NASCAR tailgating is nearly here as the Daytona 500 approaches this weekend. Diehard and casual fans alike are plotting out plans to visit some of the most legendary tracks in racing. Whether you’re new to NASCAR or a lifelong fan, we’ve got five stops you must make on your speedway bucket list.
Granted, this list is our very subjective take on a subject that’s downright personal to people, and we respect that there are going to be differences of opinion. When the choices got tough, we turned to an expert in the field for advice: Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver, former FOX broadcaster, current dirt cart driver and noted man of the people.
Read more: 5 Ways for NASCAR Fans to Tailgate at Home
When Wallace wasn’t behind the wheel of a car or in the broadcast booth, he was liable to show up at NASCAR tailgating events and mingle with fans. So we took his word on places like Bristol and Talladega, and we realize you can’t go wrong with Dover, Charlotte, Michigan and more, but for now, for us, here are our top five.
But first, check out a few of our most frequently asked questions about NASCAR tailgating — some practical and some fun — to get ready for your day at the track!
🏎️ NASCAR Tailgating FAQ
If you’ve never experienced a NASCAR tailgate, you’re in for a whole new level of pre-race excitement. NASCAR fans take tailgating to the extreme — from elaborate campsite setups and full-blown cookouts to team-themed RVs and pit-side parties. Whether you’re planning your first infield weekend or just pulling up for the day, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your NASCAR tailgate.
Can you tailgate at NASCAR?
Absolutely — NASCAR tailgating is legendary! Most tracks have designated tailgating areas, both outside and inside the venue. Infield camping is especially popular, letting fans stay right in the heart of the action all weekend. Tailgaters bring everything from smokers and TVs to inflatable pools and race-day flags. Just remember to check your track’s specific rules on parking, open flames, and alcohol before you go — every venue is a little different.
What happens when a NASCAR driver has to pee during a race?
Some drivers have publicly admitted that yes — in extreme circumstances — they’ve peed in their suits. Denny Hamlin revealed that during a long race, when he could no longer hold it, he “let her rip” in his seat. Others say it’s rare, and they try to manage intake carefully so it doesn’t become a problem. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes truths that reminds you: when you’re going 200 mph without a pit stop for a restroom break, sometimes you’re left with few options. For fans, though, you have no excuse! Bring your own cooler of drinks, and if your tailgate is set up in the infield, plan for quick bathroom trips between pit stops.
Why was AJ Allmendinger suspended from NASCAR?
AJ Allmendinger was suspended in 2012 after failing a NASCAR drug test for a banned stimulant. He later returned to racing after completing the “Road to Recovery” program and has since rebuilt a successful career, including wins in both NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. His story is a reminder that comebacks are possible — both on and off the track — and fans still cheer him on today.
What not to bring to a tailgate party?
Skip anything that can cause problems or slow down your setup — glass bottles, fireworks, open fire pits (unless approved), and large tents that block views. Keep it simple and safe with reusable cups, compact grills, and foldable tables. If you’re tailgating NASCAR-style for a weekend, pack light but smart — think canopy for shade, portable cooler, and gear you can clean up fast before heading to your seats.
NASCAR tailgating is all about high energy, big flavors, and even bigger camaraderie. Fans come for the race but stay for the experience — the sounds of the engines, the smell of the grills, and the shared love of the sport.
NASCAR Tailgating: Top 5 Tracks
No. 5 Darlington Raceway
Because we’re traditionalists, and we grew up just 90 miles away from Darlington Raceway, the Bojangles Southern 500 is a must. It’s hard to beat.
Labor Day weekend in Darlington, where great racing meets old-school southern hospitality. Locals get in on the NASCAR tailgating, renting out their front lawns for camping space or doing some tailgating themselves.
The track “Too Tough to Tame” has been a fixture on the circuit since 1950 and offers a variety of planned events, whether it’s the pre-race concert, celebrity autograph sessions, the family-friendly Raceway Rascals Clubs, or a break from the heat with a meal in the air-conditioned T4 Zone. Plus there’s plenty of free parking for those who are tailgating just for the day.
No. 4 Sonoma Raceway
NASCAR in wine country? It’s the toast of road tracks, where fans get even closer to the action.
You can tailgate along just about any turn or set up on a hillside to catch a breeze and take in the larger view. The course features 12 turns and 160 feet of change in elevation, giving both the racing and the setting such a different feel.
Between the hilly vantage points, gorgeous weather, and bubbly to spare, Sonoma is such a unique venue in NASCAR. Fans are as likely to be eating gourmet meals and drinking wine at their tailgates as they are throwing back beers and burgers. (Speaking of burgers… Try this donut bacon cheeseburger—a NASCAR fave!)
No. 3 Daytona International Raceway
Because it’s Daytona, the Super Bowl of NASCAR, and the most prestigious and storied race on the schedule. It’s also the first one of the season, which only adds to the excitement level.
The party atmosphere might be a little tamer than the old days, but the infield at Daytona—with new and improved views and Lake Lloyd on the backstretch—is still the place to be.
Family-friendly destinations nearby make Daytona an even bigger draw, giving you all the more reason to make the trek. Located within an hour’s drive of Daytona are Disney World, Sea World, and the Kennedy Space Center, not to mention all the beaches nearby
No. 2 Talladega Superspeedway
Not only is the racing some of the fastest you’ll see, but race weekend is also Mardi-Gras meets-NASCAR. Drivers ride floats and throw out colored beads during the “Big One on the Blvd” parade down Talladega Boulevard Friday night.
And that’s just the beginning of festivities that include barbecue sauce wrestling, Jell-O crawls, and a party that rages on until 7 a.m. the morning of the race.
Another perk of a 2.66-mile superspeedway is that all that wide open space means all the more room for RV tailgating, camping and ample free parking. There’s also “The Compound” an area designated exclusively for VIP tailgating. There’s a reason why race weekend in Talladega seems like its own holiday.
No. 1 Bristol Motor Speedway
This half-mile track built into the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee packs in 165,000 spectators, making it one of the loudest and most intense venues in NASCAR.
Given the short distance, speeds are lower, but with 40 cars packed in at the start, paint-swapping is inevitable. Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. The racing is some of the most intense in NASCAR, given the congestion, and given the setting, it’s also some of the loudest.
Wallace loves fanfest and the hauler parade, not to mention the intensity created by the varied loyalties of race fans there.
Looking for the perfect meal for your next NASCAR tailgate? Try this donut bacon cheeseburger.
Don’t run out of gas at the tailgate! Power up with these Monster cocktails.
