CONCORD, N.C. — Capacity restrictions have been lifted in North Carolina, and tens of thousands of race fans are expected at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for three nights of high-octane action, including the 62nd running of the iconic Coca-Cola 600.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
The speedway is hosting its first-ever NASCAR triple-header on Memorial Day weekend — that means race fans will see the sport’s top three series on the track.
Friday
First up on Friday is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
Parking lots open at 3 p.m.
The Fan Zone opens at 4:30 p.m.
Spectator gates and suites open at 6:30 p.m.
The NASCAR Cup Series will practice for the Coca-Cola 600 at 7 p.m.
Driver introductions for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 start at 8:10 p.m. and the race begins at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $30 for adults. Children 13 and younger get in free.
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Saturday
Saturday will feature a full slate of on-track action, including NASCAR Cup Series drivers setting the starting order for Sunday’s Coke 600 during Spectrum Qualifying, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300. The night will wrap up with the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150.
Parking lots open at 8:30 a.m.
The Fan Zone opens at 9 a.m.
Spectator gates and suites open at 11 a.m.
Spectrum Qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 begins at 11:05 a.m.
Driver introductions for the Alsco Uniforms 300 start at 12:40 p.m. and the race begins at 1 p.m.
Driver introductions for the General Tire 150 start at 6:40 p.m. and the race begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $32 for adults. Children 13 and younger get in free.
Sunday
Rounding out the weekend is the longest race on the NASCAR schedule, the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. Before the green flag falls, fans will be treated to a huge Memorial Day weekend salute to the troops, complete with at-track and virtual military engagements with representation from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Famous former talk show host and avid car collector Jay Leno will be joined by his former “The Tonight Show” musical director, Kevin Eubanks, to offer the most famous words in motorsports — “Drivers, start your engines” — when the pair serve as grand marshals.
Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has been tapped as the honorary pace car driver, leading the field to the green flag.
Parking lots open at 12 p.m.
The Fan Zone opens at 2 p.m.
Spectator gates and suites open at 4 p.m.
The pre-race military appreciation show begins at 5 p.m.
Driver introductions for the Coca-Cola 600 start at 5:45 p.m. and the race begins at 6 p.m.
Tickets start at $59 for adults. Tickets for children 13 and younger cost $10.
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Additional information:
To download the complete schedule for the weekend, click here.
All tickets will be paperless. Fans will be required to download their digital tickets to be admitted. For instructions on mobile tickets, click here.
The speedway ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday. The ticket office will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All concessions and souvenir stands will accept credit/debit cards or Apple Pay transactions only. No cash will be accepted at any concession or souvenir location.
Coolers are not allowed this year. Fans can bring unopened food and drinks (no glass) in a clear bag no larger than 14x14x14 inches. For a list of prohibited items, click here.
There is free parking around the speedway, but some lots do charge. Rates will vary according to location.
The Fan Zone is located outside of Turn 1 near the speedway’s main entrance. Here you’ll find souvenir tents, interactive games and sponsor displays.
Atrium Health will be at the speedway all three days offering free Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccines to anyone age 18 and older. Look for the tent set up in the Fan Zone across from Smith Tower and the Gate 3 Fan Care Center. Hours are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information on tickets and events, go to charlottemotorspeedway.com.
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