All Star Race Party is your go-to resource for planning an exciting race weekend in Concord and Charlotte, NC. We provide comprehensive information to enhance your experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Our guide covers essential details, including:
- Getting There: Directions and transportation options.
- Parking: Information on parking lots and availability.
- Gates: Entry points and timings.
- What to Bring: A checklist of items for a successful race day.
- Weather: Forecasts to help you prepare.
- Hotels: Accommodation options nearby.
- Rideshare: Tips for using rideshare services effectively.
In addition to race-day planning, we also highlight local watch parties, tailgates, and upcoming concerts, comedy shows, and events in the area. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun weekend, All Star Race Party is here to help you make the most of your experience.
Practical Tips for a Smoother Race Day in Concord
Charlotte Motor Speedway sits just off Interstate 85 and US Highway 29 in Concord, and on a major race weekend tens of thousands of fans head for the same few roads at roughly the same time. The single most useful piece of advice is simple: arrive early and expect to leave late. Traffic builds for hours before the green flag. After the checkered flag, many regulars stay put in their lot and let the worst of the outbound traffic clear rather than sitting in a queue on Bruton Smith Boulevard.
Getting there and parking
Free and paid parking areas surround the speedway, along with designated camping and tailgating zones. Rules on tailgating hours, grills and vehicle size can change from season to season, so check the speedway's official guidance before you load the cooler. If you're using rideshare, agree on a meeting point with your group in advance. Phone signal can get patchy when the grandstands are full, and pickup zones are usually set apart from the main gates, which means a bit of a walk.
What to pack
- A clear bag that meets the venue's current bag policy
- Ear protection, especially for children, because cars at full speed are extremely loud
- Sunscreen, a hat and a light rain layer, since North Carolina weather in late spring and summer can switch quickly from heat to thunderstorms
- A portable phone charger and a printed or screenshotted copy of your tickets
- Comfortable shoes, as the walk from the lots to your seats can be long
Staying nearby
Hotels close to the track and along the I-85 corridor fill quickly for big race weekends and often have minimum-stay rules. Booking well ahead, or looking at uptown Charlotte, University City or nearby towns such as Kannapolis and Huntersville, can widen your options. Before you commit, factor in the drive time on race day.
Ready to plan the rest of your weekend? See which race events are on the calendar, and read our tickets advice for picking seats and buying from trusted sources.