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Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the premier destinations for camping in NASCAR. Whether it’s a race weekend or a no-race weekend, fans have a reason to head out to Charlotte Motor Speedway. CMS camping operations manager Matt Mancini discussed some tips and tricks for camping in NASCAR’s hotbed.
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Mancini notes that one of the advantages of camping at Charlotte Motor Speedway is all of the exciting things race fans can do in the surrounding area. Many fans come and stay for a whole week instead of just a few days to visit the race shops, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or just Charlotte itself.
Charlotte is really unique and special because, within 25-30 mile radius, we have over 25 race teams right here in the heart of Charlotte area. That’s why our area is so much more desirable to come and camp and stay for teh whole week for the event, versus just a random race track for just a couple of days. Our guests get to enjoy the whole week leading up to the race, and so they get to go to the race shops and have signing and go to their gift shops and take tours throughout the whole course of the week.
Matt Mancini
Looking at Charlotte in particular, race teams often hold events at their race shops the week of races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fans can look around the area and find fun things to do while at the track leading up to the race weekend before cars even hit the race track.
This is not limited to just Charlotte either. Texas Motor Speedway has the Fort Worth Stockyards nearby, Daytona International Speedway is near the beach, and Kansas Speedway has a casino off the backstretch. There can be a lot to do at a race track outside of just camping depending on where the race is week-in or week-out.
Race tracks often have multiple campgrounds fans can look for on a race weekend. Mancini discusses all the different experiences fans can have on the race weekend depending on what they are looking for. First, he provides an option for fans who want all hookups and a premium luxury experience. Other amenities include a shuttle service to the track and a pickleball court.
We’ve got the full hookup campground here right in front of Z-Max Dragway. It’s got water, sewer, and 20, 30, or 50 AMP (power). And then, to tote my ad, when I came here a few years ago, we added high-speed Internet througout the whole park…That was one of the things that a lot of campgrouds don’t have.
Matt Mancini
Mancini also highlights the Family Campground at Charlotte. This is for those looking for a more traditional camping atmosphere with the family. Mancini even said that, if he’s camping with his family, this is where he would go.
[It’s] more of a primitive camping where you’ve got campfires, grilling hot dogs, this family atmosphere. Turn 4 family campground has a tent we have setup where we have a group called Raceway Ministry come, and they just love on our guests. We have a prayer service, we have a bonfire, and we have a country breakfast on Sunday morning, all free.
Matt Mancini
The infield is the party scene at Charlotte. It’s also where fans often build relationships with fellow campers. For fans just looking to have a good time and enjoy some rowdy daytime or late-night fun with friends, this is their spot.
It’s a little bit louder, and there’s music and there’s hooting and hollering and comraderie. It’s just a neat, neat atmosphere. We’ve got a lot of people that have been coming here for many many years, so, when you even mention moving their site two rows over, they don’t want to do it because they;re looking for their friends.
Matt Mancini
Charlotte also has another track NASCAR races at, the Roval. Mancini says that the Coca-Cola 600 and the Charlotte Roval bring different crowds, and the Roval itself makes for a unique experience, particularly in the infield.
If you look at the map, you can see where those campsites are literally right there next to the wall, so, it’s so much more fun…It’s right there at your doorstep. The race track is right there, you can feel it, and you can smell it.
Matt Mancini.
Mancini urges fans to look at the track’s website. Every track offers a slightly different experience, and multiple campgrounds have different rules and uniqueatmospheres. There’s a little something for everyone.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is unique in that it offers year-round camping at the Camping World Racing Resort. Why would someone camp at a race track even if it is not a race weekend? Mancini says it’s due to all that is gong on outside of race weekend.
We’re a mile and a half from major interstates that are major arteries throughout the whole southeast. We’ve got shopping right here right down the road. We have the [NASCAR] Hall of Fame. We have events throughout the year, not just NASCAR Matt Mancini.
Matt Mancini
Other events Charlotte has that Mancini notes include Christmas lights around Christmastime, Monster Trucks, and Legends Cars. Mancini also says families will stay in the campground if they are staying for the week to see family. Even those who travel due to work such as traveling nurses or pipeline workers often stay at this campground.
It’s centrally located, secure, and they’ve got a piece of home instead of staying in an extended stay hotel room.
Matt Mancini
Charlotte Motor Speedway could be a fun place to camp if fans are staying in Charlotte for one reason or another. Even if it is not directly NASCAR-related.
Camping at a race track offers a variety of different experiences for fans. Whether that’s the atmosphere, what to do outside of the track, or, in Charlotte’s case, camping outside of race weekend.
