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National Association Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is one of the world’s leading motorsports racing organizers. NASCAR was founded in 1948. Since then, the organization has been a major promoter and organizer of stock-car racing in many parts of North America.
NASCAR sanctions hundreds of races annually, which are held across different race tracks in the US, Canada, Mexico, and some parts of Europe. NASCAR’s commitment to safety practices is unrivaled. In all of its racetracks, including the Ally 400 racetrack that was sanctioned in 2021 for its first cup race, NASCAR ensures that the racetracks are in perfect and safe conditions. The safety requirements for NASCAR drivers are also high with fire retardant suits and HANS devices. NASCAR cars are also equipped with numerous safety details, making NASCAR races one of the best spots to see a no-holds-barred show of driving skills.
Over 1000 NASCAR races across the United States are held in NASCAR’s 39 racetracks. Each NASCAR racetrack has varying lengths and interesting dimensions. The top race tracks have stand-out features and some historical contexts behind them.
What are some of the Top NASCAR Race Tracks?
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville Speedway is one of NASCAR’s oldest race tracks. Martinsville Speedway was founded in 1947. Two years later, in 1949, it began hosting NASCAR Cup Series races, and has continued to do so now. Martinsville Speedway is NASCAR’s shortest race track, with a length of 0.526 miles. Among NASCAR race tracks, watching tire-screeching races on Martinsville is an interesting adrenaline-laced experience because of the track’s tight corners. As a fan, you cannot get closer to a motorsport experience than you would at Martinsville Speedway. Despite being one of the oldest NASCAR race tracks, Martinsville stands out for its up-to-date facilities contributing to the overall fan experience. Martinsville Speedway hosts several NASCAR races annually.
Daytona Motor Speedway
The 2.5 Miles Daytona Motor Speedway was launched in 1959 at NASCAR’s headquarters in Daytona. This race track hosts the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s Cup Series seasoning opener and one of the most prominent motorsport races known in the US. It also hosts NASCAR Xfinity Series and other sports car events. It has a total capacity of 167 785. Daytona Motor Speedway shares a lot of history with NASCAR. It is remarkable for its many contributions to NASCAR’s success story.
Nashville Superspeedway
The Nashville Superspeedway is also known as the Ally 400 race track. Located in Lebanon, Tennessee, this race track is one of the newest race tracks used to host NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. Like most NASCAR race tracks, Nashville Superspeedway has a concrete oval D-shaped course, the longest and largest one in NASCAR motor racing. However, it can only hold a capacity of 38,000. The 1.33-mile racetrack requires 300 laps to complete its 399-mile course. It hosted the Ally 400 in June of 2021 after ten long years of not being active in NASCAR races. The next Ally 400 is set to hold on 26th June 2022 to signal the continuity of the first NASCAR Cup Series race to take place on the Nashville Superspeedway since 1984.
Talladega Superspeedway
This racetrack is NASCAR’s biggest oval racetrack. It can hold a spectator capacity of 80 000. With a track length of 2.66 miles, the Talladega Superspeedway was previously called the Alabama International Motor Speedway. Talladega holds some unique NASCAR histories, including the fastest lap record in NASCAR. Many NASCAR drivers have to use restrictor plates when driving on Talladega to prevent their cars from overspeeding.
Richmond Raceway
Richmond Raceway is another short NASCAR racetrack with a D-shaped asphalt course with a length of 0.75 miles. It is also known as Strawberry Hill, and in some circles, it is regarded as America’s premier short track. Richmond Raceway holds about 51,000 motorsports fans, and its course is a great test of a driver’s speed and precision controls. Fans at Richmond are always excited to watch the drivers make the four quick turns during NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also known as The Brickyard. It hosts the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. It is the NASCAR racetrack with the largest spectator capacity of 257, 325 which can be expanded to 400,000. It also stands out for being the second-largest racetrack in the world. The course is a rectangular, oval track that spans 2.5 miles. Besides NASCAR racing events, Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts several motorsports events on its expansive course.
Darlington Raceway
This racetrack mimics a perfect oval shape which is why it is famous for its egg shape. With a racetrack of 1.366 miles on an asphalt surface, Darlington Raceway has been hosting NASCAR motor races for over 70 years. Darlington Raceway can hold approximately 47,000 spectators and is often advertised as “A NASCAR Tradition. Darlington Raceway hosts NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and USAC Silver Crown Series. It is also known as “The Lady in Black.” It is called “The Track Too Tough to Tame” by many drivers who have been privileged to drive on its course.
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas is one of the prime locations for motorsports in the US. The Texas Motor Speedway spans a length of 1.44 miles and can hold over 200 thousand spectators. It has a unique shape described as quad-oval and an asphalt surface.
Conclusion
NASCAR has some unique racetracks in motorsports. While their grip over North America is guaranteed, it will be interesting to see how NASCAR can promote motorsports in places like The Philippines. The Philippines has some breathtaking natural terrains that can cite some of the best racetracks in the world. NASCAR is committed to establishing a global presence. Will they come to The Philippines? Only time will tell.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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