CHARLOTTEMOTOR SPEEDWAY

In 1959, a young promoter named Bruton Smith and driver Curtis Turner had a dream: to build a superspeedway in the heart of NASCAR country. They chose a site in Concord, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte, and began construction on what would become the sport's most important facility.

The track opened in 1960, but the early years were rocky. Financial troubles nearly bankrupted the facility, and Smith was forced out. But he never gave up on his dream, eventually buying back the track in 1975 and transforming it into a world-class venue.

Charlotte's location in the heart of "NASCAR Country"makes it unique. More than 90% of NASCAR Cup Series teams are based within an hour of the track. For drivers and crews, Charlotte isn't just another race—it's a home game.

The track hosts two of NASCAR's most prestigious events: the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend—the longest race on the schedule at 600 miles—and the All-Star Race, an exhibition event that often previews rule changes and produces memorable moments.

In 2018, Charlotte added another dimension with the Roval—a 2.28-mile road course that combines the oval with an infield section. The configuration has produced some of the most dramatic playoff races in recent memory.