NASCAR Track Facts: Charlotte Motor Speedway


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NASCAR Rolls into Charlotte Motor Speedway around the End of May each year and for the last two years that has not meant it’s time for the All Star open and All Star race as they have been held at bristol and Texas for the last three years.

However it is still a giant race day, the longest in the Calender and even has the option, though not often taken up, of racing 2 of the most iconic races in the world. The Coca Cola 600, and of course the Indy 500 It hasn’t been attempted that many times, and completed even less.

After the All star Million dollar Race the week before, usually, its all about the points and the prestige at the Home of NASCAR.

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Below we have as many facts as you should ever need about the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Whether you are going or watching on TV there should be something you don’t know, or that you never knew you needed to know about Charlotte Motor Speedway.

If you are looking for other track facts we have them listed in the table below, they all follow a similar format and we are working through to get them all up before the end of the season ( 2022) so stay tuned!

The Coca Cola 600 is part of a rare ( and extreme) motorsports challenge called “Double Duty” or the memorial Day Challenge. Racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 on the same day. Not many have achieved this… you can find out more on the link below.

NASCAR Track Facts links

Los Angeles ColiseumDaytona International SpeedwayLas Vegas Motor Speedway
Auto Club SpeedwayPhoenix RacewayMartinsville Speedway
Atlanta Motor SpeedwayCircuit of The AmericasDarlington Raceway
Bristol Motor SpeedwayTalladega SuperspeedwayDover Motor Speedway
Kansas SpeedwayTexas Motor SpeedwayCharlotte Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayWorld Wide Technology RacewaySonoma Raceway
Nashville SuperspeedwayRoad AmericaNew Hampshire Motor Speedway
Pocono Raceway

Charlotte Motor Speedway Facts.

Below you will find, hopefully, everything you need to know about this Iconic speedway. Feel free to update or let us know anything we may have missed.


Where is Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The track is located just about 15 km North East of Charlotte, North Carolina,


How Long Is Charlotte Motor Speedway?


Charlotte Motor Speedway is a one and a half mile asphalt oval motor racing track near Charlotte, North Carolina. It has high banking of 24 degrees in the turns, and 5 degree banking on the straights.

The Road Course is 2.28 miles, with 17 turns, and keeps the same backing for part of it. It is often called the Charlotte Roval.


Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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Who owns Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports. They also own and operate many other Iconic NASCAR tracks including Nashville, Sonoma, Texas and Las vegas motor Speedway.


What is The Configuration of Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The track is a 1.5 mile traditional tri oval racetrack with 20-degree banking in the turns and 24 degree banking on the final 2 turns, 3 and 4. The Track is considered a tough track for both drivers and their cars due to its high speeds.

They also have a 2.28 Mile long Road course (roval) that includes most of the Oval track, a Drag way at a quarter of a mile and a clay dirt track at .4 of a mile.


What are The Lap Records at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the first NASCAR track, and has 24 24 degrees of banking allows for fast speeds. The New Generations of NASCAR still may not be able to make a dent in the Qualifying Cup Series record which has been held by Kurt Busch since 2014 with an average of 198.771 miles an hour!

SeriesDriverTimeYear
NASCARKurt Busch27.1672014
IndyCarKenny Brack24.7351998
NASCAR “Roval”William byron1.22.1442019
Truck SeriesKyle Busch29.3842018
XfinityJimmie johnson28.7632005

What Kind of Weather Conditions Does Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway usually experiences fine weather for NASCAR racing in the Early Summer. Temperatures can range from 25 to 31 and although rain can occur you are likely to get sunburnt than soaked so Bring sunscreen and some good sunglasses.


Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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How Much do NASCAR tickets cost at the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The ticket price range for Charlotte Motor Speedway usually start at $50 -$100for general admission depending where the seat is located, There are also track pre race passes for the concerts, access to driver introductions and parties. these can be had for 75 Dolalrs.

You can pay more for suites and weekend passes of course. The earlier you book the better the deals are and you can check availability here.

Camping and RV parking and hosting will also add to these prices.


When Was Charlotte Motor Speedway Constructed?

It was originally built in 1959 and opened in 1960. It is one of the Oldest Speedway on the NASCAR Circuit and the “spiritual” home of NASCAR USA.


How Many NASCAR Cup Races are held at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The speedway is currently home to two NASCAR Sprint Cup races. The Coca Cola 600 ( the longest race in NASCAR) in May and the Playoff races in September / October. In 2022 this is the Round of 12 playoffs.


Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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Is Charlotte Motor Speedway a NASCAR Short Track?

NASCAR Defines a short track as a track less than one mile in length, Charlotte Motor Speedway at 1.5 miles, is a medium length Tri oval Speedway. One of several, though the most famous, used by NASCAR throughout the year. Charlotte Motor Speedway with its high banking is one of the fastest tracks of the season.


Who won the First NASCAR Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held Charlotte Motor Speedway on June the 19th, 1960, and was won by Joe Lee Johnson Driving for Paul McDuffe. In 2021 it was Kyle Larson in his Championship winning season.


What other Motor Sports have been run at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a busy track and as well as the two Cup Series Races it holds each year it has race weekend and events, or has held for many different sports. Including the following:

  • GT3
  • LM GTE
  • IndyCar
  • Truck series
  • LMP
  • GT1
  • Drag racing
  • Sprint Dirt Racing

and many Many more.

Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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What is the Seating Capacity of Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The track has a seating capacity of 94,000 to 171,000 depending on the event being held there.


Does Charlotte Motor Speedway Have Lighting for Night Racing?

Texas Motor Speedway does have lights for night racing. THey were installed in 1992. It was the first modern speedway to run night races and was for 6 years the largest speedway with lights ( daytona got them then in 1998)


How Many Laps are in a Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a 400 lap, 600 mile monster of a race, and the shorter ( thankfully) Roval track race is 109 laps.


Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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How Long is a Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The NASCAR Cup Series race is 600 miles at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the longest race of the season, and 252 miles on the roval course later on in the year. .

  • The record time for the NASCAR Cup Series Coca Cola 600 miles is held by Martin truex Jr at 3 hours 44 minutes and 5 seconds at the race in 2016.
  • The record for the Xfinity racing (300 miles) is help by Mark Martin at 1:55.23 in 1996.
  • The Record for Indy Car for 312 miles is held by Buddy Lazier at 1 hour 55 minutes and 29 seconds, in 1997

What is the Trophy at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Although the trophy for winning is actually the Bruton Smith trophy, there is an additional prize that goes with winning the Coca cola 600 race. It is an vintage Coca-Cola vending machine ( not sure if its full or not, but after 600 miles in a hot car it may be useful to have an ice cold coke afterwards!)

you can read more about the weird and wonderful trophies NASCAR has on the link below and here.


Charlotte Motor Speedway Winning records (Coca Cola 600)

Most Coca-Cola 600 WinsDriverRecord
Most WinsDarrell Waltrip5 Wins
2nd Most WinsJimmie Johnson4 wins
3rd Most WinsBuddy Baker, David Pearson, Bobby Allision, Dale EarnHardt, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne3 Wins

What is the Banking on Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Texas motor Speedway is a one and a half mile Oval Track, and its banking is 24-degree banking in the turns and 5 degrees on the straights. It is thought to be a fast track, despite being one of the first ever NASCAR tracks.


How can I get tickets to the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Tickets for the Cup series NASCAR Races and other NASCAR races can be purchased online at the speedway’s website or by calling the ticket office.


What is the Address of Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The address of Charlotte Motor Speedway is 5555 Concord Parkway South
Concord, NC, 28027


Can you Camp or bring an RV to the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Yes, you can camp or bring an RV to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Camping and RV spots can be reserved through the Speedways Website,Opens in a new tab. there are also spots for RVs but they need self contained waste systems.


What are the Rules for Bringing a Pet to the Charlotte Motor Speedway

Pets are not allowed in the grandstands, but they are allowed in the camping areas. as long as not infield. All pets must be on a leash at all times and waste must be cleaned up. Service animals are permitted.

Charlotte Motor Speedway facts
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What is the Phone Number for the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

The phone number for the speedway is 704-455-3200


What Food and Drink Concessions Do They have at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway has a wide variety of food and drink concessions. Some of the options include hot dogs, hamburgers, pit boss grills, pizza, tacos, chicken, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, beer, and wine. You can bring your own food, beer and drinks too. Just make sure your cooler is 14x14x14 and soft sided, see below.


Can you bring Coolers to Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Coolers are allowed to be taken into Charlotte Motor Speedway as long as they are soft sided (we have an article on the details here) and you can bring food and drinks inside the speedway. You are allowed to bring your own beer also, just don’t bring glass bottles. Coolers should be 14″ x 14″ x 14″ inches. See the article above for what style you are allowed.


Do you need Seat Cushions At Charlotte Motor Speedway?

No, seat cushions are not required at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, they are allowed and we have details on the best ones here.

Is There an Age Limit For Entering the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

There is no age limit for entering the Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, children under the age of 12 the cup series races cost just 10 dollars ( call in advance though) and children under 12 can go to NASCAR Xfinity / Truck races as well for free! To buy alcohol you will need to have ID and be over 21.

For the World of outlaws there needs to be waiver form signed ( for info) for children under 18 For pit pass access that its.

We suggest ear protection for little ears though.


What is the Policy For Wheelchair users at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway is wheelchair accessible and the parking comes with a wheelchair reserved seat. .


What Should I Bring To The Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Some items that you may want to bring to the Charlotte Motor Speedway races include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, and comfortable shoes, you can check their website for things you should not bring though most of it is fairly common sense.

You can also bring a cooler ( special size see here) with your own food and drinks.


What Time Should I Arrive At The Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Charlotte Motor Speedway has events throughout the race days , if you would like to see them then arrive before this time.

Arriving early also helps you avoid the queues if you are planning on getting food and drinks prior to the Green flag as well as enjoy the meet the drier and music experiences. Some of these may cost extra to be aware.

Conclusion

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