CONCORD, N.C. — Tens of thousands of NASCAR fans will assemble in Concord this weekend for the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This year's weekend includes four races, multiple concerts and attractions for families to enjoy while spending a day at the track, including Circle K Speed Street.
Charlotte Motor Speedway announced the Coca-Cola 600 is sold out, marking one of the largest crowds for a race at the track in several years. Here's what you should know if you're planning a weekend at the track or hoping to avoid the heavy traffic that's expected in the Concord area through Memorial Day.
Coca-Cola 600 weekend race schedule
- Friday, May 27: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NC Education Lottery 200 & ARCA Series General Tire 150: 6 p.m. ET
- Saturday, May 28: NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300: 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 29: NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600: 6 p.m. ET
Circle K Speed Street
Charlotte Motor Speedway relocated Circle K Speed Street, which was traditionally held in Uptown Charlotte, to the speedway itself, including free admission for fans with race tickets. This year's event includes performances from Flo Rida and Steve Miller Band, as well as driver appearances, games and food trucks.
- Flo Rida: Friday, May 27 at 9:30 p.m.
- Steve Miller Band: Saturday, May 28 at 8:30 p.m.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd: Sunday, May 29 at 3:50 p.m.
Speed Street is open to any fan with a ticket to the Coca-Cola 600, Alsco Uniforms 300 or North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
NASCAR Xfinity win: Josh Berry
On Saturday, Josh Berry was able to cruise to his first win at Charlotte Motor Speedway with an Xfinity Series win.
The Associated Press reports Berry took the lead with 22 laps to go. JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier got loose and brushed the outside wall in Turn 1. Allgaier finished seventh in the end after dealing with a leaky tire.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted on Twitter it was the team's first Xfinity win on home turf at the speedway, commending everyone who made the win happen.
WCNC Charlotte sports reporter Ashley Stroehlein went 1-on-1 with Berry after his win, where he shared his post-race thoughts:
Hamlin takes the pole for Sunday
Denny Hamlin is taking the pole position for the Coca-Cola 600, while Kyle Larson will start at the back.
The AP reports Hamlin will start on the pole Sunday for NASCAR’s longest race while Larson, the defending Cup Series champion, will begin 36th after crashing in practice. Hamlin turned a lap of 183.68 mph for his first pole of the year and the 34th of his Cup Series career. Hamlin was also on the pole for the 2013 Coca-Cola 600 but has never won at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Ashley Stroehlein caught up with Hamlin after the practice race Saturday night to see what he was expecting for the race:
Traffic delays expected
North Carolina DOT says they're prepared for more traffic on Interstate 85, U.S. 29 and Highway 49 this weekend, as well as Bruton Smith Boulevard and Concord Mills Boulevard.
Suggested routes for fans going to Charlotte Motor Speedway:
From South Carolina
- Take I-77 north to the I-485 loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 (Exit 32) or NC 49 (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
- Alternate route: I-85 north to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
From east of Charlotte
- Take I-485 Outer to U.S. 29 north or NC 49 north
From north of Charlotte
- Take I-85 south to George Lyles Parkway (Exit 54) to U.S. 29 south
NOTE: After race events, all traffic will be directed away from the speedway. North Carolina State Highway Patrol will have all lanes of U.S. 29 flowing away from the track, as well as outbound lanes of Bruton Smith Boulevard toward I-85.
Race day fast facts
All tickets, parking and camping passes will be delivered electronically. Click here for more information about mobile ticketing.
No cash: The Coca-Cola 600 will be a cashless event. All major credit cards will be accepted at souvenir and concession booths.
Coolers allowed: Fans will be allowed to bring a soft-sided cooler no bigger than 14" x 14" x 14". Backpacks are also allowed. No hard coolers will be permitted inside the grandstands. Click here for a complete list of what is and isn't allowed inside the gates at CMS.
Rain check: If any event is postponed due to weather, tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. Charlotte Motor Speedway does not offer refunds or exchanges for postponed events; however, Speedway Motorsports, the owner of CMS, has a policy in place that will allow fans who are unable to attend a rescheduled event to use those tickets as credit toward a future event at any of its properties.
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