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NASCAR Nostalgia – Historic Speedways & Museums

NASCAR Nostalgia – Historic Speedways & Museums

NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach
Trip length6-10 days
Route distance1165 mi
Stops5
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

NASCAR and camping go hand-in-hand since most NASCAR tracks have onsite campgrounds and plenty of others nearby. NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) has become an everyday word in the U.S. for good reason: it's one of the most popular sports in America; one-third of American adults consider themselves fans; and, NASCAR events represent nearly 75% of the top, most attended-sport events in the U.S. NASCAR is big, loud, and fun! And NASCAR is especially popular with RVers. The annual schedule of the major races (including the playoffs, called the NASCAR Cup Series) is grueling and hops across the country. AdventureGenie can help you follow the NASCAR circuit wherever you want. But for those wanting to understand the history and traditions of NASCAR, this tour from Charlotte to Daytona Beach will be loads of fun. Stops include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Richard Petty Museum, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Talladega Super Speedway and Daytona International Speedway. This is a NASCAR fan’s dream trip. Consider scheduling this trip to coincide with one of more of the major NASCAR events from February to November each year. Important Note: The NASCAR race events are generally held around the same time each year, but NASCAR sometimes changes the schedule. Check with the official NASCAR Schedule and that of each speedway you are visiting to verify dates when planning your RV trip. We have listed months for past events but, again, these can change year to year!

Who will love this trip
Everyone! Seasoned NASCAR fans will enjoy the races and sights, and newer fans will appreciate the history and tradition of these great race tracks!

Trip tips

  • Prepare for NASCAR Races: The races are long, lasting anywhere from two–five hours; food and a small cooler are allowed as long as it fits under your seat. Remember, no glass bottles.

  • Watch the Race Easily: Bring a pair of binoculars if the track is longer than a mile.

  • Walk on the Midway: Give yourself at least 30 minutes to walk the food- and merchandise-packed midway.

  • Park Smart at Bristol Motor Speed: If you're planning to leave right after a race, park on the north side of the track to avoid traffic.

  • Navigate the Talladega Lot: When driving and parking at Talladega, be aware that all parking lots are dirt which get very muddy when it rains. Park as close to concrete as possible.

  • Know the Atlanta Motor Speedway Rules: If camping in the infield, you must purchase tickets to all races for the weekend, as you aren’t allowed to depart the infield camping area until after all races have concluded. Your package also includes access to the ‘Peach Pit’ for an after-race concert, activities, and more.

  • Stay in the Infield: Camping in the infield is a cool experience, but only if you don’t plan on leaving and are okay with getting up early due to the racers doing laps around the track. If you want to leave the track and explore, consider finding an alternate form of transportation.

Your route

Route map: NASCAR Nostalgia – Historic Speedways & Museums
1NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte2Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol3Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega4Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton5Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach
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Stop 1 2-3 day stay

NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte, NC

NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is home to a ton of major NASCAR history. It boasts the headquarters of NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum, Mustang Owner’s Museum, and the nearby Richard Petty Museum. While there are many fun things to do in the fast-growing Charlotte area, you can fill your days seeing these wonderful NASCAR sites in and around Charlotte. The NASCAR Cup Series events here are usually in May and October. Check the NASCAR events schedule.

Top things to do

Charlotte is a bustling region and the area is a destination unto itself with professional sports teams, theater, major museums, a famed Whitewater Center, a thriving restaurant scene, and so much more. On this trip the focus is on all things NASCAR, and here are some of the most popular NASCAR related things to see and do:

1
NASCAR Hall of FameThis high-quality museum has wonderful child-friendly interactive exhibits, racing simulators, classic and modern cars, movies, and special events such as race watch and new induction events. The Hall of Fame is in the center of downtown Charlotte.
2
Charlotte Motor SpeedwayLocated in nearby Concord, NC, the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex offers days of fun with many racing events at the Speedway, Zmax Dragway and the ROVAL Road Course. Driving experiences on the track include the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Mario Andretti Driving Experience, and Rusty Wallace Driving Experience, as well as several racing schools (Ford and Buck Baker). The Xtreme Xperience allows customers to drive exotic cars. The Speedway complex also has its own RV resort which is open year-round – the Camping World Racing Resort (there are plenty of other nearby RV campgrounds). Many famous movies used this speedway for filming, such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Days of Thunder, Speedway, and Stroker Ace. In addition to races, the Speedway hosts many special events such as the semi-annual Charlotte Auto Fair, usually in April and September.
3
Mustang Owner’s MuseumMustang lovers will enjoy this small museum showcasing 25 Mustangs (classics, modified and racing) showing the car’s history. Exhibits rotate throughout the year.
4
Petty MuseumThis small museum about an hour north of the Charlotte Motor Speedway (in nearby Randleman, NC) celebrates the history of racing’s Petty Family. It includes the home where Richard Petty grew up and Petty’s Garage, which is a fully operational speed and restoration shop (268 race car wins came out of this shop).
5
Charlotte’s Racing Fan Bucket ListCheck out this list with 18 other interesting and fun racing-related shops, tracks, and attractions, proving why Charlotte is considered the ultimate destination for NASCAR fans.

NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte, NC activities

BikingHikingSightseeingWhitewater Rafting CenterFishingGolfMuseumsCarolina Panthers (NFL)Charlotte Hornets (NBA)Charlotte FC Soccer (MLS)

RV campgrounds near NASCAR’s Epicenter - Charlotte, NC

We recommend that you stay at or near the Charlotte Motor Speedway since it is centrally located and midway between the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte and the Petty Museum to the north. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best camping option near Charlotte and the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Next stop: Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN

Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN

Known as the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” the Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most popular race venues on the circuit. It hosts two Cup Series races – the Food City Dirt Race, typically in April, and the Bass Pro Shop Night Race, typically in September. The Speedway is a short track (only 0.53 miles around its oval track), has very steep banking, is all concrete (except for its dirt races), has two pit roads, and can seat a whopping 153,000 fans with stadium-style seating. Because of the steep banking, fans will enjoy seeing a lot of car contact. Disney/Pixar used the Speedway as inspiration for its animated feature film Cars. The town of Bristol sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, straddles the Tennessee and Virginia border, and offers plenty of fun things to do.

Top things to do

Bristol (in TN and VA) is a fun town with lots of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and cultural and dining options. Here are some of the most popular things to do at the Speedway:

1
NASCAR Cup Series racesRaces are typically in September and April
2
NASCAR Xfinity Series racesRaces are typically in September and April.
3
NASCAR Whelan Modified TourRaces are sometimes scheduled at Bristol.
4
NASCAR Camping World Truck SeriesPinty's Truck Race on Dirt and UNOH 200 are typically in April and September/October.
5
NHRA Drag Races scheduleThe Thunder Valley Nationals are typically held in June each year.

Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN activities

SightseeingVisit Bristol TN and VAThe Birthplace of Country Music MuseumCave ToursHikingBikingRafting

RV campgrounds near Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN

The Speedway campground offers 20 campsites. There are also several campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for your visit to the Bristol Motor Speedway!

Next stop: Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega
3
Stop 3 1-2 day stay

Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL

Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL

If you are a fan of NASCAR and the hilarious movie Talladega Nights: The Story of Ricky Bobby, be sure to stop at the Talladega Superspeedway (frequently referred to as “Dega”). Dega is the longest oval track in NASCAR at 2.66 miles and has a capacity of 175,000 guests.

Top things to do

Talladega is all about motorsports. Here are some of the top events and things to do while visiting:

1
NASCAR Cup Series racesGEICO 500 (typically every April) and the Yella Wood 500 (typically in October).
2
NASCAR XFinity SeriesAg-Pro 300 (typically in April) and the Sparks 300 (typically in October).
3
NASCAR Camping World Truck SeriesChevy Silverado 250 (typically in September or October) and the ARCA Menards – General Tires 200 (typically in April).
4
Talladega Track ToursLearn all about Talladega Superspeedway and get up close and behind the scenes.
5
Talladega Race ExperienceDrive a real NASCAR race car by yourself on the Superspeedway.
6
Talladega Garage ExperienceDuring race days, consider reserving this immersive behind-the-scenes experience.
7
International Motorsports Hall of FameBuilt near the Superspeedway "to preserve the history of motorsports and to enshrine forever the people who have been responsible for its growth,” the IMHOF was built to honor the contributions of owners, drivers, engineers, and developers who contributed the most to the sport. It also houses the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), Quarter Midgets of America Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Racing Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL activities

Sightseeing

RV campgrounds near Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL

The Superspeedway has plenty of on-site camping options, and there are plenty of other nearby campgrounds. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great camping spot near the Talladega Superspeedway.

Next stop: Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton
4
Stop 4 1-2 day stay

Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton, GA

Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton, GA

This 1.54-mile track just south of Atlanta in Hampton, GA, hosts NASCAR events such as the Cup Series, XFinity Cup Series, Truck Series, Monster Jam, and American Flat Track. Camping is available in and around the Speedway. Twice a year they offer one-day racing experiences for fans.

Top things to do

The Speedway is about an hour south of Atlanta. Consider visiting bustling Atlanta for a day. Here are some of the top events at the Speedway:

1
NASCAR Cup SeriesRaces are typically in March and July.
2
NASCAR Infinity Cup SeriesRaces are typically in March and July.
3
NASCAR Camping World Truck SeriesRaces are typically in March.
4
Monster JamEvents are typically in April.
5
Track ToursAre held year-round. Visitors will get a brief track history, tour the Petty Garden, Bootlegger’s Bar, the start/finish lines, the infield, and Victory Lane.
6
Georgia State FairIs typically held in September and October.
7
Coke Zero Sugar 400This NASCAR Cup Series event is typically in August.
8
Wawa 250This NASCAR XFinity Series race is typically in August.
9
Fall Cycle Scene by Monster EnergyThe world’s largest motorcycle marketplace is typically in October.

Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton, GA activities

SightseeingVisit Nearby Atlanta

RV campgrounds near Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton, GA

The Speedway has ample campsites (most without hook-ups) and there are plenty of other campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campground near the Atlanta Motor Speedway!

Next stop: Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach
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Stop 5 1-2 day stay

Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL

End your NASCAR tour where it starts each year, with the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. This venue hosts a diverse array of events, including nine major race weekends. The NASCAR season kicks off in Daytona every February with a jam-packed schedule during Speedweek and the Daytona 500. The 2.5-mile track hosts many racing events besides NASCAR, such as ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. Daytona has so many events throughout the year that we advise checking the Schedule of Events.

Top things to do

Daytona boasts its famed speedway, but it's also a great beach destination. Here are some of the highlights at the Speedway:

1
NASCAR SpeedweeksAn action-packed week to kick off the NASCAR season in February each year. It includes the Daytona 500 Qualifying Rounds, Bluegreen Vacation Duel Cup Series, NextEra Energy 250 Truck Series, ARCA Menards Lucas Oil 200, XFinity – Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300, and The Great American Race – Daytona 500.
2
Rolex 24 at DaytonaThis IMSA Sports Car, 48-hour event pits man against machine (typically in January).
3
Coke Zero Sugar 400This NASCAR Cup Series event is typically in August.
4
Wawa 250This NASCAR XFinity Series race is typically in August.
5
Fall Cycle Scene by Monster EnergyThe world’s largest motorcycle marketplace, typically in October.

Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL activities

SightseeingBeachesSwimmingBoatingBikingFishingPaddlingWalkingGolf

RV campgrounds near Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL

The Daytona International Speedway has onsite camping for tents and vehicles no more than 8 feet wide and 20 feet long. Off-site camping is readily available year-round but fills up quickly during major events. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground near the Daytona International Speedway!

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