Charlotte Motor Speedway Tailgate

Overview

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Fast facts

Year Opened: 1960

Capacity: 94000

City / State: Concord / North Carolina

Biggest Event: Coca-Cola 600

All time Champion: Darrell Waltrip

Recent Winner: AJ Allmendinger

Known for: Its ZMAX Dragway. It is the only all-concrete, four-lane drag strip in the United States and hosts NHRA events.

Last 5 Winners

Charlotte Motor Speedway Truex Coca Cola

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2019

Martin Truex, Jr. won the 2019 Coca-Cola 600 with a time of 4:50:09. He was able to best Joey Logano (2nd) and last year's champ, Kyle Busch (3rd).

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2018

Kyle Busch won the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 with a time of 4:23:22. He was able to beat Martin Truex, Jr. who got 2nd place, and Denny Hamlin who ended up in 3rd.

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2017

Austin Dillon won the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 with a time of 4:19:22. He was able to beat Kyle Busch who got 2nd place, and last year's winner, Martin Truex, Jr. who ended up in 3rd.

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2016

Martin Truex, Jr. won the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 with a time of 3:44:05. He was able to beat Kevin Harvick who got 2nd place, and Jimmie Johnson who ended up in 3rd.

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2015

Carl Edwards won the 2015 Coca-Cola 600 with a time of 4:03:34. He was able to beat Greg Biffle who got 2nd place, and Dale Earnhardt who ended up in 3rd.

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Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The tailgate scene at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is all about camping. Here in Charlotte, you’ll find a wide variety of camping options meaning no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for you’ll find it here.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway offers not only full-service camping but also several premium camping experiences that will put you right on top of all the action on the track. If you love camping and want a great view of the track, then you won’t be able to beat Turn 2 Overlook Camping or the 600 Terrace, both of which offer great views of Turns 1 and 2.

Not only does camping at the Charlotte Motor Speedway offer you the opportunity to watch the race from your RV you’ll also make lots of friends camping out for the race. There is a lot of camaraderie between NASCAR fans and the party atmosphere surrounding the campsites here create a good time for any NASCAR fan.

Camping isn’t the only way to spend some time before the race. The Charlotte Motor Speedway also offers some of the best pre-race tours around including the Laps and Taps Tour. Those of you who love NASCAR and craft beer will have a fantastic time taking the Laps and Taps Tour, which takes you to two local breweries and around the track. The Hall of Fame Tour and Race Shop Tour are also must-see tours for any diehard NASCAR fans. The Hall of Fame Tour takes you through the NASCAR Hall of Fame where you can see tributes and memorabilia from all of the best drivers of the past, and the Race Shop Tour lets you see where your favorite teams prepare for the race.

Finally, the Charlotte Motor Speedway offers plenty of family friendly pre-race entertainment including a family camping area and a Kids Zone. The family camping area is the perfect place to camp with the kids before the race as it offers a more relaxed camping atmosphere and the Kid Zone is home to all kinds of games and activities geared towards kids.

Whether you’re looking to let loose and party hard or just want a fun family weekend, the Charlotte Motor Speedway is a great place to camp out or tailgate before the race.

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Traditions

Charlotte Motor Speedway Pre-race Concert

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Pre-Race Concerts

All of the major NASCAR races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway feature pre-race concerts, so make sure to arrive early and catch these fantastic pregame performances. Nothing gets you pumped up for race day quite like a pre-race concert featuring your favorite musicians.

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Laps and Taps Tour

If you love beer and NASCAR, then there is no better way to spend some time before the race than the Laps and Taps Tour. The Laps and Taps Tour takes you to popular local breweries “Cabarrus Brewing Company” and “Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company” as well as around the track. The tour is the perfect way to get your tailgate drinking started early as the tour leaves at noon.

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Trackside Tram Tour

Learn more about the history of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and see the pre-race preparations with the Trackside Tram Tour. The Trackside Tram Tour even lets you climb the 24-degree banking.

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Hall of Fame Tour

No trip to the Charlotte Motor Speedway is complete without taking a tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a must-see for any NASCAR fan, so get your tickets for this tour today.

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Race Shop Tour

Another must-see tour at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is the Race Shop Tour. The Race Shop Tour allows you to see where your favorite racing team prepares for the race, so make sure you don’t miss this opportunity during your trip to Charlotte.

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Fan Zone

Located in front of Gate 6 to 8, the Fan Zone is home to vendors, activities, and more. There is plenty of entertainment here, so stop by and check it out before the race.

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Kids Zone

The Kids Zone is the perfect place to take the kids before the race as it's home to all kinds of children’s activities and games.

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Fan Days

During the week leading up to the races, lots of teams host fan days at their shops. These fan days are a fantastic opportunity for you to see what happens behind the scenes of your favorite race teams and a great chance to grab an autograph, so make sure to check them out.

Where to tailgate

Full-Service CampingThose of you who are looking to camp in style before the race will want to book your Full-Service Camping spot. Full-Service Camping at the Charlotte Motor Speedway takes place at the Camping World Racing Resort and features a wide variety of amenities including free Wifi, electricity, water, sewer access, and much more.
Infield CampingInfield Camping puts you right in the heart of the action and is one of the best places to camp during a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Here you’ll not only have a close-up view of the action on the track, but you’ll also experience one of the wildest NASCAR party atmospheres around.
Turn 2 Overlook CampingThe new Turn 2 Overlook Camping not only gives you an incredible view of Turn 1 and 2 the package also comes with Pit Passes. You won’t find a better view of the action than at the Turn 2 Overlook Campsite, so book your spot today.
600 TerraceThe 600 Terrace puts you trackside at Turns 1 and 2 and is one of the best places to camp in all of NASCAR. If you want to watch the race without leaving your RV, then you can’t beat the 600 Terrace.
Family CampgroundIf you’re bringing the kids to the race, then you’ll want to set up shop at the Family Campground. The Family Campground is home to the most family friendly campsite at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and is a fun place to hangout out with your family. The atmosphere here is more relaxed than elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a fun time camping out with your kids.
Free ParkingIf camping isn’t your thing, then take advantage of the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s free parking. Just find your spot and set up a small tailgate with some good friends and a few brews.

Stadium Guide

In Game

The Charlotte Motor Speedway has been hosting NASCAR races since it opened in 1960 and many NASCAR drivers have their home base in the Charlotte area making a trip to the Charlotte Motor Speedway a special experience. You’ll find fans of a wide variety of drivers here giving the crowd a fun feel as there is no clear cut favorite. Often you’ll hear competing cheers throughout the speedway creating a fun and festive atmosphere.

The fact a lot of NASCAR drivers and teams are based around Charlotte also means that the Charlotte Motor Speedway is the home of the NASCAR All-Star Race. If you’re looking to see the best and most popular drivers compete on the same track, then you can’t beat the All-Star Race. Like all All-Star events, the All-Star Race is an incredible event to take in making it one of the best times to take in a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Not to be outdone, the two other annual NASCAR races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway are also incredible events to be a part of. The Coca-Cola 600 is a great way for any NASCAR fan to spend Memorial Day weekend. The race also is home to a one of a kind atmosphere as the race starts during the day but ends at night, which creates three distinct phases of the race. The Bank of America 500 is also an excellent race to take in at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as it happens during the playoffs and is always one of the biggest races of the season.

In addition to hosting some of the biggest and best NASCAR races of the season, the Charlotte Motor Speedway is also home to the NHRA Carolina Nationals and World of Outlaws World Finals. These two races are quite popular among drag racing and off-road racing fans, and you’ll always find a big crowd when attending one of these events.

Lastly, you’ll have a great time visiting the Charlotte Motor Speedway even if you aren’t going to a major race. The speedway is home to excellent daily tours including the Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour and Over the Wall Tour. There are also several driving experiences to check out as well including the NASCAR Racing Experience, which is perfect for any NASCAR fan.

If you’re a racing fan, then you can’t beat a trip to the Charlotte Motor Speedway where the big races, excellent tours, and unforgettable driving experiences make it one of the best race tracks in the country.

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Things to check out

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Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour

Whether you're coming to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for a major race or not, take the Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour to see what goes on behind the scenes. The tour takes you down Pit Road, to the NASCAR Cup Series Garage, and even lets you take a picture in the Winner’s Circle.

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Over the Wall Tour

The Over the Wall Tour gives you the opportunity to see everything in the Feel the Thrill Tour, while also giving you access to The Speedway Club and the Performance Racing Network studios. The Over the Wall Tour is too good to pass up, so no matter when you’re visiting the Charlotte Motor Speedway take some time to take the Over the Wall Tour.

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STEM Field Trip

The STEM Field Trip is only offered during Non-Event times, but is a great way for kids to learn about the science of racing. The 2.5-hour tour is perfect for school groups and features five stations.

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Pit Pass+Pit Party

The Pit Pass + Pit Party gives you exclusive access to Race Day Pit Party Q&A session as well as pit road. The pass is a great way to see all of your favorite drivers before the race.

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Driver Intro+Pit Pass

The Driver Intro+Pit Pass is another way for you to get up close to your favorite driver before the race. This pass gives you access to not only the Pit Party and pit road but also front row access to the driver introductions.

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Driving Experiences

Never fear if you can’t make it to a race weekend. The Charlotte Motor Speedway offers driving experiences every weekend there isn’t a major race giving you the opportunity to live your dream of being a NASCAR driver. The NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience, and others are all excellent ways to spend a summer weekend.

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Bojangles’ Pole Night

If you’re attending the Bank of America 500, then make sure to get into town early to catch the Bojangles’ Pole Night, which takes place two nights before the race. The Bojangles’ Pole Night features all kinds of racing action including knockout qualifying for the Bank of America 500 and the Better Half Dash making it a must-see.

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Bars & Restaurants

Rocky River Grille

Resort venue serving Southern comfort food & mason jar cocktails in a polished, loungelike setting.

5400 John Q. Hammons Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-454-1725

Bar website

american - $$
Garofola’s Italiano

Easygoing Italian eatery offering pizzas, salads & calzones, plus a full bar & party room.

3655 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-795-7437

Bar website

italian - $$
Carolina Ale House

Casual restaurant & sports-bar chain featuring American pub fare, a long beer list & a kids' menu.

8695 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027, USA

980-225-7429

Bar website

sportsbar - $$
Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe

Local chain with New Orleans flavor serving bayou-inspired fare in a festive setting.

8011 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-979-0222

Bar website

american - $$
Iron Thunder Saloon & Grill

Waitresses in provocative attire plus a standard menu of American food in a biker-themed space

10023 Weddington Rd Ext., Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-979-3888

Bar website

american - $$
The Wine Room at Afton Village

Local Concord, North Carolina wine bar serving quality wine, craft beers and a handcrafted bistro menu.

5401 Village Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-782-9463

Bar website

american - $$
Pippa’s Cafe

American fare from wings to steaks & a full bar in a relaxed space with a patio & TVs in each booth.

10040 Edison Square Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA

704-948-1818

Bar website

american - cafe - $$
Lil Robert’s Place

Mellow haunt offering a sizable beer menu, plus live music & open-mike nights in bright-walled digs.

25 Union St S, Concord, NC 28025, USA

704-795-2337

Bar website

american - $$
Eastfield Bar & Grill

Local pub with high ceilings & brick walls offering comfort food with a twist & local craft beer.

8709 Arbor Creek Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269, USA

704-464-116

Bar website

american - $$
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. Offering a wide variety of imported and domestic quality craft beers.

9605 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

704-717-8179

Bar website

american - $$
Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Ribs

Festive, easygoing hangout featuring BBQ, seafood & drinks plus a covered patio & a lively bar.

9005 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

704-503-7427

Bar website

american - $$
The Press Box Bar & Grill

The Press Box Bar and Grill provides an atmosphere and ambiance to cater to anyone, from a private business meeting to a casual dinner with the family.

9609 N Tryon St a, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

704-717-2727

Bar website

american - sportsbar - $