With all three of NASCAR’s top series and the ARCA Menards Series set to do battle at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Friday through Sunday, the Coca-Cola 600 weekend will feature plenty of thrills. But the action on the track is just the beginning for fans visiting America’s Home for Racing. With high-energy concerts each day, a family friendly STEAM Expo and the country’s most patriotic Memorial Day Weekend salute to the troops, there’s fun for everyone all weekend long.
Here’s a look at five can’t-miss attractions leading up to the Coca-Cola 600:
STEAM Expo
The weekend kicks off Friday morning with nearly 400 children taking over Circle K Speed Street to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) and applications related to motorsports as part of the speedway’s STEAM Expo. From Lug Nut’s Laboratory to the Department of Defense, STEAM Expo features more than 40 stations for students to learn from industry professional about topics ranging from fitness and robotics to safety. The hands-on interactive vendor displays designed to inform and engage future generations of motorsports fans will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Advance registration is required and available here.
Speed Street
Fans ready to rock this Memorial Day Weekend need look no further than Circle K Speed Street. Formerly the Fan Zone, the expansive 10 acres just outside of Turn 1 is transformed every race weekend into an all-out carnival. Featuring a 90-foot Ferris wheel, souvenir haulers and interactive displays, Speed Street offers hours of fun for fans looking to get a head start on race day. And when the action on the track cools down, Speed Street will start heating up with concerts by AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds on Friday and country superstar Jake Owen on Saturday. Owen is scheduled to be joined on stage by his friend and NASCAR Cup series veteran Kevin Harvick, who is making his final Coca-Cola 600 start this weekend before retiring at the end of the season. Speed Street concerts are free to fans with any weekend race ticket.
Haulers and Hash Browns
New for 2023, campers and fans alike will get their first look at their favorite NASCAR Cup Series teams during a Saturday morning hauler parade called Haulers and Hash Browns. After staging near zMAX Dragway, the colorful haulers will parade through the campgrounds and past Speed Street beginning at 8:00 a.m., before heading into the infield to prepare for the weekend’s racing. Following the parade, campers will be treated to a biscuit breakfast, an appearance by former Cup Series driver David Reagan, a pinewood derby competition, face-painting, games and more.
NASCAR RaceDay Live
Before the green flag falls on the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR fan favorites Kenny Wallace and John Roberts will take the stage for NASCAR RaceDay Live, an hour-long show featuring appearances by NASCAR drivers and industry guests. Among those scheduled to join the show are Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett and Jeff Burton. Wallace, Roberts and their guests will share stories, make predictions and offer their unique insights into all things Coca-Cola 600 as fans from across the globe come together the NASCAR’s toughest test.
Pre-Race Concert, Military Salute
Those headed to the track for Sunday’s historic Coca-Cola 600 will want to be in their seats early to catch a free pre-race concert with rock ‘n roll legends The Doobie Brothers, featuring Michael McDonald. Following the 60-minute concert, the speedway will roll out the red carpet for men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces as part of its pre-race salute. With representation from each of the six military branches, the pre-race salute will be highlighted by Blackhawk flyovers, Howitzer demonstrations, musical performances and more. Ticketholders can upgrade their race day experience with a Track Pass to get stage-front access to all the pre-race fun.
TICKETS:
Tickets are still available for the May 26-28 Coca-Cola 600 weekend, with three-day packages starting at $99. Weekend tickets for children ages 12 and under are just $10. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Admission to Circle K Speed Street concerts by AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds (Friday) and Jake Owen (Saturday) is free with any race ticket. Sunday’s pre-race concert by The Doobie Brothers is free with the purchase of a Coca-Cola 600 race ticket.
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
