May 2011 NASCAR Events at Charlotte Motor Speedway
NASCAR races and fan events dominate the Charlotte area during May. To help you keep track of all the action, we’ve compiled a comprehensive schedule of events. The events listed below are taking place at Charlotte Motor Speedway (5555 Concord Pkwy. South, 800-455-FANS, charlottemotorspeedway.com). To see a list of NASCAR events being held at other venues around the city, as well as interviews, profiles, and photos, go to www.charlottemagazine.com/nascar2011.
Friday, May 20
N.C. Education Lottery 200 / NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying
The 200-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is held in conjunction with the All-Star Race Qualifying. 8 p.m. $20-$30.
Saturday, May 21
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
The top drivers in the sport race 100 laps for the $1 million prize at this annual nighttime event. Earlier in the afternoon, catch the Dierks Bentley Pre-Race Concert in the infield between turns one and two. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the race. The world’s largest HD video board—80 feet by 200 feet—will also make its debut. Concert, 2:30 p.m.; race, 7:30 p.m. $39-$75; $10 for children twelve and under in select family sections.
Thursday, May 26
Windstream Pole Night
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers race the 1.5-mile superspeedway in single-car runs to determine the forty-three-car lineup for the Coca-Cola 600. 7:10 p.m. $12 for adults; $1 for children ages six to twelve; free for children ages five and under.
Friday, May 27
Coca-Cola Track Walk and Cookout
This festivity features the nation’s longest grill as fans enjoy good food while getting an opportunity to walk the racetrack. Noon. Free admission if you have a ticket or credentials to the Coca-Cola 600.
Circle K NOS Energy Outlaw Showdown
The stars of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series—including Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, Jason Meyers, and Joey Saldana—return to The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The winged, 800-horsepower, open-wheel sprint cars compete on the four-tenths-mile clay oval. An autograph session will be held on the concourse at 4:30 p.m. Race begins at 7 p.m. $25 for adults; $10 for children twelve and under.
Saturday, May 28
Top Gear 300
NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars will battle against various NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in this 300-mile race. Tickets for this event also include access to the final Sprint Cup Series practice session prior to Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. 2:30 p.m. $17-$61; $1 for children twelve and under in select family sections.
Sunday, May 29
Coca-Cola 600
It’s NASCAR’s only 600-mile event, and is also a Memorial Day Weekend tradition. A patriotic salute to the U.S. armed forces precedes the 52nd running of this race. 6 p.m. $49-$135; $10 for children twelve and under in select family sections.
