Hundreds of Thousands of Fans Bring Millions
in Economic Impact During 10 Greatest Days in Racing
Thousands of fans will make their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway and millions more will tune in during the 10 Greatest Days in Racing, highlighted by the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600.
Photo – CMS/HHP
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.
“In the next two weeks, hundreds of thousands of fans will attend race events at the speedway, enjoy Food Lion Speed Street and visit area race shops and the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “The motorsports month of May brings a worldwide spotlight to Charlotte and a high-octane boost to tourism that may be unmatched anywhere in the country.”
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. In 2012, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race was the most-viewed telecast on SPEED. The following week on FOX, the Coca-Cola 600 won the night on primetime broadcast television among all viewers, kids 2-17 and males 18-34. In total, May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway drew more than 15 million domestic viewers in 2012.
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.
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). Weekend ticket packages for either the Sprint All-Star Race or the Coca-Cola 600 start at just $99.
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