Summer is nearly here, and the top racing series from around the world are in full swing. This means that fans are flocking to the biggest tracks in the best markets to take in the action.
Of course, the races are only part of the appeal of specific markets. It doesn’t matter if it’s IndyCar, Formula 1, NASCAR, or IMSA. These markets also need to deliver entertaining pastimes before the track gates open.
We’ve compiled a list of five destinations that stand above the rest, not only due to the racing they provide, but also for the surrounding sources of entertainment.
Note: Nashville did not make the cut. The track is 40 miles away from the city. Usually, this would not be an issue, but the races all take place at night. There are fewer opportunities to check out the bars and restaurants.
No. 1 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Possibly the most famous venue in the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway draws in massive crowds due to the races it hosts. The Indianapolis 500 is one of the biggest events in the world, while the Brickyard 400 is one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races.
The venue itself is impressive, but the location is even better. Indianapolis Motor Speedway sits in the heart of the city, which puts it within proximity to countless attractions. This includes the IMS Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, and the Indiana War Memorial.
No. 2 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Unlike Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located north of the city bearing its name. That is not an issue, however, considering that the track’s visitors have to stay in Nevada’s most popular destination.
Sin City is full of attractions for racing fans and tourists alike. The city has hundreds of hotels and casinos for those who like to gamble. It has daily and nightly shows featuring the biggest comedians, magicians, and music artists.
Those who want to get outside of the city also have tons of options. The Las Vegas area has numerous hiking trails and parks. They provide a different view of the area than what you see when you are in the middle of the glitz and glamour of the Strip.
No. 3 – Watkins Glen International
Many of the destinations on this list feature restaurants, bars, and museums as attractions for racing fans and tourists. This is not the case for Watkins Glen International.
The track located in New York offers different opportunities to pass the time. This includes state parks with waterfalls, wine trails, and lakeside vineyards. The area also has Lake Seneca, which tourists can explore with the available boat tours.
The town also has a feature built specifically for motorsports fans — the International Motor Racing Research Center. This museum preserves the history of racing, especially in the area.
It includes multiple exhibitions highlighting Watkins Glen’s history, and it offers the opportunity to drive the original 6.6-mile circuit that went through the village.
No. 4 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
The home of NASCAR and its teams, Charlotte is full of attractions for race fans. Specifically, every team in the Charlotte Metro Area has a presence.
Fans can go to Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, RFK Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and other shops to look for merchandise to bring home. Many of these shops have viewing areas where the fans can watch crew members prep race cars for each race on the schedule.
Some shops have museums filled with cars from racing history. Hendrick Motorsports, in particular, swaps out the vehicles in its collection regularly.
Even if the museums aren’t of interest, Charlotte is a hub for other entertainment options. Concerts constantly take place at The Fillmore, The Underground, The Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater, and the Bojangles Coliseum, among other venues.
Nearby Lake Norman provides opportunities for cruising on the lake, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, or waterskiing. Kannapolis has its baseball stadium, which is home to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. Charlotte has Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers.
No. 5 – Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway sits in a unique place. It is south of Miami proper and north of the Florida Keys. It is northeast of the Southern Glades Wildlife Area.
While the track is further away from the popular Miami hotspots like South Beach or Little Havana, it’s still close enough for those with rental cars. They can still head north and take in the sights, smells, and unique flavors of South Florida.
Where Homestead-Miami Speedway does provide an advantage is its proximity to the Florida Keys. Tourists just need to leave the race track and hit Highway 1 heading south. They will quickly be in Key Largo. From there, it’s an easy drive to the other Keys, even when driving between 35-50 mph.