You can watch real car racing at several types of venues, from local grassroots tracks to world-famous international circuits. The best place for you depends on the kind of racing experience you're seeking, your budget, and your location. For premier, high-profile events, look to major FIA-sanctioned series like Formula 1, IMSA, and NASCAR, which race at dedicated, large-scale road courses and ovals. For a more accessible and frequent option, your local short track or drag strip offers exciting grassroots racing. Major metropolitan areas also often host street races, creating a unique urban festival atmosphere.
Major Racing Series and Their Premier U.S. Venues
| Racing Series | Example U.S. Venue (Location) | Typical Event Frequency | Approximate Starting Ticket Cost (General Admission) |
|---|
| NASCAR Cup Series | Daytona International Speedway (Florida) | Multiple events per year | $50 - $90 |
| Formula 1 | Circuit of the Americas (Texas) | Annual | $200 - $400 |
| IndyCar Series | Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indiana) | Annual (Indy 500) | $40 - $100 |
| IMSA SportsCar Championship | Road Atlanta (Georgia) | Annual | $60 - $120 |
| NHRA Drag Racing | zMAX Dragway (North Carolina) | Multiple events per year | $40 - $80 |
| Local Short Track Racing | Your regional dirt or asphalt oval | Weekly (Spring-Fall) | $15 - $25 |
To get started, search for "[Your State] road course" or "drag strip near me." Websites for the major series list their full season schedules with links to purchase tickets directly. For the local scene, check social media pages for tracks, as they post weekly schedules. The experience varies greatly; a massive F1 race is a multi-day spectacle, while a Saturday night at a short track is a pure, affordable dose of racing action. Many fans find that starting with a local event is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture without a huge investment.
