NASCAR Returns to the Oval in Concord This Weekend: Your Guide to Oct. 9 to 11
The fall playoff race is off the Roval and back on the oval for the first time in eight years. Here's the schedule, what tickets cost for families, and how to plan around the traffic.
NASCAR's fall playoff weekend returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord this Friday through Sunday, and this year it looks different. After eight straight years on the Roval, the twisting road course that runs through the infield, the Cup Series race is back on the speedway's 1.5 mile oval, according to the speedway.
That means a new name, too. The Sunday race is now the Bank of America 400, so if you see "Roval 400" on a ticket resale site, that listing is out of date.
Here's what's happening each day, what it costs, and how to plan around the traffic.
Friday, Oct. 9: Trucks and a tribute
Parking lots open at 9 a.m. and the Fan Zone opens at noon, per the official weekend schedule. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs the Ecosave 200 at 5 p.m.
Later that night, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., the speedway hosts a public celebration of life for Kyle Busch on the frontstretch. The two time Cup Series champion died in May at age 41, WBTV reported. The event is free and open to everyone, and the speedway says it will include guest speakers, ten of his race cars on display, and a drone show. Enter through Gate 4 or Gate 5B.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Qualifying and the O'Reilly race
Lots open at 8 a.m. and the Fan Zone at 11 a.m. Cup Series practice starts at 1 p.m., and Cup qualifying follows at 2:05 p.m., so Saturday is a good look at Sunday's field. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the green flag in the Blue Cross NC 300 at 4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11: Race day
The Bank of America 400 starts at 3 p.m. Here's how the day builds:
- 8 a.m.: Parking lots open
- 9 a.m.: Fan Zone opens
- 11 a.m. to noon: Tim Dugger plays the Cracker Barrel Stage in the Fan Zone
- Noon: Gates open
- 1 to 2 p.m.: Tyler Hubbard performs on the pre race stage
- 2:35 p.m.: Driver introductions
- 3 p.m.: Green flag
If you want to be close to the stage for the Hubbard set, you'll need a Track Pass, sold as part of a race day bundle or ticket combo, according to the speedway's entertainment page. The Fan Zone also hosts driver Q&As starting at noon.
What tickets cost for families
The speedway's kids pricing is one of the better deals in local sports. Cup Series tickets cost $10 for kids 12 and under with a ticketed adult, and kids get in free for the Friday and Saturday races. Every guest still needs a ticket to get through the gate, regardless of age.
College students with a valid school email can sit in the Turn 4 Sun Deck for $25 plus taxes and fees. Tickets for all three days are sold through the speedway's ticket page, and prices are subject to North Carolina sales tax.
Parking and traffic
Give yourself extra time. The roads around the track, including Highway 29 and Bruton Smith Boulevard, carry most race traffic. The speedway's closest premium lot is already sold out, though Bronze reserved parking near Gate 3 was still available when we checked, and general admission parking can be reserved ahead of time on the parking page. The speedway does not list prices on that page, so check before you buy.
A free option nearby
Not ready to buy a race ticket? The NASCAR Youth Series runs all three days at zMAX Dragway, next to the speedway, with free admission and free parking for that event, per the speedway.
Before you go
The speedway notes its schedule is subject to change. Confirm times, gates, and parking with Charlotte Motor Speedway before you head to Concord.
Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.
