stars for it. All in all, a great (and cheap) way to see a show! -
Review from Jake W.
6/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've only been here once, for the Coca Cola 600 in 2011. My friends and I got Hot Passes, so my experience is not the usual.
Watching from either the grandstands or at the edge of the infield is cool because you can hear and smell and feel the cars go by and it's amazing. However, watching the entire race from there could get a little boring. The giant HD screen can help your understanding of what's actually going on from either location.
You can bring in your own food or beer, which is AWESOME.
Also, I went to the dirt track across the street for a race that Saturday night and would VERY HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. It's a smaller, more intimate experience. It's fun watching the cars slide around the corner and there were many wrecks (which did make it take forever). Just know, going in, that you're will be covered in dirt by the end of the night (and bring glasses to protect your eyes).
Everyone was very friendly and the fact that you can bring in your own food and drink really make the track a fun weekend. -
Review from Heather G.
New Albany, OH
While visiting friends in Charlotte we decided to take a tour of the speedway. I mean, when in Rome, right? So, I came here with little knowledge of racing looking for a way to enjoy a sunny afternoon in Charlotte.
First, the tour is $5. I'm fairly certain this is the cheapest tour I've ever experienced. What other entertainment can you find for $5? There was about a hour wait until the next tour so the staff recommended we check out the stands. I was surprised you were allowed to wander around, but it was great. We soaked up the nice weather and watched those enrolled in the NASCAR driving school.
The actual tour was just okay. I didn't find it very interesting, then again, I'm not a racing fan. You load into a large van and the guide takes you around the tracks and pit areas. Riding around the track was neat, especially when you experience the sharp incline of some of the turns. I was surprised the guides offered to take a picture of each guest in the Winner's Circle. Usually, tours want to charge you $10 for a photo. I guess that's just some of that Southern hospitality I'm not used to! Overall, a fun and cheap way to pass some time in Charlotte. -
Review from Brian L.
10/20/2010
Came here to see the BoA 500. We had some really good tix, the Hot passes. Got to see all of the cars up close, see some drivers, go into the garage, etc. I didn't pay for the tix, and am not sure how much it was...but it was awesome.
Those cars are insane! To be so close was a treat. Then walking on pit row, walking on the track...that was a great experience. The drivers are so nice, it is like they're nothing special! Weird!
Stood behind pit row during the race...those cars are fast and LOUD. It gives so much more to the race - I'm not even a fan. Glad I came though. -
Review from Chad E.
7/23/2010
Back in 1959, Big Bad Bruton Smith started building the mega complex that would become Charlotte Motor Speedway (it was Lowe's Motor Speedway due to a naming rights deal for about ten years). Over time, it has grown seating to more than 100,000 people in the stands and another 50,000 or so in the infield. There are 52 condos where you can actually live at the track year-round (assuming you can afford to buy one from one of the existing owners). There are a huge number of parking lots all across the countryside around the speedway.
The track itself is 1.5 miles, but includes a 2.25 mile road course that runs through the infield, a 0.6 mile kart course in the infield, a 0.25 oval that uses part of the front stretch and a 0.2 mile over outside turn 3. In addition to the lots, the compound includes a 0.4 mile dirt track across Highway 29 and a four lane dragstrip. This is a monument to racing, if you care for that sort of thing. Just don't forget your wallet and plenty of padding to make sure your backside is comfortable. -
Review from Levi T.
Charlotte, NC
7/18/2011 74 Check-ins Here
Love this track in the Nascar Sprint Cup. The crowd from start to finish is into the race. Now with the new Largest 1080 HD tv ever made there is never a bad seat.
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Review from Joy S.
Charlotte, NC
10/21/2008 1 photo
When folks come here from out of town, this is what they want to see. A few out of town friends have asked me if I was "at the race" before when there was a big one, and like a typical jaded Charlottean, I had no idea there even was a race.
The facility is great, but Garret G. is right about the wasted redneck factor. If you go prepared for what you're going to find (cars going round and round, wasted rednecks, etc.) it can be something of an anthropological adventure. Without that perspective, though, I can't imagine it would be much fun unless you're a race fan.
I've always had a good time when I've gone, though, just watching folks freak out. -
Review from Nick S.
Gastonia, NC
10/2/2008
I've been here for a couple of races & I don't think of this place as anything special. If you like NASCAR though, then they have plenty of races throughout the year to keep you entertained.
Lowe's has the longest race of the year in the Coca-Cola 600, which lasts FOREVER...I have no idea how someone could sit through this whole thing. They also have the All Star race, which is a nice weekend out of the norm of your normal race. For those who aren't the biggest fan of racing, then this is probably what you want to attend, considering they don't go around in circles nearly as long as in normal races. And finally, in the fall they have another race, the Bank of America 500.
Nothing is really special about this track, other than your normal huge parking lot after huge parking lot of tailgating. Also, the infield has trailers as well for tailgating. If you're to go to a race, try and get suite tickets, which is easier said than done, but it's well worth. Sitting in the cement stands for hour after hour of passing traffic just doesn't appeal to me, so bring your drinks (you can bring your cooler into the stadium) & get ready to wait for something to happen. -
Review from Garrett G.
Charlotte, NC
10/18/2008
Lowes Motor Speedway can be fun, for an hour or two. These races are so long though. I got a few free tickets from my boss for the Sprint Race and I went with a friend of mine from work. The nice thing about racing is that you can bring your own brews inside, whereas most sporting events make you pay about seven dollars a beer. This is good and bad, it saves quite a bit of money, but there are so many wasted rednecks. Luckily they have cops on ever corner, or this place would be pure anarchy. I actually left a kind of early, I can't really watch cars go around and around for that long. It just isn't my thing.
