When NASCAR returns to America’s Home for Racing Oct. 9-11, drivers will compete at a track where the sport’s roots run deep. From the race teams based throughout the region to the families and fans who fill the grandstands, Charlotte Motor Speedway continues to hold a unique place on the NASCAR schedule.
With Bank of America 400 weekend right around the corner, drivers from NASCAR’s three national series share what makes competing at Charlotte Motor Speedway a unique experience, highlighting the track’s history, challenging racing surface and connection to the NASCAR community.
Sammy Smith, No. 8, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, JR Motorsports
“I think what makes Charlotte different is obviously it's kind of a home track for everybody. Most people live in Charlotte, so it's very nice to be able to wake up Saturday morning and go to the racetrack and sleep in your own bed, but also just to have all the shop men and women come out that work on our race cars that probably don't get to come to the shop very much, having them come out to the racetrack is always special.”
Daniel Hemric, No. 19, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
“Charlotte is known as America's Home for Racing, and it's because it is exactly what its name is. Knowing that the heart and soul of our sport is right there in the area, and for them to take it and be able to withstand the test of time through different generations of ownership and racers and all the above, the place is still standing strong, continues to grow, continues to evolve and has for sure been a backbone of our sport in its entirety.”
Bubba Wallace, No. 23, NASCAR Cup Series, 23XI Racing
“Having family and friends out to come support you is really special. I mean, for me, I've been racing on this track for the quarter mile track racing at the track since I was nine years old. So a lot of history, a lot of fun times, some bad, but all in all, just a great time to be home.”
Layne Riggs, No. 34, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Front Row Motorsports
“Racing in Charlotte is so special because 90% of teams are based out of this area. Your family can come to the racetrack and support all your friends. So many people who don't get to travel on the road to all these places come to this race to support it. It feels like your hometown race that everybody is there to support. It feels like your hometown high school football game. Everybody's there, and there's so much energy.”
Erik Jones, No. 43, NASCAR Cup Series, Legacy Motor Club
“It does seem like every time we go to Charlotte, the energy is always at a high and for many reasons, there are so many race fans. You can hardly go anywhere in North Carolina and not meet a race fan to begin with. There are all those people that you've kind of come into contact with. They're out on the track, typically with the teams, because we're all based in the Charlotte area. We have fan days and stuff going on and different access for fans to come see kind of what we do on a daily basis.”
Taylor Gray, No. 54, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Joe Gibbs Racing
“I think for me, how rough the racetrack is, right? How much tire fall-off it has. But it's such a fun racetrack. It's so fast until it's not, right? It's like you have so much grip and then it falls off really hard, and then you're struggling for grip and sliding around. So I've always loved racing there. It's one of my favorite tracks that we go to on the schedule. I'm looking forward to that one.”
TICKETS:
Bank of America 400 weekend tickets are available now at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under can experience all the action for just $10, and fans can elevate their race-day experience with a Track Pass upgrade featuring stage-front access, driver introductions and Sunday’s pre-race concert.
MORE INFO:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following X, Instagram and Facebook, or by downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
