CONCORD, N.C. — Calling all race fans! Head out to the Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the seventh running of the Bank of America Roval 400. The race is Sunday, Oct. 13 starting at 2 p.m.
With vice presidential candidate JD Vance expected to appear at the race on Sunday, you can expect the excitement to build as fans rush to the speedway. As you head out to the race, or to the Concord area, here's what you should know:
Traffic will be impacted
Drivers should expect to see traffic delays around the Charlotte Motor Speedway area this weekend.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will use overhead and portable message signs to alert drivers of potential problem areas and to suggest alternate routes around incidents and congestion. Drivers can check real-time traffic information by going to DriveNC.gov, calling 511 or following NCDOT on social media.
If you're going to Concord Mills Mall, you can take I-485 to Mallard Creek Road (Exit 28), then head north to the mall, taking a right on Carolina Lily Lane or Concord Mills Boulevard. This alternate route should ease congestion at the mall entrance from I-85.
NCDOT encourages motorists to use U.S. 29 to access the speedway whenever possible. Here are a few additional ways they suggested getting to the track:
- From South Carolina: Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
- From Virginia: Take I-77 South to the I-485 Inner Loop (Exit 19A) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
- From west of Charlotte: Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 30) and follow I-485 Inner to U.S. 29 North. An alternate route is I-85 North to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
- From east of Charlotte: Take the I-485 outer loop to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33); and
- From north of Charlotte: Take George W. Liles Parkway (Exit 54) to U.S. 29 South.
Things are happening all weekend long
While the big race is on Sunday, there will still be lots to see and do in and around Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
On Friday, fans can enjoy the JGR Fan Fest, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the NASCAR Hauler Parade, beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the fan zone reopens at 9:30 a.m. and there will be a plethora of events to see.
These include the NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying event at 2 p.m. and the Drive for the Cure 250 - NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, Tim Dugger performs on the pre-race stage at 11 a.m. followed by Eli Young Band at 12:30 p.m.
What to bring (and what not to bring)
Fans can bring in a soft-sided cooler no bigger than 14x14x14 and a bag/backpack no bigger than 18x18x14. Hard coolers are not allowed through the gates.
Coolers are not allowed in VIP Suites, 300 level, 500 level and 600 level.
Only mobile tickets will be accepted
Those headed to the race should prepare to have all tickets, parking and camping passes ready on their mobile devices. You can find instructions on accessing mobile tickets here.
Right now, tickets for the full weekend package are $119. Tickets to Sunday's race are $60 for adults and $10 for kids. Kids get in free on Saturday. Find more information about ticket options here.
What's the weather going to be like?
Good news: you can expect sunny, comfortable condition all weekend long.
On Saturday, highs will be back in the mid-70s with mostly sunny skies. Overnight, lows should range from the upper 40s to around 50 degrees. Sunday will be the warmest day of the next seven. The high should be in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.. Low temperatures will be in the low to mid 50s.