Discover the best speedways in the U.S., handpicked by the diehard fans who know these tracks best. From legendary superspeedways to high-octane short tracks, find out which iconic venues earned a spot on this ultimate fan-voted list. Strap in and see if your favorite circuit made the cut!
There is nothing quite like the roar of 40 stock cars hurtling past you at 200 miles per hour. For millions of NASCAR fans, race day isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a weekend-long festival of speed, camaraderie, and burning rubber. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or a first-time fan looking for an unforgettable NASCAR vacation, visiting a premier track is a must. Here at Westgate Resorts, we know that the best trips combine high-octane thrills with top-tier relaxation.
A guide to the most iconic NASCAR tracks and the destinations around them
| # | Speedway | Location | Why it’s a must-visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daytona International Speedway | Daytona Beach, Florida | Known as the “World Center of Racing” and home to the Daytona 500, plus the summer Coke Zero Sugar 400. Pair the 2.5-mile tri-oval with the city’s pristine beaches and fresh seafood. |
| 2 | Talladega Superspeedway | Lincoln, Alabama | The longest and fastest track on the circuit, famous for steep banking and pack racing. The infield is a legendary multi-day festival, with plenty of camping and BBQ. |
| 3 | Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol, Tennessee | “The Last Great Colosseum” — a loud half-mile short track with stadium-style seating, set in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. |
| 4 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Concord, North Carolina | NASCAR’s home base, close to most race teams. Host of the Coca-Cola 600 and near the NASCAR Hall of Fame downtown. |
| 5 | Darlington Raceway | Darlington, South Carolina | “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” known for its egg shape, the famous “Darlington Stripe,” the annual Throwback Weekend, and the Southern Cookout race weekend. |
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Known as the ‘World Center of Racing,’ Daytona is the holy grail of NASCAR and home to the prestigious Daytona 500. The sheer scale of the 2.5-mile tri-oval is awe-inspiring. Beyond the track, Daytona Beach offers miles of pristine sandy shores, fantastic seafood, and the perfect opportunity to kick back in Central Florida luxury. It’s a beach vacation and a world-class sporting event rolled into one.
Location: Lincoln, Alabama
If you want pure, unadulterated speed, Talladega is the place. It’s the longest and fastest track on the NASCAR circuit, famous for its steep banking and intense, nerve-wracking pack racing. The infield experience here is legendary, often described as a multi-day festival. The surrounding area offers beautiful camping spots, Southern BBQ, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
3. Bristol Motor Speedway
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Nicknamed ‘The Last Great Colosseum,’ Bristol is a half-mile short track where tempers flare and paint is traded. It’s incredibly loud, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house because it’s built like a massive stadium. Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, you can enjoy stunning hikes, scenic drives, and deep-rooted country music history in the surrounding Tri-Cities area.
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Charlotte is effectively the home base of NASCAR. Most race teams are headquartered nearby, making this track a central hub for the sport. Fans must visit to experience the electric atmosphere of the Coca-Cola 600. The surrounding Charlotte area is rich in racing history and features the official NASCAR Hall of Fame in the heart of downtown.
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
Known affectionately as ‘The Track Too Tough to Tame,’ Darlington is steeped in nostalgia. Its unique egg shape makes it incredibly difficult for drivers, resulting in the famous ‘Darlington Stripe’ against the wall. Fans love the annual ‘Throwback Weekend’ where cars feature retro paint schemes. The quaint, historic Pee Dee region offers a charming slice of Southern hospitality and antique shopping.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Racing in the entertainment capital of the world is an experience like no other. The Neon Garage gives fans incredible access to the drivers and teams, complete with live entertainment. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, where you can unwind at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, enjoying world-class dining, sportsbooks, gaming, and spectacular shows after the checkered flag waves making it the best hotel near Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Location: Ridgeway, Virginia
As the oldest track still on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit, Martinsville is a paperclip-shaped half-mile track that demands heavy braking and aggressive driving. It’s a true throwback to the sport’s roots. When you visit, you must try their famous Martinsville hot dog; a cheap, delicious tradition. The Blue Ridge Mountains nearby offer a tranquil, scenic escape from the roaring engines.
Location: Speedway, Indiana
While famous for the Indy 500, the ‘Brickyard’ is equally revered by NASCAR fandoms. The 2.5-mile rectangular oval is a monument to global motorsports. Kissing the legendary yard of bricks at the start/finish line is a bucket-list experience. The Speedway area and downtown Indianapolis are vibrant, boasting fantastic steakhouses, engaging museums, and a deeply ingrained racing culture.
9. Watkins Glen International
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
NASCAR isn’t just about turning left. ‘The Glen’ is one of the premier road courses in the country, forcing drivers to navigate sharp rights, elevation changes, and the notorious ‘bus stop’ chicane. The track sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in the spectacular Finger Lakes region, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, state parks, and award-winning wineries.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Known as the ‘Action Track,’ Richmond is a D-shaped, 0.75-mile oval that blends the close-quarters banging of a short track with the high speeds of a superspeedway. Night racing under the lights here is a magical experience. The city of Richmond surrounds you with incredible American history, craft breweries, and a flourishing, trendy culinary scene.
Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama holds the record for the fastest speeds in NASCAR history, with qualifying speeds historically exceeding 210 mph before safety regulations were introduced to slightly lower top speeds.
The Daytona 500, held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, is widely considered the biggest, most prestigious, and most important race in NASCAR. It is often referred to as ‘The Great American Race.
Yes! Unlike most professional sports venues, the majority of NASCAR tracks allow fans to bring their own soft-sided coolers packed with food and beverages (including alcohol). However, sizes are strictly regulated, and glass bottles are prohibited, so always check the specific track’s rules before you arrive.
Counterintuitively, the best seats at a NASCAR race are usually higher up, rather than right by the fence. Sitting higher allows you to see the entire track without your view being obstructed by the infield structures. Grandstands near the start/finish line or entering turn one are typically fan favorites.
Race weekends are as much about the celebration afterward as they are about the checkered flag itself, and that’s where a Westgate Resort comes in. With properties strategically located near some of NASCAR’s most legendary speedways, Westgate makes it easy to turn a single-day race into a full getaway. Land in Daytona Beach and step from the roar of the tri-oval straight into a relaxing beachfront stay with Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.
Head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and you’re just minutes from the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where you can toast a race win with world-class dining, gaming, and live entertainment. Whether you’re winding down after a long day in the grandstands or gearing up for an early green flag, having a comfortable, family-friendly resort nearby means you spend less time commuting and more time soaking in the full race weekend experience; before, during, and after the engines go quiet.
From the high banks of Daytona and Talladega to the short-track thunder of Bristol and Martinsville, America’s speedways offer something for every kind of racing fan. Many of these tracks sit close to popular vacation destinations, making it easy to combine race weekend with a full getaway for the whole family. Whether you’re chasing the history of Darlington, the physical demands of Dover, or the bright lights of Las Vegas, there’s a speedway (and a road trip) waiting for you.
Wherever the checkered flag takes you, a comfortable home base makes race weekend even better. Westgate Resorts offers convenient, family-friendly accommodations near some of the country’s most iconic NASCAR tracks, so you can spend less time planning logistics and more time soaking in the sound of engines at full throttle.
For more NASCAR fan guides, visit the Westgate Events Blog.
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