PREVIEW OF THE HOORAH AT THE HOUSE THAT HUMPY BUILT
Including driver's appearances, best seats, prices, stuff to do, schedule, speedway info & more.
Traffic Information Available on 91.1 FM
5555 Concord Pkwy. South Concord, NC 28027
Lowe's Motor Speedway Ticket Office (704) 455-3200
TRACK NEWS: The 99-Cents Value Menu: Earlier this year speedway officials announced a partnership with Levy Restaurants to offer a special 99-Cents Value Menu at five concession Stands throughout the speedway's concourse. For the NASCAR Banking 500 the stands will offer specially priced menu items at just 99-cents each, including a hot dog, peanut butter and jelly sandwich or potato chips. In
addition, the menu will include a special offer of 12 hot dogs for $10.00.
PREVIEW
If you have ever read any of my columns before a race in Charlotte, you know that Humpy’s House is our favorite track. It is the most fan friendly track on the circuit. The staff is knowledgeable & there are BIG signs everywhere telling you where you are & how to get to where you need to go. A gazillion bathrooms and just in case those are full; a gazillion luxury port o potties with running water & hand towels on & off Speedway property! Tickets are reasonable, concessions prices not to bad and no absurd rules about a 6x6x12 inch cooler for our "safety".
The fans surrounding the speedway, both new ones & ole timers, are the best you will ever meet. There are no strangers in the parking lots at Humpy’s House; just friends you haven’t met yet. Make sure you go over & meet some while you are tailgating.
Also, the Bubba Olympics are in full tilt at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Parking Lots.
Below is seating preview and a few things to do while in Concord for the race.
Trust me there is soooo much to do you won't get it all in!
2009 Directions to Charlotte Motor Speedway NEW TRAFFIC PLAN
Folks, it is color coded this year. How you come in will determain where you park!
RED ZONE:
From Charlotte, N.C.
# I-85 North to Exit 46 A (Mallard Creek Church Road)
# Right on Mallard Creek Church Road
# Left at North Tryon Road (Hwy 29 north)
# Right onto Morehead Road, speedway parking on right
From Greensboro, N.C.
# I-85 South to Exit 48 (I-485 / Rock Hill)
# Exit 32 and turn left on to Hwy 29 north/Tryon
# Right at Morehead Road, speedway parking on right
From South Carolina:
# I-77 North to Exit 1 (I-485 East)
# I-485 to exit 32
# Right on Hwy 29 North/Tryon
# Right on Morehead Road, speedway parking on right
From Harrisburg, N.C.
# Hwy 49 South to Morehead Road
# Right at Morehead Road, speedway parking on left
From Charlotte, N.C.
# Hwy 29 North to Morehead Road
# Right on Morehead Road, speedway parking on right
BLUE ZONE:
From Charlotte, N.C. (South) or Greensboro, N.C. (North)
# I-85 to Exit 49 (Bruton Smith Blvd./Concord Mills)
# East towards speedway & parking available on right
From Charlotte, N.C.
# I-85 North to Exit 46A (Mallard Creek Church Road)
# Turn right off exit
# Left onto Hwy 29 North/ North Tryon, parking available on left
From South Carolina
# I-77 North to Exit 1 (I-485 East)
# I-485 to Exit 32 (Hwy 29/North Tryon)
# Hwy 29 North to speedway, parking available on left
From Statesville, N.C.
# I-77 South to Exit 25
# Left on Hwy 73 (Sam Furr Road)
# Right on Poplar Tent to I-85 S towards Charlotte
# Exit 49 (Bruton Smith Blvd)
# East towards speedway
From Charlotte, N.C.
# Hwy 29 North to speedway, parking available on left
ORANGE ZONE:
From Charlotte, N.C. (South) or Greensboro, N.C. (North)
# I-85 to Exit 49 (Bruton Smith Blvd./ Concord Mills)
# East towards speedway & parking on left
From Greensboro, N.C.
# I-85 South to Exit 52 (Poplar Tent road)
# Left onto Poplar Tent road
# Right onto Hwy 29 South/Concord Blvd., speedway parking available on right
From Concord, N.C.
# Hwy 29 South/Concord Blvd, speedway parking available on right
GREEN ZONE:
From South Carolina
# I-77 North to Exit 2 (I-485 East)
# I-485 to Exit 33
# Left onto Hwy 49 North/ University City Blvd
# Left on Morehead Road
# Right at "P Parking" signage for Lowe's Motor Speedway
From Charlotte, N.C. (South) or Greensboro, N.C. (North)
# I-85 to Exit 48 (I-485/Rock Hill)
# I-485 to Exit 33
# Left on Hwy 49 North/University City Blvd
# Left on Morehead
From Harrisburg, N.C.
# Hwy 49 South to Morehead Road
# Right on Morehead Road
# Right at "P Parking" signage for Lowe's Motor Speedway
From Concord, N.C.
# Hwy 29 South to "B Parking" signs at Lowe's Motor Speedway
# Turn right at "B Parking" and go under Hwy 29 onto I-600
TRAFFIC TIPS:
•
I-85 and exit 49 (Speedway Blvd.) is usually the most congested on event days. If possible, try to avoid exit 49 and Speedway Blvd. Good alternates are Hwy 29 from both the North and the South and Hwy 49 to Morehead Road.
•The North Carolina Department of Transportation and will have various traffic patterns in place for incoming and outgoing traffic. Please follow their directions. Sometimes you'll have to "turn right to go left!" All traffic patterns will eventually lead you back to I-85, I-77 and other major highways. Use maps to make yourself familiar with local roads and alternate routes.
GET THOSE DETAILED MAPS!!! DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE BEFORE THE COCA COLA 414 in 2003. Traffic Information Available on 91.1 FM
New CATS Route to Provide Easy Access to Speedway
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Concord and Lowe's Motor Speedway have partnered to bring citizens Saturday bus service from Center City Charlotte to Lowe's Motor Speedway. Starting from the Charlotte Transportation Center, fans can take the 79X Concord Mills Express to beat the traffic and enjoy Saturday's NASCAR Banking 500 for just $6 roundtrip. To learn more about the 79X Concord Mills Express and CATS services, call (704) 336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.
PREVIEW OF SEATING
We have sat in all the grandstands at this speedway (including Suite seats) & even some that are no longer there. In fact MANY that are no longer there. No bad seat in the house. I am listing them in the order that I think has the best view for the best price.
Ford Grandstand or in the GN Tower
My personal favorite place to seat at Charlotte is in Chicken Bone Alley between the start finish line & turn 1, in either the Ford Grandstand or in the GN Tower. Those cars freight train out of the dog leg & you can feel it in your entire body. You can see all 4 turns, the entire front stretch, the drag race out of the pits and most of the back stretch. Ford Grandstands all have individual seating with a good bit of room underneath. One thing there are 35 seats in a row!
Chrysler Tower
Next seating I like is in the Chrysler Tower coming out of turn 4. You can see all 4 turns, all the front stretch or all the back stretch depending on what section you are in, part of the front or back stretch depending on what section you are in, some of the pits & victory lane. Lots of good passing happens coming out of three & four going on to the front stretch. chrysler the seats are fold up seats down to row 20, bleacher seats down to row 11,
East Grandstand
Next in line is the East Grandstand on the back stretch. The cheapest seat at any Cup race, it is ONLY $25.00 per adult unreserved seating & child under 12 $5.00 or $10.00 depending on the row. They are the old bleacher seats BUT loads of action when they spread out down the back stretch. You can see almost the whole track if you get up high enough. This is the one of the CHEAPEST ways you will ever see a Cup race with kids.
GN Tower, Grand National, General Motors, 4th Turn Tower & South Turn
The other grandstands on the front stretch are good. The GN Tower, Grand National Grandstand & General Motors grandstand are excellent for viewing the pits, the turns, start finish line & victory circle. The 4th Turn Tower from section A-F and South Turn Tower Sections R-T are good because they are more situated on the front stretch even though they are in the turns. The 4th Turn is where Gordon took Bobby & Rusty 3 wide late in the 600 the year he ran out of gas in the Winston to win. The South Turn enables you to see who wins the race out of the pits along with most of the track if you are up high enough.
***Laidback Racing Tip #1: BEWARE while rows 42 & up are covered on the front stretch, which is great to keep the sun & rain off of you BUT there are poles obstructing the view.
***Laidback Racing Tip #2: Be careful when looking for your seat because the grandstand sections don't all run from A-Z. The Ford Tower for instance runs from AA - K. This is because when they expanded they didn't do away with entire grandstands they did away with only what they needed of them.
I've sat in the turns but don't like them as much. I would rather sit on the bottom row in Chicken Bone Alley than on the top row in one of the turns.
Diamond Tower/Jewel Tower
Diamond Tower/Jewel Tower has good points; new tower so real up to date. Great view of the banking in turns 1 & 2. Good view as they spread out down the back stretch. Real comfy seats for a reasonable price. Also if you are up high enough there are TV's in the rafters that show a different feed than the wide screen TV's in the infield. Usually you can find ticket deals from the track in Diamond Tower. We sit here as it is closest to our camping spot and the best price on tickets
Veranda Terrace
Veranda Terrace is covered & has TV located in the rafters. WARNING: There are poles that hold up the roof so they are in the way in some seats. Also if your seats are closer to the GN Tower (turn 1) there is an opening that allows the wind to WHIP thru and it will chill you to the bone even during the May race.
Speedway Club Suite
Speedway Club Suite seats are not worth the cost if it is the May race. (Of course, ours were a gift from Kevin Gissell & Parks Auto Parts so hey no skin off my nose.) When they turn on the AC it fogs up the windows facing the track! So they don’t turn it on that much. We were up there for the Busch race during Memorial Day weekend and it was so warm in there we were sweating. When I asked some one about why the AC wasn’t on, I was told about the “fog problem”. Also, 5 minutes after the race ended, they were chasing you out so they could clean up! Once again, I talked to some one who worked there and asked how long she would be working to clean up and she replied “oh, only another hour tops, we are almost thru.” This really irritated those high society fans who had reservations in the speedway restaurant but were told to go walk around until their reservation time! Of course they wanted to know why the fans sitting in the grandstands didn’t have to leave but they did. HMMMMMM. Staff in the blue blazers up there were the least knowledgeable of all the staff on Speedway property.
Charlotte Motor Speedway 2009 Schedule
Wednesday, October 14 – World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown
8:00 a.m. – untilLMSTicket Office hours (Smith Tower – 2nd Floor)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.LMSTom Johnson Camping Resort opens for check-in
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.LMSCredential Office hours
1:00 p.m.TDT@LMSPit gate and World of Outlaws (WoO) Late Model Series registration
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.NNSHaulers enter (unload only)
5:00 p.m.TDT@LMSSpectator gates open
6:15 p.m.TDT@LMSWoO Late Model Series hot laps
7:30 p.m.TDT@LMSWorld of Outlaws Late Model Showdown
Thursday, October 15 – Bojangles’ Pole Night
6:30 a.m.NNSRegistration opens
8:00 a.m. – untilLMSTicket Office hours (Smith Tower – 2nd Floor)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.LMSTom Johnson Camping Resort opens for check-in
8:30 a.m.NCSHaulers enter
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.LMSCredential Office hours
9:30 a.m.NSCSRegistration opens
10:00 a.m.NSCSGarage opens and Gate 1 Tunnel opens
12:15 p.m. NNSDraw for qualifying order, Rookie meeting and Spotter meeting
1:00 p.m.LMSSpectator Gate 5a opens for early entry
1:15 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.NNSPractice
2:00 p.m. NSCSDraw for qualifying order, Rookie meeting and Spotter meeting
2:30 p.m. LMS Spectator gates open: 1, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5a, 5b, 6 (Wheelchair Seating), 7*, 8, 18 (Diamond Tower Suites), Corporate Suites,Terrace Boxes, Clubhouse, Club Suites, and Ford Club DeckLMSHospitality Village opensNSCS***HOT PASS IN EFFECT – GARAGE AREA***
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.The Speedway Club Pole Party (Smith Tower – 5th Floor)
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.NSCSPractice
4:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.LMSTrack prep for support race
4:40 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. Legends Racing (1/4 mile, pit area is road course)
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.NNSFinal practice
6:40 p.m.NSCS***HOT PASS IN EFFECT***-GARAGE AREA
7:00 p.m.JHESets stage on frontstretch
7:05 p.m.JHEInvocation/National Anthem
7:10 p.m.NSCSQualifying (Two laps/All positions)
7:30 p.m.NSCSRegistration closes
8:00 p.m.LMSHospitality Village closes
8:30 p.m.NNSGarage closes
9:30 p.m.NSCSGarage closes
11:00 p.m.LMSInfield camper security check and load in. Klondike Ice Cream
Campground, Tom Johnson’s Morehead Farms, Rock City, Tom Johnson’s Peninsula Camping and Tim Flock campground
open for check-in (remain open for 24 hours)
Friday, October 16 – Dollar General 300 –BLACK Shirt Day
6:00 a.m.LMSGate 26/Infield opens for camping (remains open 24 hours)
8:00 a.m. – untilLMSTicket Office hours (Smith Tower – 2nd Floor)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.LMSTom Johnson Camping Resort opens for check-in
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.LMSCredential Office hours
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Freightliner Smart Run Truck Challenge (1/4 mile)
11:00 a.m.LMSGate 1 Tunnel opensNNSGarage opens
12:00 p.m.LMSGate 5A opens for early entry
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.mNationwide Series Driver autograph session (fans enter through
Tunnel 1, drivers will be located on Pit Road in front of ARCA Garage)
2:00 p.m.Hospitality Village opens
2:30 p.m.Spectator gates open: 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5a, 5b, 6, 7*, 8, 9*, 11, 17, 18
(Diamond Tower Suites), 26*, 30*, 31, Corporate Suites, Terrace Boxes, Clubhouse, Club Suites, Ford Veranda, Ford Club Deck
3:00 p.m.NSCSGarage opens
3:05 p.m.NNSQualifying (Two laps/All positions)
4:30 p.m.NSCS***HOT PASS IN EFFECT – GARAGE AREA***
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.NSCSPractice
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.TVExhibition Run
6:00 p.m.NNSDriver and Crew Chief Meeting (Media Center)
6:20 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.NSCSFinal practice
7:20 p.m.JHESets stage on frontstretch
7:30 p.m.NNSDriver Introductions – SECURITY CLEARS PIT ROAD
8:00 p.m.LMSHospitality Village closes
8:01 p.m.JHEInvocation/National Anthem
8:08 p.m.JHE“Gentlemen Start Your Engines”
8:16 p.m. NNSDollar General 300 (200 laps/300 miles)
8:30 p.m.NNSRegistration closes
9:30 p.m.NSCSGarage closes
TBDPost race – concert area set up begins in Turn 4 on apron
Saturday, October 17 – NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.NASCAR Foundation Track Walk benefiting Speedway Children's
Charities, Komen Foundation and the NASCAR Foundation (participants
to meet at 1/5 mile between 7am and 9:30am)
8:00 a.m. – untilTicket Office hours (Smith Tower – 2nd Floor)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.Tom Johnson Camping Resort opens for check-in
10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.LMSCredential Office hours
10:00 a.m.LMSTunnel 1 opens
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m Pace car rides (LMS and NASCAR) – all concert crew to go behind wall during Pace Car rides
11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.CollegeFest/Turn Two Tailgate Zone concerts and cornhole tournaments
12:00 p.m.LMSGate 5A open for early entry
1:30 p.m.NSCSGarage opens
1:30 p.m.LMS Hospitality Village opens
2:00 p.m.Spectator gates open: 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5a, 5b, 6, 7*, 8, 9*, 11, 12*, 15, 16, 17*, 18*, 20*, 26*, 30*, 31*, Corporate Suites, Terrace Boxes, Clubhouse, Club Suites, Ford Veranda, Ford Club Deck
2:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.LMSGate 8 Crossover Gate open
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.LMSPit Tours
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Race day concert featuring Toby Mac, Mercy Me, and Robert Pierre (Turn 4 apron, fans enter through Tunnel 1 or off of Pit Road from tours)
5:30 p.m.NSCSDriver and Crew Chief Meeting (NNS Garage)
5:35 p.m.Ball field/Frontstretch/Pit Road (trackside of wall) secured
6:00 p.m.Pit Tours end
6:15 p.m.Gate 8 Crossover exit only (Gate 1 and Gate 26 Tunnels remain open)
6:30 p.m. NSCS***HOT PASS IN EFFECT – GARAGE AREA AND PIT ROAD***
UNTIL ONE HOUR AFTER CHECKERED FLAG
6:45 p.m.Pre-Race stage presentations (see min x min for details)
6:55 p.m.Driver Introductions – SECURITY CLEARS PIT ROAD
7:20 p.m.GATE 8 CLOSED AND LOCKED!!!
7:25 p.m.Invocation/National Anthem
7:32 p.m.“Gentlemen Start Your Engines”
7:41 p.m. NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America (334 laps/501 miles)
7:41 p.m.Hospitality Village closes
TICKET PRICES 2009
TICKET DEALS Oct 2009
Scouts in Free on Friday Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop members will be special guests at the Dollar General 300 on Friday. All uniformed scouts and uniformed scout leaders will receive a free ticket for admittance to the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Gates 30 and 31. Each additional family member must purchase a ticket at a special rate. Scout group leaders can contact the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS for more details.
MRO Diamond Tower Suite for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America
(Suite opens at 5:30pm and Green Flag at 7:25pm). Your ticket not only gets you aa suite seat for the Sprint Cup Series race, but Infield/Turn 4 seating access for the pre-race concert (2:30–5:00pm) featuring:
Mercy Me
Toby Mac
FEE
Robert Pierre
Cost: $150 per person
Includes:
* Diamond Tower Suite Access* with a Family-Friendly Atmosphere (no alcohol)
* Pre-race Concert Access
* Snacks/Drinks in the Suite
* Parking Pass with Purchase of Four or More Tickets!
Contact: Missy deSouza:704-455-3828
Carolina CollegeFest offers students more bang for their buck than ever before with more than five hours of live music, cornhole tournaments,gift packs, prize giveaways throughout the day and a reserved seat for the NASCAR Banking 500, all for the low price of $49 each. Five bands will perform throughout the afternoon with Tim Hollohan, the lead singer for Sullivan's Roof, taking the stage first at 10 a.m. Hollohan is the founding member of Sullivan's Roof, a five-piece rock and roll band out of Greenville and Columbia, S.C., Following Hollohan on stage will be Nashville's up-and-coming country music sensations Craig Boyd and Southland. Three additional music acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Located in a designated area behind the Diamond Tower Terrace, Carolina CollegeFest will include the free concerts, the Coors Light mobile sports bar and cornhole tournaments. In addition, students can enter to win prizes including a V.I.P. trip to Victory Circle at the conclusion of the race.
Not only does the $49 ticket grant admission to Carolina CollegeFest, but it also reserves a seat to the NASCAR Banking 500.
All You Can Eat Grandstand 2009 All the hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts, popcorn, chips, Coca-Cola soft drinks and water you can eat and drink will be included with the price of your race ticket! All Seats are in the Diamond Tower and Jewel Box sections 207 - 209. This offer is available on select tickets in the Diamond Tower and Jewel Box sections 207 and 208 only. Food is served 1 hour prior to the Green Flag up until 2 hours after the Green Flag. Each person is allowed to obtain 2 of each 1 item per trip with multiple items.
Children's Tickets 2009 Children's Tickets: Ages 12 and under get in for just $10 for any NASCAR Nationwide Series or Sprint Cup Series race in our smoke- and alcohol-free family grandstands. On Windstream Pole Night, bring your child to see his/her favorite driver qualify for the Coca-Cola 600 and ages 6 to 12 get in for just $1.
Super Ticket Package Enjoy four nights of racing for only $99! The Super Ticket Package includes one ticket to the World of Outlaws Topless Showdown, one ticket to Bojangles' Pole Night, one ticket to the Dollar General 300, and one ticket to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.
NASCAR Banking 500 Family Four Pack Purchase the NASCAR Banking Family Four Pack and watch the sparks fly in the only Saturday night race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Oct. 17. The Four Pack includes four race tickets, four hot dogs and four Coca-Colas for one low price - just $39.75 per person.
Vault Extreme Seats Purchase three tickets in the Ford Upper Terrace for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America and receive two tickets for FREE! This package retails for $675, so you save $270 with the Vault Extreme Seats deal.
Call (704) 455-3200 to purchase any of the above!
MILITARY DISCOUNT 2009 - To honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Lowe's Motor Speedway offers specially priced tickets at $30 for the Bank of America 500. Call with your military I.D. number and take advantage of the savings.
PIT PASSES 2009 $100 You can purchase pit passes for selected events by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. MORE tour on pit road from 2 to 6 p.m. on race day.
DRIVER INTRODUCTION PASS 2009 For the ultimate in pre-race access, go down on the famed Lowe's Motor Speedway frontstretch for driver introductions to the Bank of America 500 for $150! The pass also gives you access onto pit road before the pre-race program begins onstage. This offer is not valid for previous purchases and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Packages are available while supplies last.
You can also take advantage of these offers by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS and mentioning the Driver Fan Club Sections ticket promotion.
Pre-Race Hospitality 2009
None listed for Oct 09 yet...
Pre-Race
Pre-Race Show is the BEST on the circuit. Years ago when the only celebrity singing at the tracks were the local beauty queens, Humpy was doing what he could to entertain the fans & give them their money's worth. Over the years at the pre-race shows in Charlotte we have seen stunt drivers including one of Bubba's favs, Joey Chitwood, Robbie Kneviel, loads of military, bands & even bungee jumping. Even though we are not big on pre-race festivities, we highly recommend you make it to Humpy's House for the pre-race festivities. He never disappoints. Must be because he is a Real Race Fan at heart.
TobyMac and MercyMe to Perform Pre-Race Concert, Oct. 17 - 2:00 p.m.
Grammy-nominated musical artists TobyMac and MercyMe will perform a pre-race concert for the Oct. 17 NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. Fee and Robert Pierre will also be on hand to sing as part of pre-race festivities. The concert featuring all four bands will begin at 2 p.m. in Turn 4. Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Banking 500.
Oct. 17 Eric Church Homecoming Concert 4:00 p.m.
Country music star Eric Church will return to his home state to perform a concert outside of the Turn 2 Diamond Tower Terrace Saturday afternoon prior to the NASCAR Banking 500. Church, a native of Granite Falls, N.C., and an Appalachian State University graduate, grew up coming to races at Lowe's Motor Speedway with his father and talks about his love for NASCAR in his current top-10 single, "Love Your Love the Most." Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a NASCAR Banking 500 ticket.
MORE PRE RACE STUFF
6:00 p.m.
Performance by the North Carolina A&T State University marching band on the
speedway's frontstretch.
6:35 p.m.
Adding to the homecoming festivities, cheerleaders from several area high
schools that participated in Lowe's Motor Speedway's "fund-racing" program
will be introduced during pre-race ceremonies. Among the high schools
expected to be represented are East Mecklenburg, West Mecklenburg, Butler,
Hopewell, Northwest Cabarrus and the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology.
6:46 p.m.
Rising country music star Candy Coburn sings "God Bless America."
6:48 p.m.
The pre-race flyover features a C-17 and a KC-135 from Altus Air Force Base
in Oklahoma. The two planes will perform a simulated refueling over the
speedway. This is the first time the maneuver has been performed at a
sporting event.
6:48:30 p.m.
Official welcome by Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's
Motor Speedway.
6:49 p.m.
Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Robert Yates receives the
prestigious Smokey Yunick Award. Instituted several years ago by legendary
car owner and mechanic Smokey Yunick who passed away May 11, 2001, the award
annually recognizes an individual whose lifelong efforts have had a major
impact on the motorsports industry.
6:50 p.m.
Introduction of special guests including Charles Bowman, president, Bank of
America North Carolina; Honorary Starter NASCAR Banking customer Phil
Bickley; Honorary Race Director Hala Moddelmog, CEO of the Susan G. Komen
Foundation; Fan Homecoming Queen (to be announced); NASCAR Banking 500
Homecoming King Richard Petty and Grand Marshal (to be announced).
What to do while there - Racin' Stuff first then other stuff
(Cigarette prices are cheap in NC for all you smokers.)
There is so much to do at the Charlotte Motor Speedway you can’t get it all in. More Independent Vendors are located together at Charlotte than any other Speedway: great prices & great selection. Location is on our Race Recon Page. It can take you an entire afternoon to walk thru all the corporate exhibitions & independent vendors. Go do it; like I said great deals on souvenirs and the exhibits have free stuff especially for the fall race with the season winding down.
Driver's Appearances
Appearances are posted from a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there isn't advanced notice, go by the souvenir haulers and look for the signs. (Go on Friday if possible)
Wednesday Oct. 14
World of Outlaws Autograph Session 5 - 5:45 pm The Dirt Track - Concourse
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sarah Fisher is scheduled to appear at the Energizer Sponsor Display at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 3:00 - 3:30pm/et. Note: please see display area in advance of appearance for information on tickets for the appearance and restrictions.www.jayski.com
Juan Pablo Montoya is scheduled to sign autographs at the Polaroid Display located in the midway at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 2:30 - 3:00pm/et. Note: please see display area in advance of appearance for information on tickets for the appearance and restrictions.www.jayski.com
Nationwide Series Drivers are scheduled to participate in an autograph session on Pit Road at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 1:00 - 2:00pm/et. (Show race ticket and enter through Gate 1/Turn 4 Tunnel).www.jayski.com
Juan Pablo Montoya Appearance 3:10 - 3:25 pm DJ Hero/Activision Display
Ryan Newman is scheduled to sign autographs at the Hungry-Man display located outside the frontstretch at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 1:15 - 2:30pm/et. Stop by for a Hungry-Man sampling and a Newman autograph.www.jayski.com
October 17 2009
Kurt Busch Autograph Signing at Miller Lite Souvenir Hauler Time: TBD www.kurtbusch.com
Juan Pablo Montoya is scheduled to appear at the Energizer Sponsor Display at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 2:30 - 3:00pm/et. Note: please see display area in advance of appearance for information on tickets for the appearance and restrictions..www.jayski.com
Ryan Newman, Marcos Ambrose & David Reutimann are scheduled to participate in the Performance Racing Network's "Up to Speed" program on the SPEED Stage on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 3:00 - 4:00pm/et..www.jayski.com
Brian Vickers is scheduled to sign autographs at the Red Bull Racing Merchandise trailer located in the display area at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 3:15pm/et. (Fans can get tickets Saturday am - check with trailer.).www.jayski.com
Martin Truex Jr. Appearance (first 50 fans to ask get a wristband for autograph session) 4 - 4:30 pm DJ Hero/Activision Display
AJ Allmendinger is scheduled to sign autographs at the Richard Petty merchandise trailer on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 4:00pm/et. Allmendinger will sign for the first 100 fans who obtain tickets [check with the trailer]. rcrracing.com/driverschedule/
Clint Bowyer is scheduled to sign autographs at the Cheerios/Hamburger Helper souvenir trailer located in Lowe's Motor Speedway's display area on Saturday, October 17, 2009at 3:00pm/et. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis early that morning and will be limited in number due to time constraints.
Casey Mears is scheduled to appear at the Jack Daniel's Experience just outside of Turn 1 at Lowe's Motor Speedway at 4:00pm/et. rcrracing.com/driverschedule/
Casey Mears is scheduled to meet fans and sign autographs at the Jack Daniel's merchandise trailer located in the display area at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 4:15 - 4:45pm/et. Tickets are limited and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis at the trailer. rcrracing.com/driverschedule/
MORE APPEARANCES AROUND CHARLOTTE - ALWAYS ALOT CLICK HERE
'50 Years of Firsts' History Display
An interactive 50 Years of Firsts display will open with an appearance by Kasey Kahne to kick off the Coca-Cola 600 Month of May as part of Lowe's Motor Speedway's 50th year celebration. the 17,424 square foot display located near the speedway's main entrance at Highway 29 and Bruton Smith Boulevard. The exhibit will be open daily through Sunday, May 24, in conjunction with the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office operating hours and admission will be free of charge.
Wednesday, October 14 Karting for a Kause hosted by the Bobby Labonte
Karting for a Kause hosted by the Bobby Labonte Foundation Join us for an afternoon of go-karting, autographs and a silent auction featuring signed NASCAR memorabilia, Carolina Panthers, gift certificates, etc.12 until 2pm NASCAR Speedpark Concord Mills Mall For $20 you can strap into a go-kart and take on NASCAR drivers including Bobby Labonte, Max Papis, Lake Speed and Darrell Waltrip (more drivers being added daily) for a race to the checkers! This also allows you to get autographs of the drivers present.
First Annual Greg Biffle Foundation Day on Wednesday, October 14
Roush Fenway Racing in Concord, N.C., will host the First Annual Greg Biffle Foundation Day on Wednesday, October 14, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. There is no charge for admission, however everyone is encouraged to bring a pet food donation to supply local shelters and rescue groups with much needed supplies. The first 500 to do so will receive a Greg Biffle Foundation car decal.
There will be two autograph sessions featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. Casey Mears and Matt Kenseth will sign during the first session at 11:15 a.m., then Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards will sign at 2 p.m. You must have a 2010 NASCAR Pets Calendar, which will be sold on site, to receive an autograph. 250 wristbands for each autograph session will be distributed beginning at 9 a.m. Media autograph sessions will be held throughout the afternoon and will be open to everyone in attendance. a live broadcast of Sirius NASCAR Radio’s “Tradin’ Paint” with Chocolate Myers and Rick Benjamin; informational sessions with Downunder Horsemanship host Clinton Anderson; entertainment from the NC Agility Dogs; booths hosted by local pet care vendors; 3M product giveaways; live musical entertainment from local musicians Below the Belt; and much more! www.mattkenseth.com/html/
JAIL & BAIL Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A fun-filled night of entertainment with several NASCAR celebrities including Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Stremme, Wendy Venturini, John Darby, Casey Mears, Scott Speed, Brian Vickers, Jamie McMurray, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Denny Hamlin, Paul Menard, Reed Sorenson, Marcos Ambrose and many more. Watch as NASCAR personalities get “locked up” and have to bail themselves out. The Second-Annual Jail and Bail will take place on October 14, 2009. Tickets are limited and are $10 each for adults and free for kids under 10. Ticket sales are non-refundable - event will be held rain or shine. The Brickhouse Tavern 209 Delburg Street Davidson, NC 28036 MORE
Michael Waltrip Racing Fan Appreciation Day Wednesday, October 14
Michael Waltrip Racing Drivers are scheduled to appear as part of Michael Waltrip Racing Fan Appreciation Day on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 11:00am - 2:00pm/et. MWR is located in Cornelius, North Carolina. The event is free admission; free food, raffle prizes, plus 200 fans will be selected to for an exclusive autograph session with Michael Waltrip Racing drivers. For driving directions and further details visit MichaelWaltrip.com. www.jayski.com
Thursday, October 15 2009 Roush Fenway Racing's Fall Fan Day"
# Jack Roush, Jamie McMurray, David Ragan, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Colin Braun & Erik Darnell are scheduled to sign autographs as part of Roush Fenway Racing's Fall Fan Day" at the corporate headquarters in Concord, North Carolina on Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 10:00 - 11:00am/et. A limited number of tickets are being handed out at 8:00am that morning. There will be sponsor displays and food vendors for fans to enjoy outside and the Roush Fenway museum (with new displays) and store will be open for fans to peruse and shop. The Roush Fenway store is also offering special discounts to fans who present any 2009 NASCAR race ticket and fans who wear a T-shirt with their favorite Roush Fenway driver on the T-shirt. Address is 4600 Roush Place NW, Concord, NC. www.jayski.com
Yates Racing Fan Appreciation Day on Thursday, October 15 2009
Erik Darnell, Paul Menard & Doug Yates are scheduled to sign autographs as part of the Yates Racing Fan Appreciation Day on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Fans are encouraged to come out and see the Yates Racing campus and receive a VIP view of the Yates Racing shop. The autograph session will begin at 10:30am/et. 150 autograph tickets will be distributed at 9:30am for the driver autograph session. For more information, visit the Yates Racing website.
Penske Racing's Fan Appreciation Day Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009, from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr., David Stremme, Justin Allgaier, Parker Kligerman, plus Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, Will Power & Rick Mears From 9:45 -- 10:15am a Q&A session is scheduled with all Penske Racing drivers, and from 10:15am to 12:15pm all Penske Racing drivers and Rick Mears are scheduled to sign autographs for the 350 ticket holders. For a complete schedule of the day's events, visit the Penske Racing website. www.jayski.com
National Tailgating League "Kornhole" Tournament Friday and Saturday
Doubles Cornhole Tournaments $10 entry fee per player with $250 cash prize for 1st place Remaining tournament proceeds will go directly to the foundation
Located on the corner of Morehead Road and Hwy 29, adjacent to the speedway
Friday, October 16
Open play 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..
Tourneys @ 2:00 & 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17
Open play 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
Tourneys @ 12:00, 2:00 & 4:30 p.m.
Interested adult race fans and gamers 21 years of age and older can reserve a spot by signing up today at www.TheNTL.com or can sign up onsite beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 16. Each of the five weekend tournaments will hold up to 64 teams of two and sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis. Entry fee is only $10 per player with proceeds going to the Kasey Kahne Foundation.
Oct. 17: Go Pink at the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk
Experience Lowe's Motor Speedway like you never have before by participating in the NASCAR Foundation's Annual Track Walk prior to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Saturday, Oct. 17. Race fans can walk around the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway with NASCAR personalities and race special guests across the start/finish line while supporting three charitable organizations. The track walk begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds will benefit The NASCAR Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. This year the walk will go pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Event participants will enjoy a kick-off celebration
prior to entering the track. Get your group together today and get on track for charity! For more information, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.
NASCAR Racing Experience Ride-Alongs Sunday Oct 18
Sunday NASCAR Racing Experience Ride-Alongs 12 - 6 pm On track ($129 per person) MORE
Oct. 19:Fifth Annual Succession Golf Tournament
The Fifth Annual Succession Golf Tournament at Pine Island Country Club, sponsored by Dentistry of the Carolinas, returns to raise money for Speedway Children's Charities and the Avenir Foundation on Monday, Oct. 19. Don't miss this opportunity to show off your golfing skills while supporting a great cause. The deadline to reserve a spot for your team is Monday, Oct. 12. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. on tournament day with a noon shotgun start. Email successiongolf@yahoo.com to register your team. For more information, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.
RCR will host a 40th anniversary Fan Day Thurs., Oct. 22 2009
In honor of its 40th anniversary, RCR will host a Fan Day at the Welcome, N.C. complex on Thurs., Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Activities include driver and pit crew autograph sessions, self-guided tours of RCR’s Sprint Cup and Nationwide shops as well as ECR’s engine shop, radio remotes, musical entertainment, pit crew competition, viewing of the DALE movie, question-and-answer session with team owner Richard Childress and much more. General admission to RCR’s Fan Day is just $5, which will benefit the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.
THE DIRT TRACK
You have to do a race at the Dirt Track while you are here. When you do ya'll will find:
Humpy don't like no stinkin' dusty track!
The water truck comes out after every heat and waters down the track, the pits and directly in front of the fans. This is a state of the art Dirt track! High Tech Redneck at it's best! Reserved seats available at (800) 455-FANS or www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. Parking FREE in designated LMS lots.
Laidback Racing Tip: At WOO events before the last heat (A or B main) of the night, the ticket salespeople get to leave their stations and go watch the race. If you only want to try it to see if you like it, go Friday night and see one heat for free then decide if you want tickets for Saturday.
The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
NCAR 704-663-5331 for more information
The museum, dedicated to all types of racing, features over 35+ race cars on display. You can relive racing's greatest moments in the Goodyear Mini-Theater now featuring "NASCAR's Greatest Drivers". The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame has driver uniforms and helmet displays and exhibits of unique racing engines. Also located there is the T. Wayne Robertson Electronic Library. It is located off Interstate 77 on Knob Hill Road, just a short distance north of the Charlotte Speedway.
Sam Bass Gallery
6104 Performance Drive SW, Concord, NC 28027 Located outside of turn 2 across the street (704) 455-6915 or (800) 556-5464 E-mail info@sambass.com
Open To The Public Admission Is Free
Richard Petty Driving Experience Offers High-Speed Ride-Alongs
Each Ride-Along participant will receive three laps in a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup-style stock car at speeds approaching 160 mph.
For information or to secure a seat for one of the Ride-Along
sessions, contact the Richard Petty Driving Experience at 1-800-BE-PETTY.
RACE TRACKS
number in front of name is distance from Lowe's
4.5 World Karting Ass. (704) 455-1606 6041 Victory Lane S.W., Harrisburg, NC 28075
11.0 Concord Motorsport Park (704) 782-4221 7940 US Hwy. 601 South, Concord, NC
Indian Land Kartway (803) 547-2711, 499 Charles Pettus Road, Fort Mill, SC 29708
12.2 Zito's Mobile Mascarr Inc. (704) 857-6269 412 East Blume Street, Landis, NC
27.7 East Lincoln Motor Speedway (704) 263-5347, 1873 Mariposa Road, Stanley, NC
37.6 Farmington Drag Way (336) 998-3443 Mocksville, NC 27028
39.9 Carolina Motor Speedway (704) 869-0313, Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28052
40.2 Lexington Moto-Cross (336) 238-2110, 224 Berrier Avenue, Lexington, NC
44.5 Farmington Dragway (336) 998-3443, 2992 Nc Highway 801 North, Mocksville, NC 27028
Race shops addresses
600 Racing, Inc. (Legends Cars)
Nascar Silicon Motor Speedway
(704) 979-race Racing simulators.
Nascar Speed Park
SPEEDTV STAGE
At Lowe's Motor Speedway, the SPEED Stage is located outside the track, behind the main grandstand, in between Turn 3 & Turn 4.
Concord Mills Mall
Straight up the road from the Speedway entrance, on your left. I don't think you'll miss it. There are usually drivers signing autographs there during Speed Weeks.
I-85 exit 49. Second largest mall in North Carolina. With a nod towards race fans in it's design.
Other Stuff To Do
The Charlotte Nature Museum is an urban science center that exhibits the animals and plants of the Piedmont including an ever-changing Butterfly Garden. The Nature Museum is located adjacent to Freedom Park, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Afro-American Cultural Center, Charlotte Museum of History and Levine Museum of the New South are all located in Charlotte.
Discovery Place, located in the heart of Charlotte, is a cutting edge science center featuring interactive displays from the frontiers of space to the depths of the sea. Some of the exhibits include:
PuppetPlace - A professional theatre offers an opportunity for children to learn about a variety of topics during fun musical shows.
Our Living Planet – Reach out and touch a simulated tornado, check out the weather or view our gem collection while exploring video presentations and hands-on exhibits.
Also features an Aquarium, a Rain Forest and much more.
OTHER IMPORTANT SPEEDWAY INFO
Did your vehicle get towed because you parked in the wrong place? Or had no sticker? Call 704-455-3220.
WILL CALL
Tickets can be picked up at the speedway's ticket office until the day of the event. The will-call window is located at Gate 4 on Event Days.
GATE MAP
CONCESSIONS
Humpy's concession prices are high BUT it is your own fault if you have to buy something from him because he lets you bring what you want into the track....so bring plenty of snacks and beer!
BLACK FLAG FROM US: The track charges $10.00 for a "margarita" Well I bartended for over 20 years and a margarita has tequila in it and the track's doesn't on Sundays. We got this info from a police officer who is in the loop. Skip the Bloody Mary's too.
BUT you gotta have a fried Twinkie or a fried oreo while you are at Humpy's. As PR man Steve would say, "Fried Twinkies are all that"
Gotta love Southerns...we will fry anything!
RESTROOMS
Plenty of rest rooms at Humpy's House. But just in case he has luxury port o potties (Bubba suites) with running water, paper towels and soap!
STAFF
Interestingly enough, the staff in the grandstand area are alot more knowledgeable than the ones in the suites. Maybe because they are bubbas from the old days like us.
SHUTTLES AND TRAMS
Bus Shuttles
The Speedway operates 3 types of bus shuttle service on LMS property:
1. Morehead Farms, Peninsula, and Rock City Campgrounds to and from the shower houses, ticket office, and souvenir row area from 7 am - 12 noon starting on the Monday of each race week.
2. Morehead Farms, Peninsula, and Rock City Campgrounds to and from the track from 12 noon - 12 midnite on race and pole days.
3. Morehead Farms, Peninsula, and Rock City Campgrounds to and from the Dirt Track during race weeks two hours before the event until two hours after the event.
Trams:
Tram service is provided by Nationwide Insurance at a number of tram stops throughout the facility including Gates 2, 3, 4, 7/8, 12, 18, 26, and 30 and run in a clockwise direction. These trams operate on race and qualifying days from 12 noon - until These trams will operate after an event.
QUEEN CITY TOURS
to and from the Lowe’s Motor Speedway NASCAR Shuttle
Pick up at all area hotels, the South End Brewery [2100 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28202], and Info/Visit/Main Street Charlotte [330 South Tryon St./Uptown, Charlotte, NC, 28203]. They have all the following towns listed in their email to me:
They
Rock Hill
Gastonia
Kings Mountain
Monroe
Matthews
Pineville/Ft. Mill/Carowinds
Tega Cay
Ballantyne
Arrowood/Westinghouse
Airport/Woodlawn/Coliseum
E. Independence Blvd.
South Park/Myer's Park
Uptown/Dilworth
Huntersville/Lake Norman/Mooresville
Sugar Creek
University
Concord/Kannapolis
These nice folks sent along the rate, time sheet and form needed to fill out. Too much to load so just go to their website and email them to send it to you.
SPEED STREETS 600 Festival COCA COLA 600 ONLY
A Coca Cola 600 tradition from the city of Charlotte & The Speedway. If you don't mind crowds there's plenty of free music, goodies, interactive games, driver appearances, bands & more.
the three-day event will begin at Third and Graham streets, move up Third and then make a left turn onto Tryon Street. The Tryon portion of the festival will stretch from Second to Fifth streets, instead of Stonewall to Seventh.
Using Third Street also means that two of the three main stages will be in large parking lots, providing more room for crowds and exhibitors.
For driver's Appearances and entertainment list click here
