America’s Top 20 Auto Racing Venues for Fans & Event Planners
In state-of-the-art venues packed with cheering fans, auto racing delivers a sensory overload: roaring engines, the smell of rubber and fuel, and cars pushing well over 180–200 mph. Weekends built around NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA and other series can fill grandstands, campgrounds and hospitality suites—making these speedways prime destinations for both fans and event planners.
The best race tracks in the U.S. for major events include Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Michigan International Speedway and many more.
These 20 venues were chosen for their seating scale, big-event pedigree and appeal to rights-holders and groups looking to build memorable motorsports experiences.
How We Chose These Venues
- Scale & capacity. Most of these tracks can host tens of thousands of spectators; Indianapolis Motor Speedway alone is often cited as having more than 250,000 permanent seats and well over 300,000 with infield viewing.
- Major series. Each venue regularly hosts top-level events—NASCAR Cup or O’Reilly (Xfinity) Series, NASCAR Truck, IndyCar, IMSA, MotoAmerica or Formula 1.
- Versatility for planners. Suites, club areas, infield space, meeting rooms and campgrounds can all be leveraged for group events, fan festivals and sponsor activations.
For planners, the best race tracks in the US tend to combine large seating capacity, regular national-series events, flexible hospitality space and easy access to hotels and airports.
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway — Indianapolis, IN
Often called “The Racing Capital of the World,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is the largest sports venue on the planet by capacity, with more than 250,000 permanent seats and crowd estimates exceeding 300,000 on Indy 500 race day.
IMS hosts the legendary Indianapolis 500, plus other major events including NASCAR Cup/O’Reilly (Xfinity) Series races and sports car events. The 2.5-mile oval and infield road course give rights-holders multiple layout options.
Planner notes: Extensive suites, hospitality clubs, on-site museum rentals and proximity to downtown Indianapolis hotels and the airport make IMS a natural fit for large corporate groups, fan conventions and sponsor hospitality.
2. Daytona International Speedway — Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona International Speedway (DIS) is home to the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, and the Rolex 24 At Daytona, a 24-hour sports car classic. After the $400-million “Daytona Rising” renovation, the track has around 101,500 permanent grandstand seats plus club spaces and fan zones.
Beyond the Daytona 500, the facility hosts NASCAR Cup, O’Reilly (Xfinity) and Truck Series events, plus Supercross and other races.
Planner notes: Modern concourses, escalators, upgraded suites and a wide range of hospitality products make Daytona attractive for VIP programs, incentive groups and multi-day fan festivals.
3. Charlotte Motor Speedway — Concord, NC
Located just outside Charlotte in Cabarrus County, Charlotte Motor Speedway features a 1.5-mile oval and the innovative “Roval” layout that blends oval and infield road course. The track has roughly 84,000 permanent seats and is surrounded by motorsports industry headquarters and attractions.
Events include the Coca-Cola 600, the Bank of America Roval 400 and major NHRA action at nearby zMAX Dragway, often described as one of the premier drag-racing facilities in the world.
Planner notes: With three NASCAR tracks (oval, roval, drag strip), year-round tours and Charlotte Douglas International Airport nearby, planners can build multi-day experiences that include race tickets, shop tours and off-track entertainment.
4. Texas Motor Speedway — Fort Worth, TX
Texas Motor Speedway is a 1.5-mile oval with more than 112,000 seats, big infield areas and multiple support tracks, making it one of the largest motorsports venues in the country.
It hosts NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly (Xfinity) Series races, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and high-profile IndyCar events. “Big Hoss,” once billed as the world’s largest HD video board, dominates the frontstretch and enhances the fan experience.
Planner notes: Multiple road-course configurations, on-site conference/club spaces and proximity to both Fort Worth and Dallas give rights-holders flexibility for paddock parties, ride-and-drive programs and corporate days.
5. Talladega Superspeedway — Lincoln, AL
At 2.66 miles, Talladega Superspeedway is the longest oval on the NASCAR schedule and is known for its high-speed pack racing. Current permanent seating is about 80,000, with additional infield and hillside viewing on major weekends.
Talladega regularly hosts NASCAR Cup, O’Reilly and Craftsman Truck Series races, and its fan-friendly infield and campgrounds are legendary.
Planner notes: If you’re building a high-energy, tailgate-heavy event, Talladega’s vast camping areas and infield access allow for concerts, sponsor villages and large hospitality compounds.
6. Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is a multi-track complex with a 1.5-mile oval, drag strip, dirt track and road courses. It seats around 80,000 in the main grandstands and hosts Cup, O’Reilly and Truck Series events plus NHRA races and the Electric Daisy Carnival.
LVMS is also famous for its Neon Garage, an infield fan zone with garages, stages and viewing decks that bring spectators close to the action.
Planner notes: The combination of world-class racing and Las Vegas resort inventory makes this a dream destination for rights-holders who want to pair track action with casino, show and dining experiences.
7. Pocono Raceway — Long Pond, PA
Nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle,” Pocono Raceway is a 2.5-mile, three-turn oval with estimated historic seating around 76,000 fans and extensive infield camping.
Pocono hosts NASCAR Cup, O’Reilly (Xfinity) and Truck Series races and has a long history with IndyCar and sports-car events.
Planner notes: Pocono’s open infield, numerous camping areas and relative proximity to New York City and Philadelphia make it attractive for car-club gatherings, driving schools and sponsor ride-and-drives.
8. Atlanta Motor Speedway — Hampton, GA
Atlanta Motor Speedway (currently branded EchoPark Speedway) is a 1.54-mile quad-oval that seats about 71,000 and was reprofiled in 2021 to feature 28-degree banking and superspeedway-style pack racing.
The track hosts multiple NASCAR Cup races plus O’Reilly and Truck Series events, along with grassroots series and special events.
Planner notes: A large infield, nearby condos and club spaces, plus Atlanta’s major-hub airport and hotel stock, give planners strong options for multi-day programs built around race weekends.
9. Michigan International Speedway — Brooklyn, MI
Set in south-central Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is a 2-mile D-shaped oval with a current capacity of about 56,000 seats after downsizing from earlier peaks.
MIS hosts a NASCAR Cup race weekend and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and has a long history with O’Reilly (Xfinity) and open-wheel racing. Wide racing grooves and high speeds make for compelling on-track action.
Planner notes: Infield camping, club-level hospitality and its location within a few hours’ drive of Detroit, Toledo and the Great Lakes region make MIS ideal for regional tournaments, car-club meets and fan festivals.
10. Dover Motor Speedway — Dover, DE
Known as “The Monster Mile,” Dover Motor Speedway is a one-mile concrete oval with a current permanent seating capacity of about 54,000 after several rounds of right-sizing.
Dover hosts a NASCAR Cup date, as well as O’Reilly (Xfinity) and ARCA events, and features the iconic Miles the Monster statue at its entrance.
Planner notes: The compact layout, integrated casino/hotel next door and regional drive-market appeal (Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C.) give planners solid options for VIP weekends and sponsor activations.
11. New Hampshire Motor Speedway — Loudon, NH
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is a 1.058-mile oval often promoted as New England’s largest sports and entertainment facility.
The track hosts a NASCAR Cup race, O’Reilly Series events and regional series, and can also be configured as a road course using the infield and parts of the oval.
Planner notes: NHMS is well-positioned for groups coming from Boston, Manchester and northern New England, with camping, club spaces and infield paddock areas that can be repurposed for festivals or driving programs.
12. Phoenix Raceway — Avondale, AZ
Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile oval with an iconic dogleg and a post-renovation capacity of about 42,000 permanent grandstand seats plus hillside viewing on “Rattlesnake Hill.”
The track has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race since 2020 and will continue to do so through 2025, drawing sold-out crowds.
Planner notes: With Phoenix’s resort infrastructure, desert scenery and mild fall weather, this venue works well for high-end hospitality experiences, golf/race packages and corporate incentive travel built around Championship Weekend.
13. Richmond Raceway — Richmond, VA
Richmond Raceway is a 0.75-mile D-shaped short track, long known for intense night racing. Its capacity has been reduced from earlier six-figure levels to roughly 51,000 seats, with recent reports describing it as “under 50,000” after continued right-sizing.
The track hosts multiple NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Series races each year and has invested in fan-facing upgrades, including modernized infield and concourse areas.
Planner notes: Short-track racing keeps all the action in view, which works well for hospitality groups and sponsor guests looking for constant on-track engagement.
14. Darlington Raceway — Darlington, SC
“The Track Too Tough To Tame” is a 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval with about 47,000 seats, steeped in NASCAR history.
Darlington hosts two NASCAR Cup races, including the historic Southern 500, plus O’Reilly and Truck Series events. Its unique shape and worn surface produce demanding races that drivers regard as a badge of honor.
Planner notes: A strong heritage story, renovated fan amenities and easy pairing with Myrtle Beach or Florence for lodging give planners a compelling mix of history and hospitality.
15. Sonoma Raceway — Sonoma, CA
Set in California’s wine country, Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile road course with a permanent seating capacity of about 47,000, expandable with hillside and temporary seating.
Sonoma hosts NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Series road-course races, GT World Challenge, NHRA drag racing and numerous club and manufacturer programs.
Planner notes: The combination of on-track action and nearby wineries, resorts and downtown San Francisco access makes Sonoma ideal for premium hospitality, product launches and incentive trips.
16. Watkins Glen International — Watkins Glen, NY
Watkins Glen International (“The Glen”) is a legendary 3.4-mile road course in New York’s Finger Lakes region, with a permanent capacity of about 38,900 seats plus extensive camping and hillside viewing.
It hosts the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR Cup race, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen IMSA event and other high-profile sports-car and club races.
Planner notes: Camping culture, scenic surroundings and proximity to regional drive markets (New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario) make it a strong option for extended festivals, car-club meets and outdoor-oriented group programs.
17. Road America — Elkhart Lake, WI
Located in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine, Road America is a 4.048-mile permanent road course on roughly 640 acres of park-like grounds, with open seating rather than fixed grandstand capacity.
The track hosts IndyCar, IMSA, NASCAR O’Reilly (Xfinity) Series, MotoAmerica and numerous club and manufacturer events, with more than 400 events each year.
Planner notes: Rolling terrain, multiple viewing zones and extensive camping create a “national park of speed” atmosphere that planners can leverage for family-friendly festivals, driving tours and branded experiences.
18. Homestead–Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL
Homestead–Miami Speedway is a 1.5-mile oval with a current capacity of about 43,000 seats.
It hosts NASCAR Cup, O’Reilly and Craftsman Truck Series events and previously served as championship weekend from 2002–2019. NASCAR has announced that Homestead will once again host Championship Weekend for all three national series in 2026.
Planner notes: South Florida weather, nearby beaches and resort infrastructure make Homestead a natural anchor for incentive programs, corporate hospitality and international fan packages.
19. Circuit of The Americas (COTA) — Austin, TX
Circuit of The Americas is a 3.426-mile Grade 1 FIA road course that hosts Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, MotoGP and NASCAR Cup/O’Reilly Series races.
The broader complex—anchored by the track and Germania Insurance Amphitheater—can accommodate up to about 150,000 spectators, with large festival grounds and a major outdoor concert venue.
Planner notes: With Austin’s music scene, tech-centric economy and thriving food culture, COTA is ideal for multi-day festivals, corporate conferences with on-track experiences, and fan conventions that blend racing, music and food.
20. Bristol Motor Speedway — Bristol, TN
Bristol is a 0.533-mile short track with a stadium-style bowl design that once seated over 150,000 and now offers more modest—but still substantial—capacity after right-sizing.
The “Last Great Colosseum” hosts the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race and has also been converted to a dirt track and even a temporary football stadium, showing its versatility.
Planner notes: The enclosed stadium feel and steep stands create an arena atmosphere that works exceptionally well for high-impact hospitality, concerts and non-racing events when scheduled with the track.
Building Events Around These Tracks
For rights-holders, tournament directors and brand partners, these venues offer:
- Flexible spaces: Suites, club levels, infield paddocks, media centers and pre-race stages.
- Lodging and access: Many tracks sit near major interstates, airports and hotel clusters.
- Fan-centric infrastructure: Campgrounds, fan zones, big-screen boards and modern concessions.
To explore more facilities and destinations—across all sports, not just auto racing—consider downloading the Sports Planning Guide for free, which profiles venues, cities and CVB partners ready to host your next event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes a race track one of the “best” in the U.S. for planners?
It’s a mix of capacity, event pedigree, and flexibility. Planners look for tracks that host national-series races, offer suites and infield hospitality, have nearby hotels and airports, and can support add-ons like concerts, fan zones or driving experiences.
Q2. Which U.S. race tracks are best for combining events with resort-style amenities?
Venues like Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Homestead–Miami Speedway and Circuit of The Americas pair big-time racing with beach, wine-country or major-city resort infrastructure—ideal for incentive groups and VIP programs.
Q3. Can smaller groups or amateur series rent these major tracks?
Yes, many of these facilities offer rental programs for track days, driving schools, car clubs and private groups. Availability, minimums and pricing vary by venue, so planners should contact each track’s group sales or corporate events team well in advance.
Q4. Which tracks are strongest for camping-centric fan events?
Talladega Superspeedway, Pocono Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Road America and Watkins Glen International all have robust camping cultures, with large infield or hillside campgrounds that support multi-day festivals and family-friendly gatherings.
Q5. How far in advance should planners book a major race-weekend program?
For NASCAR, IndyCar or F1 race weekends, it’s smart to start conversations 9–12 months ahead—especially if you need large blocks of suites, club seating, camping or nearby hotel inventory. For non-race-week rentals, lead times can be shorter but still require planning.
Updated December 8, 2025
