Atlanta Motor Speedway | Hampton, GA
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
With newly increased turn angles and a narrower track, Atlanta Motor Speedway now provides the superspeedway draft-style race NASCAR fans have come to love. There’s also plenty of excitement in the Fan Zone before drivers take the quad-oval, including concerts, autograph signings and even occasional sea lion shows. Want to get closer to the action? Take advantage of the track’s impressive on-site camping facilities.
Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol, TN
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Get ready to feel the noise at Bristol Motor Speedway! Cars constantly zoom by due to the track’s small size, and the tall arena-style seating enhances the sound of fans’ cheers while giving them a bird’s-eye view of the action. And the action is in no short supply—Bristol is known for its intense close racing and exciting crashes. This high-banked short track has earned its nickname as the Last Great Colosseum.
Charlotte Motor Speedway | Concord, NC
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s traditional quad-oval layout allows drivers to reach speeds in the 180s, making it one of the fastest tracks on the circuit. Once a year, the track is reconfigured into “The Roval,” which adds nearly a mile and 13 new turns to the course. Families love the infield camping options and Turn 4 Sun Deck: a pavilion with food, games and a Ferris wheel.
Darlington Raceway | Darlington, SC
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Called “The Track Too Tough to Tame” and “The Lady in Black,” Darlington Raceway challenges even the most seasoned drivers. The asymmetrical layout creates two distinctive sets of turn radiuses, and the racing line puts drivers directly next to the track’s outside walls, setting the stage for exhilarating tests of speed and endurance. The venue is also home to the Darlington Raceway Hall of Winners museum.
Daytona International Speedway |
Daytona Beach, FL
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Each season, drivers gather at Daytona for the first race where they can earn points. The 2.5-mile tri-oval course is one of just three officially recognized superspeedways on the circuit. It features some of the sport’s highest banked turns, meaning higher speeds and better views for spectators. Fans appreciate the grandstands’ wide seats and the concession stands spread throughout the three concourse levels.
Dover Motor Speedway | Dover, DE
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
At exactly 1 mile long, Dover’s Monster Mile combines the best elements of short and intermediate tracks. The course’s 24-degree banked turns and concrete surface make for a true test of driver handling and vehicle performance. In addition to heart-pounding races, fans love the venue’s 46-foot-tall monster statue (cleverly named “Miles”) and its location within Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.
Homestead-Miami Speedway | Homestead, FL
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Homestead-Miami Speedway brings the South Beach vibes with its pastel colors and palm-tree-lined backstretch. But the racing at this track is no day at the beach—its progressive banking creates higher angles closer to the outside wall, leading to photo-finish showdowns. Before the green flag drops, fans with pre-race pit passes can visit pit row to learn more about the crews supporting their favorite drivers.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indianapolis, IN
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Photo courtesy of inhauscreative/iStock by Getty Images
The Brickyard isn’t just a favorite among NASCAR fans; racing enthusiasts from around the world flock to this historic venue for Indy car, IMSA, SVRA and other races year-round. And with more than 250,000 permanent seats, it has the highest capacity of any venue on the circuit. When fans aren’t watching the action on the perfectly symmetrical oval track, they can visit the on-site museum.
Kansas Speedway | Kansas City, KS
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Surrounded by popular shopping and entertainment venues (including a casino), Kansas Speedway feels more like a destination than a racetrack. Fans can cheer their favorite drivers from the grandstands around the 1.5-mile tri-oval or from the Highline District: a paved fan zone with yard games, live music and exclusive drink offerings. Infield RV camping and outside campsites are also available.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Las Vegas, NV
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Race day festivities kick off long before lap one at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fans with a pre-race track pass can walk on the actual racing surface and enjoy a concert on the infield stage. Even more excitement awaits in the Neon Garage, which grants spectators access to live entertainment, driver Q&A sessions, Victory Lane celebrations and a unique view of the race from pit road.
Martinsville Speedway | Ridgeway, VA
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Martinsville has been a part of the NASCAR Cup Series since the beginning, hosting a race every year since 1949. While its history may be long, it’s the shortest track on the circuit and relatively flat, leading to thrilling showdowns in tight quarters. Extensive perimeter seating provides fans with sweeping views of the entire paperclip-shaped course and a great place to enjoy a famous Martinsville Hot Dog.
Michigan International Speedway | Brooklyn, MI
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
As the fastest track on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, it’s no wonder why Michigan International Speedway is popular among race fans. The long straightaways allow drivers to reach speeds over 190 miles per hour, and the stadium seating makes it easy for spectators to keep their eyes on the action. Free parking and extensive camping options round out the fan experience for an unforgettable race weekend.
Talladega Superspeedway | Talladega, AL
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
With the longest track length and the highest-banked turns, Talladega puts the “super” in superspeedway. This enormous tri-oval features a wide raceway, setting the stage for dramatic passes and photo finishes. Fans rave about the tailgating and community found in the extensive infield and outside campsites. Premium experiences are also available, including pre-race driver meet-ups and Victory Lane admission.
Texas Motor Speedway | Fort Worth, TX
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Between racing pigs, ’90s country music cover bands, lucha libre matches and free-roaming dancing robots, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at Texas Motor Speedway. And that’s just the action in the Fan Zone! On the track, spectators can expect thrilling showdowns around high-banked turns, all visible on Big Hoss: the world’s largest LED TV. RV camping and tailgating inside the quad-oval is also popular.
Watkins Glen International Raceway |
Watkins Glen, NY
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Known simply as the Glen, this scenic road track offers a unique experience for drivers and fans alike. Eleven thrilling turns spread across 2.5 miles of asphalt take the drama of race day to the next level. Fans especially love the infield camping. RV and tent campsites are available all around the track, including pit road and the track’s notorious Boot turns.
About Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards
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Our Featured Panelists
Cherith Fluker
Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer. She specializes in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity, and Southern warmth, Cherith’s writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog www.WhatCherithinks.com. Cherith grew up in a sports-loving family and continues to find joy in catching games and events at fun venues. She’s especially drawn to how local sports culture reflects a city’s identity, energy, and untold stories.
Melissa Garcia
Daniel and Melissa Garcia are the husband-and-wife team behind RoamingMyPlanet, a travel blog inspiring everyday people to explore the world. From luxury resorts to RV adventures, cruises to national parks, they share real-life travel tips, hidden gems, and experiences. Their work is syndicated to MSN and featured in USA Today’s 10Best and Newsweek’s Consumer Choice Awards. With over two decades as content creators, they blend storytelling and video to bring destinations to life. A lifelong NASCAR and Tony Stewart fan, Daniel has passed his love of the sport on to Melissa. For more on the Garcia’s adventures visit www.RoamingMyPlanet.com.
Sarah Gilliland
Sarah Gilliland is a freelance writer with decades of experience in the theme park and family travel sectors. Her work has appeared on Business Insider, YahooLife, Condé Nast Traveller, Thrillist, and MSN. Sarah has written a travel book about her home state titled “Perfect Day Alabama,” which was published in late 2024. She lives in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and three kids. Sarah is an avid fan of college football, basketball, and softball, especially if the games involve her alma mater, Auburn University. For more on her adventures, visit www.ontheroadwithsarah.com.
Terri Guthrie
Terri Guthrie is a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas. Her syndicated work appears in numerous publications across Texas, North America, and beyond. She has visited 60+ countries across six continents. Terri’s writing, podcasts, and photography focus on luxury and multi-generational travel. Terri and her husband, a retired fighter pilot, share “a need for speed” and are passionate about NASCAR, Indy Car, Formula One, Sprint Car Top Fuel, and Road Racing. She’s even been known to serve on a pit crew or two. Find more from Terri at www.travelwithterri.podbean.com or on Instagram at @travelwithterri
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of WanderWithWonder.com and an accomplished storyteller, journalist, and creative strategist. With more than 75 published books and hundreds of articles to her name, she crafts content that informs, inspires, and connects with readers through authenticity and purpose. Susan’s sports journey began on horseback and grew to include a passion for horse racing, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. She played basketball in junior high and high school and remains a devoted fan. She’s also drawn to the global energy of soccer fans and is an avid NASCAR enthusiast, having taken hot laps at top tracks across the U.S. With a gift for storytelling and a commitment to meaningful work, Susan brings heart, strategy, and a sense of wonder to everything she creates.
Karon Warren
The daughter of a drag racer, Karon Warren was born with a need for speed. She routinely visits NASCAR tracks and NHRA dragways around the country to see her favorite racers in action. When she’s not watching racing, she writes for a variety of outlets, including USA Today’s 10Best, U.S. News & World Report, AAA, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She also is the author of “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die.” For more on Karon and her travels, check out www.thisgirltravels.com.
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