The stars of NASCAR will have center stage during the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (CMS/HHP photo)
CONCORD, N.C. (May 16, 2016) – Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder provides more excitement than any part of the NASCAR schedule, and this year fans have more reason than ever to visit the iconic 1.5-mile superspeedway to get ready for two exhilarating back-to-back weekends of knock-down, drag-it-out racing action.
The spectacle of speed begins this weekend with the biggest all-star event in sports, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21, and culminates with the 57th running of the venerable Coca-Cola 600 on May 29. Here’s a look at some things fans can’t afford to miss when taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder:
Rocking Pre-Race Concerts
Aside from the bumper-banging action on the track, fans will enjoy two massive pre-race concerts during the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder, as world-renowned singer-songwriter Andy Grammer kicks off the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race with what is sure to be a thrilling pre-race performance. Prior to the iconic Coca-Cola 600, GRAMMY nominee and country music megastar Lee Brice will take center stage for a 45-minute concert that will get fans on their feet before the green flag even drops. Upgrade your race ticket to a stagefront Golden Ticket for up-close, VIP access to the Lee Brice Coca-Cola 600 pre-race concert presented by Speed Perks.
Coca-Cola 600 Military Salute
Attractions including skydivers from Team Fastrax, Blackhawk helicopter fast-rope exercises, war re-enactments, vintage war planes, a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad and a flyover of four F-15s from the 334th Fighter Squadron, Fighting Eagles Seymour Johnson AFB. To add to the unmatched display of patriotism, buses will also transport thousands of troops and their families to the race through the Patriot Partners program. Through the new Salute the Crews program, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team members who have served in the military will be recognized during the pre-race ceremonies and on the giant Speedway TV.
No-Speed-Limit Qualifying
Few things get the adrenaline going like the no-speed-limit qualifying that precedes the $1 million, winner-take-all NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The All-Star action heats up on Saturday, May 21 with no-speed-limit qualifying, as drivers zoom down pit road at race speed for a four-tire pit stop in the only no-limits qualifying session on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.
Fuel Up with Fun in the Fan Zone
Fans can get a head start on their race day with a visit to the 10-acre Fan Zone, the best place to be when the cars aren’t on the track. The massive area in front of the track gives fans a chance to see live bands including Restless Road, April Kry, Liz Moriondo, Johnny Reed Foley and Mackenzi Morris. Fans can peruse souvenir displays and purchase driver merchandise at the Fanatics tent. Drivers will also make appearances throughout the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder, so there’s no telling who fans may run into during a walk through the Fan Zone.
Kick up Your Heels
The female “better half” of a driver rarely gets the attention, but Charlotte Motor Speedway will shine the spotlight on drivers’ significant others in the May 26 High Heel Dash, a unique event that will unfold prior to LiftMaster Pole Night. Participants including PRN announcer Wendy Venturini, Whitney Kay Scott, the wife of Richard Petty Motorsports driver Brian Scott, and Tina Bullins, the wife of Wood Brothers Racing crew chief Jeremy Bullins, will run 50-75 yards down pit road in high heels in a controlled sprint to see who is the fastest better half on the track. The exciting event benefits Motor Racing Outreach and its efforts to support the community.
Fun Food Frenzy
The most spectacular events on the NASCAR schedule deserve a spectacular menu for fans to enjoy, and this year’s 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder promises to deliver plenty of special treats worthy of a taste. New this year is a Salted Caramel MoonPie milkshake, mixed with high quality vanilla ice cream and garnished with a miniature original MoonPie. For fans looking to really step out of their comfort zones, try The Wonut Hut, the only place you’ll find waffles in the shape of a donut. They’re two great foods blended into one that every fan should try. Fans can also order regular favorites including the Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger, barbecue sundae egg rolls and more.
Get Frisky at Whisky River After-Party
After the NASCAR XFINITY Series’ Hisense 4K TV 300, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s only afternoon race of the year, fans can venture to the JR Motorsports After-Party at Whisky River on the Bistro Level of the Ford Grandstand. Simply buy a ticket to the Hisense 4K TV 300 to gain admission to the party, which will include live music, tailgating games, bull riding, the Whisky River girls and the opportunity to win autographed merchandise. The first 200 people also win a free JR Motorsports t-shirt.
Join the Ultimate Race Day Pit Party
Want to get even closer to the action? Purchase a NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race pit pass and join the Pit Party on Saturday, May 21. The Race Day Pit Party lets fans rub elbows with the stars of the sport, and the Pit Party will pick up on Sunday, May 29 prior to the Coca-Cola 600. Before the three-segment, 113-lap NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race rolls into high gear, fans will have the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at Joe Gibbs Racing’s show cars and take part in Q&A sessions with NASCAR personalities. The Pit Party also includes live music featuring The Stickers prior to Andy Grammer’s showcase, with other entertainment coming throughout the afternoon. The Coca-Cola 600 Pit Party gives fans a second chance to talk with top drivers in a Q&A session, check out military vehicles and enjoy live entertainment.
Be a VIP with Speedway Children’s Charities
Fans cans bid on exclusive experiences when they participate in the popular Speedway Children’s Charities Ride of a Lifetime and VIP auctions. Ride along with the biggest names in NASCAR on a parade lap during driver introductions, meet country music star Lee Brice take behind-the-scenes tours, spend a day with announcer Jamie Little and more! Place your bid now at https://www.sccauctions.com/ to support children in Charlotte.
16,000 Square Feet of Awesome
Charlotte Motor Speedway has a multitude of ways to entertain fans throughout the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder, including the giant SpeedwayTV, a monstrous 16,000-square-foot high-definition TV situated along the backstretch. SpeedwayTV has revolutionized the at-track experience by providing live leaderboard updates, replays, live in-car cameras and other interactive content for fans throughout the facility. With cameras roaming the pits and the grandstands, fans might even see themselves on the 200-foot-by-80-foot behemoth. And when the action comes to a close on May 29, don’t forget to renew your tickets for the exciting Bank of America 500 on Oct. 8, the only night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and for next year’s 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder – when the fun will heat up once again.
TICKETS:
Fans can purchase tickets, camping and race-day upgrades to the entire 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder at Charlotte Motor Speedway by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shopping online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
KEEP TRACK:
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