NASCAR Destinations

From February to November, the NASCAR circuit travels across the country, holding 41 different events at 32 different speedways. Given the enormous following that this sport generates, it is no surprise that millions of dollars are injected into the towns and cities that host these large events. Most events in the NASCAR circuit run over four days surrounding a weekend, which leaves plenty of time for visitors to see other attractions in the area.

HISTORY

NASCAR was formed after the Second World War in 1948 with the first race held on a dirt track in Daytona Beach. When the organization was formed, many people were driving older, prewar cars due to the short supply of metal. NASCAR initially raced highly-modified older cars because the general consensus was that it would of been inappropriate to race and damage new vehicles that were unavailable abroad.

In 1949, then-president Bill France entertained the idea of racing stock late-model sedans that were available to the general public. No other race organization at that time was racing common vehicles and the public was greatly attracted to the newly-formed NASCAR Winston Cup. At that time nothing could be done to change the performance of the vehicle except for tweaking and tuning the engine. Ropes and aircraft harnesses were used as seat belts, all windows were intact and roll-bars were hardly ever used. The racing was so simple that drivers would cut a panel in the floor that they could open up to check the condition of their tires.

The racing of stock cars was new to the public and both its popularity and fan-base grew steadily over the next decade. As the number of race tracks increased, so did the variety of surfaces and shapes of the tracks. Because the drivers could only use stock cars, races were very competitive and drivers would often switch between the key manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler, Lincoln, Buick and others. These companies were competing amongst each other to have the fastest stock cars available and in the 1950s they began equipping their vehicles with high-performance packages, in-turn making them available to the drivers of NASCAR. Some of the first part alterations were racing tires and engine modifications that increased the speed of the vehicles.

Between 1960 and 1980 motor speedways were built across the United States and to this day millions of fans visit these areas supporting the local hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. While NASCAR fans certainly enjoy the racing events, these popular destinations offer something for the entire family to enjoy.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Fans line the race speedway 2.5 miles (4 km) in both directions at the Daytona Beach race track in Florida, the oldest of the NASCAR race venues. To NASCAR fans, the Daytona International Speedway is most popular for the two week festival called Speedweek that culminates with the famous Daytona 500 in mid-February. An entire culture has been created around racing in this ocean-side community; however visitors can enjoy a myriad of other attractions in the city.

	Daytona Beach, Florida Photo Courtesy: The Daytona Beach Area CVB

It is said that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Likewise, when in Daytona Beach, visit the beach. The shores are home to barbeques, parties, restaurants, hotels, shopping and more. In fact, the Daytona Beach area has many different parks including Lighthouse Point Park, with over 52 acres of hiking trails and a large lighthouse and Sun Splash Park, with water fountains, picnic areas and a boardwalk. Even the beach has an attraction for motor-sport fans with the Birthplace of Speed Park, which was the site of the nation's first automobile race in 1903.

Although Daytona has shown that it is more than just a racetrack surrounded by beaches, the area attracts hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans annually, partially in thanks to the many attractions. Fans can race around the International Speedway at speeds of close to 150 mph in an authentic race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Alternately, the less daring can race replica stock-cars at Speed Park Motor Sports.

LOWES MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Located in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, Concord is so involved in the NASCAR scene that the motto of the area is "the racing side of Charlotte." Lowes Motor Speedway hosts two major NASCAR week-long events, one in May for the Coca-Cola 600 and one in October for the UAW Ford 500. The speedway has seating for over 200,000, and even permanent condominiums overlooking turn one, but those planing a visit should purchase tickets early because races almost always sell out. Thanks to the millions of dollars that accompany guests, the area has numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions in the area to enjoy.

	A pit stop at Lowes International Speedway Photo Courtesy: Cabarrus County CVB

The NASCAR scene in North Carolina rivals that of any other location in the country, a fact that can be seen in the numerous attractions. Checker Flag Lightning has over 20 simulators that provide the experience of the 750 horsepower engine pushing over 200 mph (321 kmph) around many of the nation's most popular speedways. In racing, pit-stops can make or break a team, so having a well trained, efficient and speedy pit crew is an essential for every team. Visitors can learn just what it takes to be a pit-crew member at PIT Instruction and Training where they can be trained, video taped and work on real stock-cars.

LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Each year in March a culmination of stock cars, gambling, entertaining shows and extravagant hotels draw hundred of thousands to Las Vegas, Nevada to see the Daimler Chrysler 400, one of NASCAR's largest events.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is just minutes outside of the city and has the distinction of being the first speedway built in southwestern America in the last 20 years. The 1.5 mile (2.4 km) speedway is accompanied by a 2.5 mile (4 km) road course, a 4000-ft drag strip, five driving schools and sport-betting center. Renting a car is a good option for those making the daily trip to and from the speedway and for those who want to see surrounding attractions like the Hoover Dam, also located just outside the city.

	Freemont Street in Downtown Las Vegas

Vegas offers a seemingly endless amount of attractions and entertainment and has its fair share of NASCAR oriented places. The NASCAR Cafe in the Sahara Casino and Hotel provides traditional American cuisine in a theme setting. The cafe has stock car replicas mounted on ride simulators in addition to Speed The Ride, which is launched from within the restaurant and travels from 0 to 45 mph (72 kmph) in just two seconds. The Silverton Hotel and Casino has a 165,000 sq. ft exhibition center with an entire section of NASCAR memorabilia and merchandise.

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY

An Atlanta Braves baseball game, a tour of CNN broadcasting headquarters and shopping at the enormous Lennox Mall are just a few of the activities to enjoy while visiting Atlanta, Georgia.

	CNN Headquarters, Atlanta Photo Courtesy: The Atlanta CVB

While in Atlanta almost every member of the family will be able to experience racing of some sort. The entire family can enjoy a few hours go-karting or playing arcade games at Andretti Indoor Karting and those with their licenses can take it to the next level at Malibu Grand Prix where indi-style go-karts travel at high speeds around a lengthy course. If go-karting won't hamper the urge to race, fans can step up and experience driving a NASCAR certified stock-car around the Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Because Atlanta is such a large city, the raceway is 20 minutes south of the city and visitors will surely want to visit the attractions and assortment of restaurants in the area, renting a car might be a viable option. The city also has a public transit system that includes buses and trains that go from downtown to surrounding areas like Midtown and Buckhead.

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

Since 1964, the International Speedway in Phoenix, Arizona has been a key part of the landscape at the base of the Estrella Mountains between the Salt and Gila rivers. The speedway is just a small part of the long list of attractions that are available surrounding the city but the numerous NASCAR events that stretch from April to November, including the Subway Fresh 500 and the Checker Auto Parts 500, are some of the most popular.

The Phoenix Speedway has a large area for camping and presents the opportunity to enjoy staying just minutes from the raceway. Throughout the facility during events visitors can see exhibits, presentations and enjoy a variety of foods.

	Drivers and their pit crews stand for the national anthem Photo Courtesy: Carabbus County CVB