Stockcar
NASCAR race tracks: Iconic venues and their unique features
Discover the world of NASCAR race tracks! From iconic superspeedways like Daytona to thrilling road courses, explore what makes each venue unique for — and essential to — the sport.
NASCAR’s race tracks are the heart and soul of American motorsport, each offering a unique experience for drivers like Connor Zilisch and fans alike. From superspeedways that push the boundaries of acceleration to short tracks where every inch matters, these iconic venues are steeped in history, culture and adrenaline-pumping action.
This list of NASCAR tracks will take you through the world of NASCAR circuits, showcasing their variety, some notable landmarks and why they continue to captivate motorsport enthusiasts.
Connor Zilisch on a track
© Robert Snow / Red Bull Content Pool
01
Types of NASCAR race tracks
Superspeedways
Superspeedways are the largest and fastest NASCAR tracks, clocking in at more than two miles long. Known for their high-speed, pack-style racing, some of the sport’s most heart-stopping finishes occur on these tracks. Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway are prime examples of NASCAR superspeedways.
The long straights and wide turns allow for intense drafting battles, where drivers position themselves strategically to gain an edge. Some superspeedways have restrictor plates to help control the speed because of steep banking.
Intermediate tracks
Intermediate tracks are typically 1.5 miles long, but can range from one to two miles. These types of tracks bring a blend of speed and strategy to the race.
With a balance of straight-line speed and technical cornering, these tracks require precision as they were designed specifically for stock cars. The variety in banking angles and track surfaces challenges drivers to adapt their techniques. Charlotte Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, staples in the NASCAR Cup Series, are among the most famous of these tracks.
Connor Zilisch at Xfinity Race at Kansas Speedway in 2024
© Daylon Barr / Red Bull Content Pool
Intermediate tracks were once quite a rarity. In 1990, only five intermediate tracks existed, two of which ended up being demolished. Since 1994, most tracks that fall into the intermediate category have been dubbed “cookie cutter” tracks because they aim to create standard similarities.
Short tracks
Short tracks measure less than 1 mile in length and prioritize close-quarters racing, bumper-to-bumper action, and quick reflexes. Due to the compact nature of short tracks, drivers are constantly jostling for position, and the likelihood of on-track incidents is much higher.
Short tracks, affectionately nicknamed “bullrings,” are where most drivers start their NASCAR career because of the action in the short distance. Racers will complete anywhere from 400 to 500 laps on short tracks. Since these races often go late into the night, most of these tracks have lights everywhere.
Iconic short tracks include Bristol Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. Short tracks like Iowa Speedway, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and Memphis Motorsports Park also tend to be a stepping stone for racers eager to enter future Cup Series races.
Road courses
Road courses break away from the traditional oval shape, incorporating left and right turns along with elevation changes and tight turns. These tracks, normally two to four miles long, demand precise car handling, technical driving skills, and strategic braking, making them a true test of racing ability. They challenge racers to be adaptable, have precision, and push their speed. Circuit of the Americas and Watkins Glen International are prime examples.
Connor Zilisch at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York
© Daylon Barr / Red Bull Content Pool
02
Notable NASCAR race tracks
Daytona International Speedway
Known as “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious event, always takes place at the Daytona International Speedway. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, this track was first built specifically for the Daytona 500 race in 1959, and it’s been a mainstay ever since. The Daytona International Speedway also hosts the 24 Hours of Daytona, in which Connor Zilisch won first place for the LMP2 class in 2024.
The track’s tri-oval design and 31-degree banking provide high-speed action that defines the start of each NASCAR season. The 2.5-mile superspeedway track hosts the most racing events in the U.S. over any other racing track.
Talladega Superspeedway
As the longest NASCAR race track, Talladega is a behemoth of speed and spectacle. This paved tri-oval track has a length of 2.66 miles and has hosted Cup, Xfinity, and Truck races. It’s famous for record-breaking speeds, massive wrecks, and nail-biting photo finishes.
Talladega holds the record for the speediest 500-mile Winston Cup race, which Mark Martin set in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 18 seconds during the 1997 season. It’s also the site of NASCAR’s quickest qualifying mark at 212.809 mph, set by Bill Elliot in April 1987. Fans flock to Lincoln, Alabama for Talladega’s wild energy and unpredictable racing. There’s plenty of room for everyone — there’s seating for up to 175,000 spectators.
Bristol Motor Speedway
24 min
NASCAR debut in Bristol
Travis and crew drive to North Carolina, USA, for his NASCAR seat fitting at Waltrip Racing HQ.
Few tracks match the sheer intensity of Bristol Motor Speedway, where racers like Travis Pastrana have made their NASCAR debut. With 36-degree banking and a 0.533-mile oval short track, it’s a cauldron of non-stop action. The angle of the banks makes Bristol Motor one of the steepest in stock car racing. This paved track also has a neighboring dirt track of the same length, with the same name.
The stadium-like atmosphere of Bristol Motor under the lights adds to its allure, making Bristol a fan favorite for its coliseum feel. It’s one of NASCAR’s shortest tracks and aims to give drivers a more intimate racing experience.
Circuit of the Americas
As a modern road course, Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas offers a departure from the traditional NASCAR circuit experience. Taking on this NASCAR challenge means dealing with a difficult layout of elevation changes, sharp turns, and a blend of fast straights and tight corners. The 3.426-mile course length was made according to grade 1 FIA specifications, stringent safety standards set out by Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
03
Historical NASCAR tracks
Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen on the track
© Robert Snow / Red Bull Content Pool
North Wilkesboro Speedway
North Wilkesboro Speedway, one of the sport’s original tracks, hosted NASCAR races from 1949 to 1996. Its older roots meant that the track had difficulty keeping up with the sport’s spiking popularity in the ‘90s. For all its historic charm, North Wilkesboro lacked modern amenities, like non-rotary phones for the press, and it couldn’t hold the surge of fans, either. The track was declared defunct in 1996.
There were a handful of attempts to revive the track in the decades since its closure. It took until 2022 for a revival to stick. The first race to run at the track since 1995 took off in April 2022. Several rounds of major renovations, including repaving, new barriers, and internet infrastructure, have been made in the years since.
Rockingham Speedway
Rockingham Speedway was a fixture on the NASCAR calendar from 1965 to 2004. Renowned for its abrasive surface, it tested tire durability — and driver patience. Rockingham was once home to races like the The Xfinity Series, a regular event from 1982 until 2004.
Though Rockingham Speedway hasn’t hosted any NASCAR events in more than a decade, fans will soon be able to experience the rush of adrenaline at Rockingham again. The NASCAR Xfinity Series is set to return to Rockingham, along with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, on April 18 and 19, 2025.
The role of track diversity in NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen on a track
© Robert Snow / Red Bull Content Pool
Diversity in track layouts ensures that NASCAR’s championship is a true test of driver skill. Superspeedways test drafting strategy, short tracks emphasize aggression and reflexes, intermediate tracks require a balanced approach, and road courses demand technical expertise. This variety in NASCAR circuits forces drivers to adapt, rewarding the most versatile competitors. The result is a championship that’s truly earned, not given.
04
Visiting NASCAR race tracks
Fan experience
Most NASCAR tracks offer amenities like grandstand seating, premium suites, and infield access for a close-up view of the action. Many tracks also feature entertainment zones with live music, food trucks, and interactive exhibits. The electric atmosphere on race day, with roaring engines and cheering crowds, is something every fan should experience at least once.
Track tours
Many NASCAR tracks offer guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes. Fans can walk the pit road, the garages, the winner's circle, and even stand on the start/finish line. These tours provide an intimate look at the facilities and the history embedded in every turn.
Daytona International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway are just a few that offer tours. Make sure to contact your preferred NASCAR track to see the exact type of tour options they have available.
Event schedules
NASCAR’s schedule includes marquee events like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500. Each track’s schedule varies, with international races, U.S.-based races, and special events like night races or playoff rounds drawing massive crowds.
The schedule shows fans all of the racing information they could possibly need, including event dates, times, locations, track type, amount of laps in the race, and track length. Enthusiasts can also browse ticket availability and travel packages or see where to watch the race if they can’t make it in person.
Celebrating the legacy of NASCAR’s iconic race tracks
NASCAR race tracks are where motorsport history is written, where underdogs rise, and where legends are forged. From the high-speed thrill of superspeedways to the gladiator-style battles of short tracks, each racing venue has a story to tell. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, visiting these motorsport tracks offers a deeper appreciation of NASCAR’s rich legacy. Every track’s unique features create an unforgettable experience, ensuring that NASCAR’s legacy continues to grow with each passing lap.