From dragsters and monster trucks to motorcycles and even school buses, fans will discover plenty of ways to experience racing in Cabarrus County, including the chance to get behind the wheel. With motorsports events and attractions available year-round, you’re sure to find a race or racing-related activity to pique your interest here no matter when you time your visit.
Stock Car Racing
Memorial Day weekend brings a showcase of NASCAR speed to Charlotte Motor Speedway. First things first: Friday kicks off the action with a double dose of full-throttle fun as the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series takes the track for the NC Education Lottery 200 followed by the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150. Then, Xfinity Series regulars are pitted against Cup Series superstars in Saturday’s BetMGM 300. The weekend culminates on Sunday with patriotic pre-race festivities before the legendary NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600.
In October, NASCAR returns to the ROVAL. The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race and Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 set the stage for the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400, where the biggest drivers in the sport go head-to-head in this high-stakes playoff race.
Accelerate your race weekend with visits to motorsports museums and race shops, many of which host special Fan Day activities in the days leading up to the big race. For inspiration, check out our ultimate itinerary for race fans.
Fancy yourself a spin around the track? Sign up for the NASCAR Racing Experience to drive a real NASCAR vehicle — completely solo, no instructor or driver with you — around the legendary speedway. Another driving opportunity to check out here is the Ford Performance Racing School.
Monster Trucks
The first weekend of August sees the Cook Out Monster Truck Bash take over The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. These five-ton, 2,000-horsepower behemoths romp and smash their way around the outdoor course to the lively cheers of the audience. Don’t miss snagging an autograph or two during the Pit Party.
Go-Kart Racing
Drivers of all ages put the pedal to the metal in go-karts at The Speedpark at Concord Mills in Concord. The family-friendly entertainment center features four tracks, plus some laid-back fun at the 18-hole miniature golf course. Also in Concord, K1 Speed provides all-electric go-karts for drivers to whip around the professionally designed indoor track.
SuperMotocross
The first weekend in September during the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs, riders from the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Pro Motocross Championship take on the competition on a custom-built course at zMAX Dragway.
Dragsters
zMAX Dragway fires up several times a year with various speed spectacles. The last weekend in April features the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals and in 2025, the fall will also feature side-by-side-by-side-by-side racing during the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals in September. Qualifying finals begin on Friday and the event’s final showdowns rev up on Sunday. Every ticket includes a Pit Pass, which is your chance to see the cars up close and personal including Top Fuel, Funny Cars, motorcycles, and more drag racing series rides.
Dirt Racing
For four days in November, dirt racing takes center stage in what many consider to be the most prestigious dirt racing event in the United States: the World of Outlaws World Finals.
The Dirt Track at Charlotte is the place to be when you want to see more than one series hit the track in a single event. It includes the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, the Late Model Series and the Big-Block Modifieds of the Super DIRTcar Series — each one full of high drama and thrills.
Legend Cars & Bandoleros
Perhaps some of the most unique races come to town when Robinson’s Racing Pigs make their appearance at the Cabarrus County Fair during the first two weeks of September! But before the summer season winds down, don’t miss Legend and Bandolero cars battling it out during Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Summer Shootout Series.
In June and July, replica cars from the 1930s and 40s, known as Legend Cars, race on the speedway’s frontstretch quarter-mile track. Bring the whole family to enjoy the fun events that take place here such as mascots racing go-karts and principals racing school buses.
Where to Refuel
Motorsports can make you hungry. Good thing the food options in Cabarrus County run the gamut from quick grab-and-go eats to leisurely sit-down experiences. Plan your next meal at a local restaurant.