2012 May Pole Sitter: #43-Aric Almirola, 192.940mph, finished 16th

2012 October Pole Sitter: #16-Greg Biffle, 193.708mph, finished 4th

Track Qualifying Record: Greg Biffle, Oct 2012, 193.708mph

Coke 600 Qualifying Record: #12-Ryan Newman, May 2005, 192.988mph

Youngest Pole Winner: Jeff Gordon, 22 years, 2 months, 6 days, 10/10/1993

Oldest Pole Winner: Bobby Allison, 49 years, 10 months, 8 days, 10/11/1987

2012 May Race Winner: #5-Kasey Kahne, 155.687mph, started 7th

2012 October Race Winner: #15-Clint Bowyer, 154.935mph, started 4th

Track Race Record 500 miles: Jeff Gordon, Oct 1999, 160.306mph

Track Race Record 600 miles: Kasey Kahne, May 2012, 155.687mph

Slowest Race Record: Junior Johnson, 107.752mph, 1960

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Jimmie Johnson, May 2003, started 37th

Oldest Winner: Cale Yarborough, 46 years, 6 months, 9 days, 10/6/1985

Youngest Winner: Jeff Gordon, 22 years, 9 months, 25 days, 5/29/1994

Most Wins: 6 - Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Jimmie Johnson; 5, Jeff Gordon

Most Poles: 14 - David Pearson; Current driver: 9, Ryan Newman; 8, Jeff Gordon

Most Top 5s: 23 - Bobby Allison, Richard Petty

Most Top 10s: 31 - Richard Petty

Most Laps Led [500 mile race]: 328, Ernie Irvan, 10/10/1993

Most Laps Led [600 mile race]: 335, Jim Paschal, 5/28/1967

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 335, Jim Paschal, 5/28/1967

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 2, Kevin Harvick, 5/29/2011

Most Leaders: 21, 5/29/2005

Most Lead Changes: 59 - 5/27/1979

Fewest Leaders: 3, 5/21/1961

Fewest Lead Changes: 2 - 5/21/1961

Most Cautions: 22, 5/29/2005

Most Caution Laps: 113, 5/25/1980

Fewest Cautions: 0 - 5/21/1961

Fewest Caution Laps: 0, 5/21/1961

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 25, 10/15/2005

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 26, 5/25/2009 [227 of 400 laps completed]

Most Running at the Finish: 39, 10/11/2003 & 10/17/2009

Most Running at the Finish: 42 [of 43], 5/25/2009 [227 of 400 laps completed]

Fewest Running at the Finish: 10 - 5/21/1961

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 40 - Chevy

Races won from starting pos 1: 14

Back to Back winners of the Coca-Cola 600:
Jimmie Johnson (3 in a row), 2003-2005
Jeff Gordon, 1997-1998
Dale Earnhardt, 1992-1993
Darrell Waltrip, 1988-1989
Neil Bonnett, 1982-1983
Darrell Waltrip, 1978-1979
Buddy Baker, 1972-1973

Winners of the Coca-Cola 600 and All-Star Race in same season:
1985-Darrell Waltrip
1991-Davey Allison
1993-Dale Earnhardt
1997-Jeff Gordon
2003-Jimmie Johnson
2008-Kasey Kahne
2010-Kurt Busch

Winners of the Coca-Cola 600, All-Star Race and Fall Race in same season:
no driver

Drivers who led at 500-mile mark, and won the Coca-Cola 600:
1996-Dale Jarrett
2004-Jimmie Johnson
2008-Kasey Kahne
2010-Kurt Busch
2012-Kasey Kahne

Most laps led in 600-mile race win at Charlotte (modern era)
" Jimmie Johnson, 2004 -- 334
" Richard Petty, 1977 -- 311
" Rusty Wallace, 1990 -- 306
" Davey Allison, 1991 -- 263
" Kurt Busch, 2010 -- 252

CMS to honor 10,000 active military and family members: Charlotte Motor Speedway is joining with business leaders from around the country to honor some 10,000 active military and family members before the green flag drops on NASCAR's ultimate test of man and machine, the May 26 Coca-Cola 600, as part of a Memorial Day weekend saluting the U.S. Armed Forces. The day of tribute will feature a special celebration luncheon hosted by John Schnatter, founder, chairman and CEO of Papa John's International, where more than 3,000 pizzas will be served to the military guests.
The star-studded affair will be emceed by HLN's Robin Meade, and will include special appearances by Lt. Col. Oliver North (ret), a political commentator, television host, military historian and New York Times best-selling author; Kurt Busch, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver of the #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet; Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and Papa John himself. The event will be held at zMAX Dragway from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and also feature live music and a drag racing exhibition with Smith and Papa John.
Hundreds of the troops will then be loaded onto buses courtesy of the speedway's Patriot Partners program where companies such as Toyota, Papa John's, Goodyear, Coca-Cola, Bojangles' and more sponsored their transportation from area military bases. More than 30 Patriot Partner buses will then take a parade lap around the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway as part of a patriotic "Welcome Home Our Troops" pre-race show. Fans will be able to salute the troops when 600 soldiers march through the grandstands to participate in the pre-race ceremonies. The show will also include an air parade featuring during the national anthem performed by Robin Meade and a 21-gun salute by the Fort Bragg firing squad.
Tickets are still available for all May race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can join in welcoming home our troops during the biggest Memorial Day tailgate party in the country at the Coca-Cola 600, with race weekend packages starting at just $99. Fans can also purchase tickets for just $25 to send an active duty member of the military to the Coca-Cola 600 through the speedway's Let The Troops Race program.(CMS)(5-22-2013)

Bruton Smith could move fall race out of Charlotte UPDATE: NASCAR mogul Bruton Smith says there is a strong possibility that he will move the Bank of America 500 out of Charlotte, NC. The Bank of America 500 is one of two annual races held at Smith's Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with May's Coca-Cola 600. The BoA 500 is held in October. "I know you're not gonna cut this one out, but I've been having some strong conversations about one of these events being moved," Smith told WBTV's Paul Cameron in an exclusive interview. "And Las Vegas is a great place - it's the entertainment capital of the world - and they want another event." In addition to owning the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the North Carolina native owns eight NASCAR tracks, including the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which host eleven NASCAR Sprint Cup events. The only Sprint Cup race that is currently held on the LVMS is the Kobalt Tools 400, which is held in early March. Smith says he's flown out to Vegas several times to talk about moving a Sprint Cup race to his track there. "They've made me offers to move one," Smith said. "But you can't just move the race though, doesn't NASCAR have to move it?" Cameron asked. "I know they would approve this," Smith responded. "And say the October race... Las Vegas. You're gonna get a lot of phone calls about this - I'm gonna predict that." Smith says the idea of moving to Vegas is not just a fishing expedition. "I've made two trips out to Vegas and it costs money to go out there. I know all the powers out there," he told WBTV. "I have a lot of friends in Las Vegas - I have businesses out there, I have six businesses in Las Vegas." The Charlotte Motor Speedway is based in Concord, North Carolina. Smith has been involved in legal fights with Cabarrus County for years over money he is owed. Smith says he initially kept the track there after a $80 million deal was presented to him, $60 million from Cabarrus County and another $20 million from the state. He says the county still hasn't come through with their end of the deal. When asked if he thought he could make more money at a race in Las Vegas versus having a race in Charlotte, Smith's answer was simple. "Yes, yes, yes. Oh yes," he said. "Plus, we're discussing a ten-year contract for a lot of money every year." Smith played a major role in getting NASCAR to move the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards from New York to Las Vegas five years ago. When it comes to a timeline on the potential move, Smith says this isn't a spur of the moment idea. "Oh, now there you're pinning me down. I don't know how soon, that's just, it's something that's been in the stages now for at least a year." So what's it going to take to move the race from Charlotte to Vegas? "When the game is over, it'll be money, money, money. Money will move it," Smith said. "I'd say [the chances] are about 70/30."(wbtv.com)(5-20-2013)
UPDATE - Statement From O. Bruton Smith: The following is a statement from Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, O. Bruton Smith:
"The 'done deal' report by WBTV regarding moving a race is false. No final decision has been made regarding any race date move, and I have not discussed this with NASCAR. "Instead of what 'could' happen, let's set the facts straight about what has happened. We've invested $100 million in the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex in the past six years to make it even better for the fans. We've expanded our fan zone, added pit road suites and built the world's largest HDTV for every fan to enjoy. We've put more people to work with these projects and we've added more events to the calendar to bring in more tourists and fans. And we've done this during the worst economy since the Great Depression. We've done this without asking for a handout from the government, like we've seen from so many other sports facilities, teams or franchises, and yet at the same time property values are falling during the recession, our Cabarrus County taxes have doubled since 2005. We absolutely love the fans that come to Charlotte Motor Speedway. It's frustrating to think about the future and consider that the local government doesn't share the same excitement about Charlotte Motor Speedway that our fans do. The Cabarrus County politicians may say nice things to the media, but raising taxes does not support the tourism business, the area economy or companies trying to grow."(CMS)(5-21-2013)

HLN News Anchor & Country Music Recording Artist Robin Meade to sing Coke 600 National Anthem: Robin Meade, host of HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade" has been added to a star-studded lineup that will join the largest Memorial Day weekend celebration in the country at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday. Meade, who is also a New York Times best-selling author and emerging country artist, will kick off the ultimate test of man and machine  NASCAR's only 600 mile contest  by performing the national anthem. Other celebrities scheduled to appear during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend include HISTORY's Rick Dale, of "American Restoration;" decorated veteran and No. 1 best-selling author Lt. Col. Oliver North; and Papa John's founder, John Schnatter. In addition, country music megastar and NBC's newest "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" winner, Trace Adkins, will perform a free concert for all Coca-Cola 600 ticket holders on Friday, May 24. Fans can get two frontstretch tickets to the Coca-Cola 600, with the best views of the world's largest HDTV and all the action on pit road, for just $99 when they purchase online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by phone at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-21-2013)

Pole Tix honor Earnhardt's 1993 sweep: Twenty years after NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt drove into the record books with an exhilarating sweep of both the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway is honoring the legendary driver's accomplishment with a limited edition LiftMaster Pole Night commemorative ticket. For just $20, Earnhardt fans and enthusiastic race historians can get their hands on this unique keepsake, which marks Earnhardt's memorable back-to-back wins at his hometown track. The tickets feature photos of Earnhardt with the trophies he earned at the 1993 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600. Earnhardt entered the 1993 All-Star race with two victories in the special event already in his possession. Danny Lawrence, who was then the team's assistant engine builder and second gasman, noted the environment created by the All-Star race was electrifying. "When (we pushed the car) around the corner (onto the frontstretch), it sounded like an earthquake (the way) people were roaring. It sent chills through your bones," Lawrence said. Earnhardt struggled with his car during the race's first two segments. However, when it came time for the race's 10-lap shootout, Earnhardt once again reigned supreme. After Earnhardt jumped the restart, NASCAR threw the yellow flag, lined up the cars again with Earnhardt still in second, and then threw the green flag. Earnhardt didn't jump the second restart. This time he passed Martin with slightly more than a lap remaining for the victory. "That was all him. Our car really wasn't that good," Lawrence said.
When it came time for the Coca-Cola 600, Earnhardt once again produced a phenomenal performance to win stock car racing's longest event for the third and final time. He shook off two penalties and came from a lap down on two occasions to become the first driver to win the Coca-Cola 600 at night. "What Dale Earnhardt was able to do was damn near impossible," said Danny "Chocolate" Myers, Earnhardt's long-time gasman who now co-hosts a show on XM-SIRIUS Satellite Radio. "It was through sheer dedication and determination that he was able to pull it off." Earnhardt's victory made him the first driver to claim two consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories since Darrell Waltrip in 1988-89. And Earnhardt accomplished the feat with an event record of 145.504 mph, breaking the old one of 145.327 mph set by Richard Petty in a Dodge in May 1975. "Dale would tell us all the time, 'Boys, we're making history', but we never thought about it, Lawrence said. "It was neat to be able to go to any race you wanted to and you felt like you had a chance to win. When we had a bad day it was when we finished 12th. If we had a 12th-place car, he somehow would finish fifth. It was awfully neat to be working on that deal back then when he was so good. He wasn't happy unless he was winning. He was cool under pressure. He always thought if the race was still running he still had a chance of winning it. He never overdrove it; he never got in trouble. That's why he was the best."
Tickets to race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway are available through the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267)(CMS)(5-20-2013)

TV graphic mistake leads to fan confusion: A television graphic incorrectly showed #48-Jimmie Johnson should have entered pit road 11th instead of fourth on the mandatory four-tire stop before the final segment of Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race. It started a social media outcry for those who didn't know the facts. It grew louder when Johnson left pit road second. It grew even louder when the five-time Sprint Cup champion won for the second straight year and a record fourth time overall, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and future Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. "People just want to hate," Johnson said with a laugh inside the media center at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "That's fine. I'm just lucky. NASCAR rigs the races and whatever they want to believe. I'm going home with a cool trophy and a big check and we all really know what happened. So whatever."(ESPN)
NOTE: Johnson coming in 4th for the pitstop was correct, see the averages of the four segments and the order of pit road entry on my Jayski's Sprint All-Star Race page.(5-19-2013)

Johnson win All-Star race: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, for his 4th All-Star race win. Johnson finished 15th, 5th, 3rd & 3rd in the four segments which meant he had the 4th best average finish of the drivers, so he went in 4th for the madatory 4-tire pit stop before the fifth and final segment, #5-Kahne came out 1st, followed by Johnson, #18-Busch, #22-Logani and #78-Busch. #78-Busch won segments 1 & 4 and led 29 laps and #18-Busch won segments 2 & 3 and also led 29 laps. Johnson led 10 total laps, all of the final segment. Johnson now has the most All-Star wins of any driver with 4.
#22-Logano finished 2nd, followed by #18-Busch, #5-Kahne, #78-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #1-McMurray (the Showdown winner), #20-Kenseth and #99-Edwards.
See race results, each segment finish, average of the four segments, links to pdf for results and more on Jayski's Sprint All-Star Race Info page.(5-18-2013)

Sprint All-Star Race Notes:
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, his record breaking fourth victory in 12 starts in the annual non-points race
Johnson broke a tie for the all-time all-star race wins lead with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. Johnson also won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in 2003, 2006 and 2012.
Johnson becomes the second driver to win back-to-back all-star races. The first was Davey Allison in 1991-92.
This is Johnson's eighth top-five finish in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
#22-Joey Logano finished a career-best second in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. This is his third top 10 in three all-star race starts.
#18-Kyle Busch finished third, his third consecutive top-five finish in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. (NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(5-18-2013)

Getting married at All-Star race: When John and Monica Russell decided to get married, they knew exactly where to do it. As diehard race fans, there was really no other option. "I thought, 'Well, let's get married at a race track,'" John Russell said. "Why not get married on the biggest stage (in racing)." The couple met online in October, and three days later they were engaged. "It was his wedding," said Monica, who has been married once before. "I said, 'What do you want, baby?' So here we are. I haven't actually been to a race here since 1994, so I am loving it." Both diehard Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans, the bride and groom wore #88 T-shirts for the ceremony, which took place Saturday morning at the start/finish line of Charlotte Motor Speedway They took their wedding photos in Victory Lane and will be featured live on the Speed Stage at 4 p.m. The Russells, from Bethune, S.C., spent the week before the wedding taking a NASCAR-themed pre-honeymoon in the area, checking out Victory Junction Gang Camp, Stewart-Hass Racing Wednesday, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Whisky River, Victory Lane (go-kart racing), Roush/Fenway Racing and the NASCAR R&D Center.(CMS)(5-18-2013)

Kaya Jones to Perform National Anthem for All-Star Race: Pop music sensation Kaya Jones will perform the national anthem preceding Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Jones came to prominence as a member of the popular music group "The Pussycat Dolls" in 2003 and later reached international acclaim as a solo act, performing alongside celebrated entertainers including Mick Jagger, Eminem and Katy Perry. Danielle Johnson, who played the role of Annie Who in the 2012 musical national tour of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," will sing the national anthem before Friday night's North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Camping World Truck Series race.
In addition, two Speedway Superstar winners will perform "God Bless America" during the weekend pre-race shows. Logen Hall of Spartanburg, S.C., will sing at the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on Friday, while Rosalee Johnson of Belmont, N.C., will take the stage Saturday before the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Hall and Johnson were selected from among 350 eligible auditions held across North and South Carolina during the Speedway Superstar tour presented by Best Buy and Coca-Cola. Fans can save up to 49 percent when they purchase a Family Four-Pack to the All Star Race online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by phone at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-17-2013)

Coca-Cola 600 officials and war hero's: A United States senator, a lieutenant governor and a military hero will lead race fans in the commencement of the nation's largest Memorial Day celebration as they serve as race officials for the 2013 Coca-Cola 600. Sgt. Aaron Causey will be Grand Marshal; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott will serve as Honorary Starter and Tennessee's Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will serve as Honorary Race Director for the 54th running of NASCAR's only 600-mile race at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
"It is our pleasure to welcome these distinguished elected officials, as well as a military hero to the 2013 Coca-Cola 600," said Lauren C. Steele, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Coca-Cola Consolidated. "It is exciting to have these state leaders to recognize America's servicemen and women at the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. We are honored to have a true American hero announce those famous words: 'Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!'"
As race officials, Scott and Ramsey will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of more than 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. As Grand Marshal, Causey will give the race command, while Scott will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR's most challenging race. As Honorary Race Director, Ramsey will ride in an official pace car.
Causey graduated from EOD school at Eglin Air Force Base in August 2001 and was then stationed in Aviano, Italy. He served in Iraq in 2004 along with many other international missions during his years in Aviano. In 2006, he left the Air Force to continue working in EOD, transferring to the Army. He deployed to Iraq 2006-08 out of Fort Stewart, Ga., then was stationed in Mannheim, Germany 2008-10. Later in 2010, he was stationed at Fort Drum, NY and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. On Sept. 7, 2011, he was performing dismounted operations in an attempt to disarm a suspected IED when one detonated under him. He ultimately lost both legs above the knees, two fingers, suffered broken arms and hand injuries, shrapnel wounds over most of his upper body, loss of tissue, and multiple other serious injuries. He lives with his wife of three years, Kat. After recovery is complete, they intend to stay in the DC-metro area and build a new life together.
Scott is a U.S. senator representing the great state of South Carolina. His goal is simple: to positively affect the lives of the American people. That path has taken him from a successful small businessman, to being elected to Charleston County Council, the South Carolina State House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the U.S Senate.
Ramsey is serving his fourth term as Lt. Governor of Tennessee. A small businessman himself, he has become a leading voice for economic growth in his state and region. He and his wife, Sindy, live in Blountville.
Continuing its tradition as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration in America, the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of "I Will Give My All" by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and "Taps" played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.
Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-17-2013)

Fans bring millions in economic impact to Charlotte: It's difficult to overstate just how big the 10 Greatest Days in Racing are at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with fans from around the globe tuning in to watch NASCAR's best battle for up to $2 million at the Sprint All-Star Race and endure the season's toughest test of man and machine at the Coca-Cola 600. Dedicated fans from all 50 states and as far away as Queensland, Australia will travel to the heart of NASCAR country to take in all the excitement of back-to-back weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Millions more will tune in as NASCAR is broadcast worldwide to more than 150 countries and in more than 20 different languages. Approximately 5,000 people work at the speedway during each NASCAR event weekend. In addition, with fans camping or staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants and visiting area attractions like the team race shops and NASCAR Hall of Fame, the economic impact to the region has been estimated at $250 million to $275 million. But the impact isn't just felt on race weekends. In 2012, more than 150 community groups and nonprofits partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to assist in race operations, earning more than $600,000 for their respective groups throughout the year. During NASCAR event weekends last year, Speedway Children's Charities also generated funding to support 36 local nonprofit and charity groups.(CMS)(5-14-2013)

CMS, NCDOT and State Highway Patrol prepare fans for race week traffic: In preparation for the 10 Greatest Day in Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 17-26, speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information. With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the City of Concord, Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races. Here are tips from Charlotte Motor Speedway and NCDOT:
Best Routes
For motorists traveling from South Carolina:
Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from west of Charlotte:
Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 48) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 (Exit 33). An alternate route is I-85 North to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South. Through traffic should remain in the left two lanes of I-85 North to avoid delays near Exit 49.
For motorists traveling from east of Charlotte:
Take the I-485 outer loop to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from north of Charlotte:
Take I-85 South to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
Officials recommend motorists take the I-485 outer loop to N.C. 49 North, which is usually less congested than other suggested routes.
Commuters that use I-85 can expect delays beginning on Friday afternoon, May 17, and continuing Saturday May 18 as fans make their way to the speedway for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The following week, increased traffic is expected around the speedway May 23-26. Commuters should plan to adjust driving time, if possible, or use an alternate route.
NCDOT will utilize overhead message signs and portable message signs to alert motorists of problem areas and suggested alternate routes around incidents and congestion. The Department advises motorists to check for real time traffic information by calling 511 or by signing up for updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_charlotte.
Traffic maps are posted on Charlotte Motor Speedway's website at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/maps/.(CMS)(5-14-2013)

Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne and others headline NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party: Brad Keselowski will join NASCAR stars Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne, legends Bobby and Donnie Allison and team owner Joe Gibbs for appearances at a one-of-a-kind infield Pit Party sponsored by the NASCAR Hall of Fame at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party will be a fan-friendly event taking place on pit road from 12:30pm-4:15pm before the only 600-mile race on the NASCAR circuit. The party will feature driver appearances, live music from national recording artist Benton Blount, concessions, racing displays and more. Access to the Pit Party is included with the purchase of a pit pass or a driver introduction pass. In addition to fan forums with Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne, the Allison brothers and Gibbs, the Pit Party will feature vintage military vehicles and displays from the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Pit passes are $100 for adults, $50 for children 14-18 and free for kids 13 and under with a paying adult. Driver introduction passes are $150 for adults and $75 for kids 13 and under. Pit passes must be purchased in addition to a race ticket.(CMS)(5-10-2013)

Speed Street announces music acts in Charlotte: Three acts with either No. 1 songs or "Song of the Year" honors will headline this year's Food Lion Speed Street festival later this month in Charlotte's uptown. The celebration, tied to the two weekends of major NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will take place May 23-25. Once again, it offers free admission. Featured acts on the three nights are SWV (Sisters With Voices) on May 23; Jamey Johnson on May 24; and Survivor on May 25. While Speed Street will stretch along South Tryon Street and several other uptown thoroughfares, the music portion of the entertainment will take place at the Coca-Cola Stage, on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near the NASCAR Hall of Fame. SWV, a trio of New York-based soul and R&B singers, had a No. 1 single in the 1990s with "Weak" and followed with a No. 2 pop hit with "Right Here/Human Nature." The group disbanded in the late 1990s but reformed several years ago and has been touring and making frequent television appearances. Jamey Johnson is a country artist, with several Grammy nominations to his credit. His "Give It Away" was named the Academy of Country Music's Song of the Year in 2007, and he followed that with the same award in 2009 with "In Color." Survivor became one of music's biggest acts in the 1980s, perhaps best-known for its No. 1 single "Eye of the Tiger," which gained secondary fame as the theme song in a "Rocky" movie. Survivor also had a big hit in 1985 with "Burning Heart." Also on the Saturday card is the Florida-based rock group Sister Hazel.(Charlotte Observer)(5-6-2013)

Speedway Superstars kicks off at CMS: Speedway Superstars kicks off Wednesday, May 1st at the track with special appearances by Kenny Wallace and Doug Rice, the voice of PRN. It is a 10 city, 2 state mobile audition studio giving fans the chance to sing either the national anthem or God Bless America. From there 5 fans will be selected to sing one of the songs at one of the races in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway. More info at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(5-1-2013)

Josh Turner replacing Currington for Charlotte pre-race concert: Country music star and double-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Josh Turner will perform a pre-race concert before the green flag waves on the 29th annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, replacing Billy Currington, who was originally scheduled to perform. Turner will bring his baritone voice and soulful gospel-bluegrass repertoire to the heart of NASCAR country for an energetic 90-minute concert that will have fans on their feet and singing along to some of country music's most recognizable hits. Fans will fill the infield between Turns 1 and 2 to hear their favorite songs from the country crooner before drivers take to the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway for a fast and furious dash for cash with up to $2 million on the line. "Due to Currington's recent indictment, we elected to change our act for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Josh Turner is a native of the Carolinas with six No. 1 hits to his credit, and we know he'll put on a fantastic show for our fans and sponsors on race weekend."(CMS)(4-27-2013)

CMS announces Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Show: Charlotte Motor Speedway is continuing the rich tradition of paying tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces with a Welcome Home Our Troops pre-race spectacular at the May 26 Coca-Cola 600. The program will include a one-of-a-kind air parade with 10 vintage warbirds, a patriotic flyover and a flight by an American bald eagle over the infield during the national anthem.
Bridging the worlds of military and motorsports, the pre-race flyover will include P-51 Mustangs, owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Jack Roush. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of "I Will Give My All" by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and "Taps" played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.
Fans will be able to salute the troops when 600 soldiers from Fort Bragg walk through the grandstands to the infield to participate in pre-race ceremonies.
In addition, NASCAR drivers and Charlotte-area VIPs will participate in special welcome home and military dedication video messages that will be displayed on the world's largest HDTV, and a gigantic American flag the size of a football field will be unfurled across the frontstretch.
Medal of Honor recipients Bob Patterson (Vietnam), Gary Littrell (Vietnam) and Walter Joseph Marm (Vietnam) will be recognized on the pre-race stage.(CMS)(4-24-2013)

Bruton Smith renews lawsuit over incentives: The mogul behind one of the country's largest auto racing track operators is trying to resurrect a lawsuit claiming local officials reneged on an offer of $80 million in incentives to land a new drag strip and upgrade the Charlotte Motor Speedway. A three-judge state Court of Appeals panel will hold a closed-door discussion Tuesday to determine whether the lawsuit will be heard by a jury. A judge last year dismissed the lawsuit against Cabarrus County by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Charlotte Motor Speedway, both based in Concord and headed by magnate Bruton Smith. At issue is whether Smith can enforce what his lawyers say was an oral agreement that ended threats to move the 135,000-seat speedway and build a new drag strip somewhere other than the heart of NASCAR country. The contract wasn't put in writing until after the new drag strip opened the following year, with terms the track operator rejected. If the lawsuit doesn't move forward, Speedway Motorsports could have to wait up to 40 years to be reimbursed for road and other upgrades around the track. It's not clear if SMI -- which owns the track and seven others in Georgia, Tennessee, California, Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas -- has yet seen any of the $80 million announced in 2007. A track spokesman declined comment and lawyers for both sides did not respond to requests for comment last week. A decision is expected in about three months. If the case moves forward, it could be appealed to the state Supreme Court.(Associated Press/ESPN)(4-9-2013)

Construction on additional pit road suites begins at Charlotte: Construction is underway on six additional pit road suites at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Crews have begun pouring the concrete pylons which will support the new structure along pit road. The suites are 11 feet above pit road and are as close as fans can get to the action, overlooking the race team pit boxes. The original suites, built in 2012, were sold out prior to last year's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The open-air, covered seating areas can accommodate up to 15 people and include exclusive access to the Winner's Circle Lounge located adjacent to Victory Circle. The lounge includes a bar, meeting room, seating areas, televisions and restrooms. The new suites will be added on to the existing structure toward the Turn 1 end of pit road. Suite holders receive 15 tickets to each of eight NASCAR events and have the option to purchase catering for the suite.(CMS)(3-16-2013)

Safety Training at Charlotte Motor Speedway: As it has annually for more than two decades, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed more than 150 track safety professionals over the weekend for a two-day training session to hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming race season. Personnel from 10 NASCAR facilities  including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway  received hands-on safety training for all events at the speedway. Leading the way in safety training, Charlotte Motor Speedway has been offering such classes since 1991. The sessions included online training modules and live scenarios for fire, rescue and EMS personnel. Topics covered included extrication, fire suppression, on-track EMS and track clean-up.(CMS)(3-6-2013)

Charlotte Motor Speedway goes smoke free: From the Charlotte Motor Speedway site: " For the health and comfort of our guests, grandstands and concourses at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track are smoke-free. This policy also applies to terrace boxes, kids' play zones, bathhouses and restrooms. In conjunction with this policy, smoking lounges with flat-screen televisions and high-top tables will be conveniently located at each of our three venues. Smoking is also allowed in open-air campgrounds, parking lots, hospitality and souvenir display areas. It is our goal to reduce the risk of secondhand smoke exposure to our fans, while still allowing the freedom of choice with convenient smoking locations during our events. Enforcement -- Ushers will direct those found smoking in the grandstands to the nearest smoking lounge, and repeat offenders will be asked to leave.(CMS)(2-22-2013)

Charlotte Motor Speedway value put at $309M: There was one thing everybody in the room could agree on: It's hard to determine the value of Charlotte Motor Speedway. After three hours of questions and discussion Wednesday, the Cabarrus Board of Equalization and Review unanimously approved a tax value for Charlotte Motor Speedway for 2008 at $244.1 million and for 2009 at $309.6 million. Board members and county officials said the door is still open to negotiations before the matter likely reaches the N.C. Property Tax Commission on appeal. Raleigh attorney Bruce Thompson II and Charlotte commercial appraiser Fitzhugh Stout of Integra Realty Resources represented the speedway and said the value should be $78.2 million for 2008 and $108.2 million for 2009 (after the ZMax Dragway was built). Stout's appraisal placed the value of the total land (more than 1300 acres) at $41 million and the replacement cost of improvements at $137.2 million, but subtracted $100 million for the value of having a Sprint Cup race date.(Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune)(2-11-2013)

Bruton Smith Wants End to Start-and-Park: Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. told media attending the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway that he would like to see an end to start-and-park racing, a term that refers to race teams that run only a few laps of a race in order to collect a portion of the purse, but pull off the track before causing too much wear and tear on their equipment, thereby saving on the expense of running a full race. "Start-and-park should not be a part of what we do," he said. "I think it's derogatory toward our sport. I'm going to try my best  and I hope you'll join me  to see if NASCAR can do something about this. It certainly isn't adding anything to our sport, and it certainly takes away." He then asked media in the room to use their influence to put an end to the practice. Smith's other appeal was to encourage NASCAR to reduce the top speeds of the race cars, which he argued would make the racing safer but also create more excitement for the fans because the drivers will make moves with more confidence.(CMS Notes)(1-23-2013)

TMS, CMS intend to bid for X Games: Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway have signed letters of intent to bid on becoming a host venue for ESPN's X Games beginning in 2014. TMS, which is located in Fort Worth, and CMS, which is located in Concord, N.C., are owned by parent company Speedway Motorsports Inc. Atlanta Motor Speedway, another SMI track, is part of an overall bid by the Atlanta Sports Council. Mike Zizzo, vice president of media relations at TMS, said X Games officials are traveling to TMS at the end of the month to evaluate the facility. TMS officials say they are interested in a three-year hosting period for the summer edition of the X Games. The summer event requires venues that can accommodate courses ranging from rally car and motocross to skateboarding and BMX competition. The four-day event traditionally attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators. TMS is one of 13 locations bidding for the summer X Games, including two others in Texas: Austin's Circuit of the Americas Formula One road course and the Houston Sports Authority, representing Harris County.(ESPN)(1-18-2013)

Two fans can win spot in All-Star Race commercial: Race fans, now's your chance to join the all-stars! Two lucky fans will win a chance to appear in the new Charlotte Motor Speedway commercial for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 18, 2013. The commercial, featuring a wild west "Throwdown at Charlotte" theme that reflects the all-guns-blazing racing and exciting action featured in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, will star Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and other NASCAR celebrities. Fans that act now and purchase 2013 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race tickets before Dec. 31, 2012, will be automatically entered in the "Join the All-Stars" sweepstakes. Weekend ticket packages start at just $99 and a down payment of just $10 will reserve any All-Star Race ticket. Fans can visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/allstarextra for details on the sweepstakes, official rules, clips from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race commercial, as well as opportunities to purchase tickets.(CMS)(12-5-2012)

Construction Begins as Speedway Christmas Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway: Speedway Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its third year, with a new route, more than three million lights and the unique chance for visitors to drive the track. Construction has begun on the course, which starts at zMAX Dragway and winds through the 2,000-acre speedway property, into the infield of the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway and onto the track itself. For the last two years, Speedway Christmas drew thousands from across the state and beyond. This year, one of the nation's largest holiday light shows, running nightly from Nov. 19-Dec. 30 Speedway Christmas will begin with a grand opening at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday, Nov. 19, with a welcome ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The show runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. The attraction will feature more than 800 holiday LED light displays along the drive-through course, which includes a cruise around the high-banks of the legendary superspeedway. For more information, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(11-11-2012)

Bruton Smith comments on many NASCAR issues: Bruton Smith, the eccentric billionaire whose Speedway Motorsports Inc. owns eight NASCAR tracks, held court in the Texas Motor Speedway media center on Saturday and addressed a wide range of subjects. Here are some selected notes from his lengthy media session:
• Smith said NASCAR needs to work at "making the racing more exciting." He said NASCAR has made some good moves in recent years - notably double-file restarts - but needs to implement additional improvements. Smith's primary suggestion to improve the racing is to slow the cars down and thus make it easier for drivers to make bold moves.
• Races with too many long green-flag runs are not exciting, Smith said, and he suggested a smaller fuel tank would force drivers to make more pit stops. Fuel-mileage races, he said, are "boring, boring, boring." One solution could be a minimum number of cautions per race to serve as TV timeouts.
• Drivers are "maybe not as eager" right now and NASCAR needs more racers who have a "mean streak."
• Despite a decline in TV ratings and attendance, Smith is still supportive of the Chase. He sounded concerned, though, that the playoff drivers get treated with kid gloves.
• There are no plans to make further adjustments to Bristol's racing surface after a drama-filled night race in August.
• No consideration has been given to moving an SMI race to give Las Vegas a second date, Smith said. He remains hopeful NASCAR will someday see the value in rewarding Vegas with another race.
see more at SB Nation.(11-4-2012)

In the Charlotte, NC for the races? some cool places to check out that Jayski has been to an enjoyed since moving to the Charlotte area in January 2004:
Memory Lane Museum on Hwy 150 W in Mooresville, NC,
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame Lakeside Park, Mooresville
And a must is the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, checked it out in July 2010 and it is really cool
In October, For somerthing different: the Carolina Renaissance Festival is a blast, fun stuff and lots of good eats, I go every year, hmm...pumpkin beer...and the Tortuga Twins are a hoot!
SOME EATs: Lancaster's Bar-B=Que is a large place with a lot of NASCAR stuff all over the walls, also I enjoyed: Jeffrey's. In Huntersville check out Mickey & Mooches for great steaks and the huge chocolate cake
TEAM SHOPS: and to check out some team shops, see my Team Address page, on that page there are a few links for Race Shop Tours [click here].
Or drive up I-85 and head to [Richard] Childress Vineyards.
in Concord, check out the racing stuff at Quaker Steak and Lube for some great wings and food
and check out the Sam Bass Gallery, right near Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(this is not an ad and not looking for suggestions, just some things to helps folks in town)
ALSO: see my Racing Charities page and Driver Appearances page for driver appearances and more thing going on in the area.