Race fans, get ready! Friday, Oct. 3, is set to be an action-packed kickoff to Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The day will feature the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series racing on the ROVAL™ for the very first time in history, plus a full slate of Fan Friday excitement in the Fan Zone, including merchandise haulers, driver appearances, interactive experiences and more!

Here’s a look at the can’t-miss Fan Friday events:

Joe Gibbs Racing Fan Fest
Kick off the excitement with JGR Fan Fest, a full-throttle evening packed with exclusive team merchandise, family-friendly activities with the Game Plan for Life Ministry and live appearances from Joe Gibbs Racing stars. From 5:30–8 p.m. the Fan Zone will be buzzing with energy, capped by a high-powered autograph session featuring Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs and more from 6–8 p.m.

Fan Fest is free and open to everyone. The first 300 fans to pick up a wristband at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Avenue of Flags starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 will secure a guaranteed spot in line for the exclusive autograph session.

STEAM Expo
Shining a spotlight on the next generation of innovators, the STEAM Expo will welcome more than 3,000 students from across the region to zMAX Dragway for a hands-on look at how science, technology, engineering, arts and math come to life through motorsports. With over 40 interactive stations showcasing force and motion, coding, reaction times, speed, acceleration and more, this year’s Expo is set to be the biggest yet — and a can’t-miss experience for young minds.

Hauler Parade

Then, settle in for one of the weekend’s most anticipated traditions, the Hauler Parade! Starting at 8 p.m., NASCAR haulers carrying race-ready cars will rumble through the Fan Zone as fans line the route to cheer them on.

Led by the World’s Fastest Mascot, Lug Nut, with the Carolina Panthers PURRcussion Drumline keeping the beat, the parade will have fans jamming to drive-up songs as the haulers roll past the Fan Zone and around the track before entering the infield.

THOR Camper Party
Immediately following the Hauler Parade, fans can cap off Fan Friday with the THOR Camper Party taking over the Echo Park Stage. THOR, a proud Charlotte Motor Speedway partner, will fuel the fun with live entertainment, giveaways and FREE food and beverages (while supplies last). NASCAR fan-favorite Tim Dugger will headline with a 90-minute set, and lucky guests can enter to win THOR gift boxes packed with camping essentials—perfect for the ultimate race-weekend experience.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Fan Friday fun, Friday, Oct. 1 at this year’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend!