Charlotte Motor Speedway
Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway is probably my favorite race weekend of the season. Race fans from all over the country make the trek to the Charlotte area for a long weekend of fun on and off the track. For many fans, it is similar to a big family reunion – seeing fellow race fans you haven’t seen since the year before.
For first-time attendees, it is the opportunity to attend one of the crown jewel races in NASCAR and see the area where all the magic happens, also known as the race shops.
The days leading up to the weekend offer so much to do if you come in town early. Sponsors make a big splash with show cars around town and driver appearances. Many race teams have fan days where they open the doors and welcome fans to check out their buildings, get freebies from sponsors, and maybe meet their favorite driver.
The days leading up to the weekend offer so much to do if you come in town early. Sponsors make a big splash with show cars around town and driver appearances. Many race teams have fan days where they open the doors and welcome fans to check out their buildings, get freebies from sponsors, and maybe meet their favorite driver.
The racetrack decks itself out in red, white, and blue for the weekend. The majority of fans are in their seats early to catch the pageantry that Charlotte Motor Speedway unveils on the front stretch as a salute to the fallen before the Coca-Cola 600. If you have never experienced the Coca-Cola 600 week, I highly suggest you make a plan to be in town next year. It should be on every NASCAR fan’s bucket list.
If you will be in town and haven’t filled your schedule up yet, I have some suggestions for you!
Attractions
Many race teams are having fan days. Luckily, they spread them out so you can hit multiple! Thursday and Friday will have multiple teams, so look up each team’s social media or website, and you will easily find all the information.
If you haven’t checked out the NASCAR Hall of Fame yet, now is the perfect opportunity!
Spend a couple of hours learning about the history of NASCAR, checking out all the cars, seeing the memorabilia, and testing your skills on the simulators. Bonus, a new exhibit will be unveiled this weekend, celebrating 75 years of Wood Brothers Racing!
If you are looking for some other sports action, look no further than downtown Charlotte this weekend. The Charlotte Football Club will have a home soccer game Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium. Ticket prices start at $39. For baseball fans, the Charlotte Knights are currently having a homestand at Truist Field. If you didn’t know, the Knights are the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Tickets start around $25, depending on which night you go.
Restaurants
If you are looking for some good places to chow down in the area, here are my suggestions.
In the mood for BBQ? Hit up the Smoke Pit, they have multiple locations in the area. I love their brisket and smoked turkey. A friend of mine highly recommends their burnt ends.
Are you a pasta lover like I am? Basilico Italiano is your place if you are craving Italian! Handmade pasta? Yes, please. A one-pound mozzarella stick? I might share. Cannoli for dessert? Do not skip. Run, don’t walk to this restaurant!
Johnny’s Farmhouse Restaurant is a great option if you want down-home cooking. The barbeque cheddar chicken sandwich came recommended because the Cheerwine BBQ sauce isn’t something you can get just anywhere. Also, try the maple butter pork chop dinner.
If you want a sweet treat, Andy’s Frozen Custard is right down the road from the racetrack. Treat the family to a sundae, milkshake, or concrete. You’ll be showing love to a NASCAR sponsor! Win-win for everyone!
Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. If you will be at the racetrack, myself and our photographer will be in attendance, so look out for us! If you are watching from home, keep an eye on our social media. We will have live content from the track!
