What is it Like to Attend a NASCAR Race Weekend?

The Race Weekend Schedule

When you attend a NASCAR race weekend, you’re not just getting NASCAR Cup Series racing. Most times you’re getting to see all the major national series take to the track. This generally includes the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Truck Series. The ARCA Menards Series may also be present.

We’ve written about the benefits of race weekends with numerous support series and we’ll continue to stress the value and extra excitement for NASCAR, too. Here’s how all the action commonly plays out over the weekend schedule: 

Friday

• Support Series Race Day
  
  • Practice and qualifying for the support series
  • Support series race

Saturday

• Cup Series
  
  • Practice
  • Qualifying
• Xfinity Series
  
  • Race

Sunday

• Race day
  
  • Final pre-race activities
  • Driver introductions
  • Cup Series Race

Session Details

Most Practice & Qualifying sessions are short, often lasting around 20-30 minutes for each group of cars.

The Cup Series will typically have a 50-minute practice session and then qualifying that determines the starting grid for Sunday's race.

Getting Close to the Action

NASCAR is one of the sporting events that invites fans into the action, giving them opportunities to see their favorite drivers up close and providing an unforgettable weekend experience. These are some things you can expect that continue to make NASCAR one of the most fun racing events you can attend:

• Bring Your Own Cooler
  
  • NASCAR is famous for its Soft-Sided Cooler Policy
  • Fans are generally allowed to bring one soft-sided cooler (typically max 14"×14"×14") per person, loaded with their own food and beverages
• The Infield Experience (Optional Pass)
  
  • Many tracks offer an Infield Pass or FanGrounds Pass that gives you access to the inside of the track. This gives you the best access to these events and areas on track:
    
    • Driver Q&A - driver interviews and sponsor appearances happen on stage throughout the day
    • Garage Viewing - Get a glimpse of the teams working on the cars in the garage area (often via a viewing deck or walkway)
    • Victory Lane - Get ready to celebrate with the winning team and driver right after the race

• Pre-Race Track Access (Upgrade)
  
  • An additional ticket upgrade lets you walk right onto the asphalt hours before the Cup Series race
  • You can sign the start/finish line and get the best view of the main stage for the driver introductions.

The Race Weekend Vibe

The Fan Zone area is where fans can find immersive activities, a variety of activations, live music performances, DJs, and even where fans can participate in the dDriver autograph sessions. There is so much on offer in the fan zone that race goers are sure to be entertained throughout the entirety of the weekend, specifically during the breaks between the on-track sessions. 

Merchandise

There is a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase that allows fans to support their favorite teams and drivers. 

Interactive Activities

The Fan Zone is filled with numerous activities and events for fans to take part in including:

• Racing Simulators
• Pit Stop Challenge
• Sponsor pop-ups
• Various games to test your reflexes and skills

Live Entertainment

• Most Speedways host live music and concerts throughout the weekend

Hauler Parade

• One of the favorite traditions at a NASCAR race, the Hauler Parade takes place on either the Thursday or Friday of a race weekend
• The team transporters carrying the Cup cars roll onto the track where fans can cheer them on
• Note: This doesn’t happen at every single NASCAR event.

Looking for more on NASCAR?

Check out the entertainment and events happening that take place at a NASCAR race weekend!

Be sure you follow the Bag Policy guidelines to ensure a seamless weekend experience.