Where NASCAR Spirit Runs Deepest
NASCAR has always been more than roaring engines and checkered flags—it thrives on the devotion of fans who fill grandstands, campgrounds, and small-town streets across the country. In some places, racing is a way of life, passed down through generations. Looking across the states reveals where this passion runs deepest. So let's take a look at 20 of the states where people live and breathe NASCAR.
1. North Carolina
North Carolina stands as the epicenter of NASCAR racing. Charlotte Motor Speedway draws thousands to Concord, while the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem maintains its status as NASCAR's longest-running weekly venue. Plus, North Wilkesboro Speedway and numerous team headquarters cement the state's dominance.
2. Florida
The storied Daytona International Speedway is key to Florida's NASCAR presence, hosting the well-known Daytona 500. This tradition stems from early beach races in Daytona Beach. Homestead-Miami Speedway adds another dimension by staging dramatic season finales.
3. Alabama
Lincoln, Alabama, hosts the mighty Talladega Superspeedway, where devoted NASCAR fans gather in force. The track's distinctive infield culture enhances race weekends; however, it's the high speeds and dramatic multi-car crashes known as "The Big One" that solidify its legendary status.
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4. Tennessee
Bristol Motor Speedway’s steep banking and stadium-like seating create an electric "coliseum" atmosphere for racing fans. Here’s a legendary short track that has hosted events on concrete and dirt surfaces. Also, Nashville Superspeedway stands as another significant NASCAR destination in Tennessee.
5. Georgia
Stock car racing pulses through Georgia's veins, with Atlanta Motor Speedway at its heart. Since opening in 1960, the Hampton track has built a reputation for blazing speeds. Its history of close finishes draws passionate crowds to this cornerstone of NASCAR competition.
6. South Carolina
The prestigious Southern 500 anchors South Carolina's NASCAR tradition at Darlington Raceway. Through decades of intense competition, this challenging track earned its nickname, "The Track Too Tough to Tame." Not surprisingly, the state has some of racing's most dedicated supporters.
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7. Virginia
NASCAR’s oldest Cup Series track, Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia, draws fans to its distinctive paperclip shape and tight racing. Richmond Raceway offers another major venue for motorsports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, winners at Martinsville take home a unique prize: a custom grandfather clock trophy.
8. Texas
Fort Worth's Texas Motor Speedway serves as the hub of NASCAR racing in the Southwest, seating over 75,000 fans at major events. Also, the Circuit of the Americas expands racing action to Austin. These venues solidify Texas's position as a key NASCAR state.
9. Kentucky
Since 2011, when Kentucky Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race, the Sparta track has been central to racing culture. The venue's bumpy surface added extra excitement, but drivers adapted. And then, there are Kentucky's passionate fans, backing NASCAR activities at home.
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10. Indiana
Indiana's motorsports heritage runs deep through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway. While the venue's brick start/finish line preserves racing history, the Brickyard 400 keeps creating new memories as one of NASCAR's premier events.
11. Pennsylvania
The Tricky Triangle at Pocono Raceway stands as Pennsylvania's crown jewel of motorsports. This unique track features three distinct turns, each modeled after a different track. Not only does it draw large crowds for NASCAR events, but it also serves as a key stop on the NASCAR Cup Series.
12. Michigan
A traditional stronghold for Midwest NASCAR enthusiasts, Michigan delivers premier racing action through its International Speedway in Brooklyn. The facility's connection to the U.S. auto industry runs deep, and its wide racing surface creates dynamic competitions at remarkable speeds.
13. Ohio
Ohio's racing heritage centers on two major venues: Eldora Speedway and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR champion, owns Eldora. Both tracks host different NASCAR series events, drawing passionate crowds throughout the season.
14. Illinois
Chicagoland Speedway brought NASCAR excitement to Joliet through numerous major events. The venue's strong presence lasted until 2019, and it created a dedicated following across Illinois. Later, the Chicago Street Race introduced a new urban racing experience.
15. Missouri
The St. Louis area anchors Missouri's NASCAR presence through World Wide Technology Raceway across the Illinois border. Passionate fans fill the stands at major racing events throughout the season, and many Missouri enthusiasts make regular trips to Kansas Speedway for additional NASCAR action.
16. Kansas
A major NASCAR presence grounds Kansas City's racing scene at Kansas Speedway. Beyond the track's progressive banking that fuels competitive racing, fans appreciate its proximity to entertainment options and flock to the annual Cup Series race weekend.
17. Arizona
Phoenix Raceway stands as a key NASCAR venue in Avondale, Arizona. This track's unique dogleg turn creates thrilling passing opportunities, while a scenic desert environment frames the action. It frequently serves as home to the NASCAR Cup Series championship race.
18. Nevada
Pre-race concerts amplify the excitement at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a cornerstone of Nevada motorsports. The North Las Vegas facility features a drag strip and dirt track alongside its main oval. Two annual NASCAR Cup Series weekends draw fans from across the region.
19. California
Downtown Los Angeles hosts special NASCAR events, adding urban flair to California's racing scene. Two major venues are in the state: Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and Sonoma Raceway's technical road course. However, California's NASCAR fan base remains modest compared to some states mentioned earlier.
20. Wisconsin
Road America's status as one of the longest tracks on the NASCAR schedule adds prestige to Wisconsin's racing scene. This popular road course near Elkhart Lake consistently draws large crowds, and the state maintains its strong tradition of motorsports and NASCAR support.
