zMAX Dragway - A man riding a skateboard down a street under a bridge
1 / 10

zMAX Dragway

4.8
·2k reviews·Concord, United States

zMAX Dragway, 'The Bellagio of Drag Strips,' offers a premier 4-lane racing experience for NHRA events and more.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings during NHRA events

Nitro cars under the lights!

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
zMAX Dragway - A man riding a skateboard down a street under a bridge

zMAX Dragway

Best Time

Evenings during NHRA events

Nitro cars under the lights!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

zMAX Dragway, 'The Bellagio of Drag Strips,' offers a premier 4-lane racing experience for NHRA events and more.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"The zMAX Dragway is an amazing track and the 4 wide racing is a ton of fun to watch!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs

Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs!

🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler

Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

zMAX Dragway

Witness the thunderous spectacle of four dragsters racing side-by-side. Pure adrenaline and a unique racing format!

Top Fuel Dragsters

Top Fuel Dragsters

Starting Line

Experience the raw power of 11,000 horsepower machines as they blast down the strip in seconds.

Funny Cars

Funny Cars

Starting Line

Watch these iconic, nitro-fueled machines set track records and deliver thrilling passes.

Streetcar Takeover

Streetcar Takeover

zMAX Dragway

A vibrant event showcasing a wide array of modified street cars and intense drag racing action.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Ear Protection is Non-Negotiable

The roar of Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars at zMAX Dragway is deafening. Standard earplugs won't cut it; invest in high-quality ear muffs for a comfortable experience. Many attendees recommend this to avoid discomfort during races.Reddit

Pack Smart for Comfort

Bring your own cooler with snacks and drinks to save on expensive venue food. Sunscreen and comfortable seating cushions are also highly recommended for long race days. Consider your seating choice for the best view of the action.Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings during NHRA events
Why
Nitro cars under the lights!
Crowd
High
When
Saturday race days
Why
Full day of racing action
Crowd
High
When
During special events like Streetcar Takeover
Why
Diverse car culture and racing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check out the speed and teamwork utilized in a post run teardown by the #partsplus @summitracing #biohaven @fordperformance team for @nhra driver Clay Millican at ZMax Dragway. #topfueldragster #dragracing #stomponthatloudpedal
@rick.ware.racing
7.4K likes • 364.7K views

👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs

Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs! Reddit

🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler

Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey. Reddit

Haiden Deegan Figures out ZMax in one Lap! #supercross #motocross #supermotocross #bikes #racer
@cycledrag
1.5K likes • 31.9K views
John Force goes LOW, his CAREER BEST E.T.!!, and sets the NEW TRACK RECORD for zMAX DRAGWAY with a 3.820!! With this run his PEAK Chevy Camaro SS Funny Car also ties for the 10th lowest E.T. of all time!! Cheers to Friday Night Nitro Under the Lights! 🔥 🚦
jfr_racing
19.4K likes • 510.7K views

☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen

The sun can be intense. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Reddit

🪑 Bring Seat Cushions

Metal grandstand seats can get uncomfortable. Cushions make a big difference for long races. Reddit

¿Cuál es tu deportista favorito? Si eres amante de las motos y el deporte extremo este video es para ti. Pd: me fui con un sabor agridulce porque no pude ver todas las rondas, pero conocí a los deportistas más increíbles del motocross 😍 Pd: He dominado la técnica de la teletransportacion que enseñaba goku ahahah Para los que quieren ir a conocer a los pilotos: @jettson18 y @dangerboydeegan ...
angierorojas
1.5K likes • 28.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👂 Bring High-Quality Ear Muffs

Standard earplugs aren't enough for the nitro cars. Protect your hearing with good ear muffs! Reddit

🧊 Pack Your Own Cooler

Save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Venue food can be pricey. Reddit

☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen

The sun can be intense. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Reddit

🪑 Bring Seat Cushions

Metal grandstand seats can get uncomfortable. Cushions make a big difference for long races. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking & Shuttles

Parking is well-organized with clear signage and helpful shuttles to the track. Reddit

📸 Capture the Speed

Get ready for incredible photo opportunities of the fastest cars on earth. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise zMAX Dragway for its thrilling 4-wide racing and the sheer power of NHRA events. The facility is noted for its cleanliness, spacious pits, and well-organized parking. However, attendees strongly advise bringing high-quality ear protection and packing your own food and drinks due to high venue costs.

"Easy to get to. Not too far off the exit. Clear signs to and from. Parking attendance and police directing you where to go. $10 to park which was not bad at all. Plenty of parking and shuttles from parking lot to bring you up to the speedway. Recommend packing your own cooler. We didn't know we could and lunch was $38 for a small cup of French fries, a sausage dog with raw onions, and two waters! $10 for additional 2 waters after the fact later on. Also, bring really good ear muffs, not the cheap hearing protection. Trust me. Also don't skimp on the sun block. You'll thank me."

Metal Man

"Had a blast! Got there early, parking was easy, walked around. Food selections were great! Enjoyed watching! Will definitely be back!"

Becky Simpson

"Saturday April 26, 2025. A wonderful experience start to finish. The zMAX Dragway is an amazing track and the 4 wide racing is a ton of fun to watch but bring ear muffs, plugs just are not enough. The entire facility is extremely clean and well kept. Plenty of great parking. Very spacious pits makes getting around easy and enjoyable. Every seat is a good seat just depends on how close you want to be to the start or finish. There are 2 tunnels that connect each side. Grand stand seating has backs and are large enough for a small cooler but metal seats are not comfortable after a while so bring cushions."

Daryl Wiggins

What People Like

Exciting 4-wide racing
Powerful NHRA events
Clean and spacious facility

What People Dislike

Expensive venue food
Extremely loud noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

zMAX Dragway is located at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. It's easily accessible via I-85. Clear signage directs you from the exit to the venue and parking areas. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available. Attendees report it's well-organized with clear directions and shuttles to the track entrance. Parking fees are typically around $10. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, ride-sharing services are generally a viable option for events at large venues like zMAX Dragway. Confirm drop-off/pick-up points with your service.

Follow the signs for zMAX Dragway. The venue is part of the larger Charlotte Motor Speedway complex, and clear directional signage is provided for attendees. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to zMAX Dragway are limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services are the most common methods of arrival.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for zMAX Dragway events, including NHRA races, can be purchased through the official zMAX Dragway website, Charlotte Motor Speedway channels, and authorized ticket vendors. Look for 'zMAX Dragway tickets' or 'NHRA zMAX tickets' online. TikTok

Ticket prices vary depending on the event and seating location. For NHRA events, expect prices to range from general admission to premium seating. 'zMAX Dragway discount tickets' might be available through promotions.

It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for major NHRA events like the 4-Wide Nationals, to secure your preferred seats and avoid potential sell-outs. TikTok

You can find the 'zMAX Dragway schedule' and 'zMAX Dragway events' on their official website. This includes NHRA schedules and other special events. TikTok

Yes, for the 'zMAX 4 Wide' events, various seating options are available, from general admission to grandstand seats. 'zMAX 4 wide tickets' can be purchased in advance. TikTok

🎫 🏎️ Onsite Experience

The 'best seats at zMAX Dragway' depend on your preference. Some enjoy being close to the start line for the initial roar, while others prefer the finish line for the speed. Many seats offer good views, and the pits are also spacious and enjoyable to explore. Reddit

The 'zMAX 4 wide' racing is an exhilarating spectacle where four nitro-powered cars launch simultaneously. It's a unique and intense experience that many find thrilling. TikTok

Yes, the pits at zMAX Dragway are generally spacious and accessible, allowing visitors to get up close to the race cars and teams. This is a highlight for many attendees. Reddit

Besides NHRA events, zMAX Dragway hosts other motorsports like autocross,TikTok Supercross,TikTok and special car shows like Streetcar Takeover. Check the 'zMAX Dragway events' for a full list. TikTok

Yes, zMAX Dragway can be a fun experience for families, especially during NHRA events. However, the extreme noise levels require adequate ear protection for children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food selections at zMAX Dragway can be great, but can also be expensive. Expect typical concession fare like hot dogs and fries. Bringing your own cooler with snacks and drinks is a popular money-saving tip. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to pack your own cooler with food and drinks to save money. This is a common practice among attendees. Reddit

Food prices at zMAX Dragway can be high. One reviewer noted paying $38 for a small meal and two waters. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, standard concession stands often have basic vegetarian choices like fries or salads. It's best to check with the venue directly or pack your own if you have strict dietary needs.

Alcoholic beverages are typically available for purchase at major sporting venues like zMAX Dragway. Please drink responsibly.

📸 📸 Photography

The starting line offers dramatic shots of the launch, while the finish line captures the speed. The pits provide opportunities for close-ups of the cars and teams. Instagram

Generally, professional camera equipment (like DSLRs with large lenses) may have restrictions. Check the specific event's policy, but smaller cameras and phone photography are usually permitted. Instagram

Expect to capture incredible action shots of dragsters and funny cars, close-ups of engines and tires, and the overall atmosphere of a high-octane racing event. Instagram

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Consider panning with the cars for a sense of motion. The evening races under the lights offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

Daytime offers bright conditions, but the evening races under the lights provide dramatic lighting. Be prepared for both bright sun and artificial lighting scenarios. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

zMAX Dragway can be an exciting outing for families, but the extreme noise levels are a significant factor. Ensure all children have high-quality ear protection (ear muffs are strongly recommended over earplugs) for the duration of the nitro car races. Reddit The spacious pits offer a chance for kids to see the race cars up close, which can be a highlight. Consider bringing a small cooler with kid-friendly snacks and drinks to manage costs and picky eaters. Reddit

While the main drag racing can be intense, events like the Streetcar Takeover might offer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere with a wider variety of vehicles to admire. Check the specific event schedule for family-friendly activities or entertainment. Remember to pack sunscreen and comfortable seating for everyone.

💰 Budget Travelers

To make your visit to zMAX Dragway more budget-friendly, pack your own cooler filled with snacks and beverages. Venue food and drinks can be quite expensive, so this is a key money-saving tip. Reddit Look for 'zMAX Dragway discount tickets' or consider general admission seating if available, as these are typically the most affordable options. Reddit While parking has a fee, it's generally considered reasonable. Reddit Consider carpooling with friends to split parking costs.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

zMAX Dragway offers incredible opportunities for motorsports photography. Focus on capturing the raw power of the Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars with fast shutter speeds to freeze the action. Instagram The evening races under the lights provide dramatic lighting conditions for unique shots. TikTok Don't forget to explore the spacious pits for close-up details of the cars and teams. Reddit Be aware of any camera restrictions for professional equipment and always check the event's specific policies.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of 4-Wide Racing

zMAX Dragway is renowned for its unique four-lane drag strip, a feature that amplifies the excitement of NHRA events. This setup allows for four Top Fuel dragsters or Funny Cars to race simultaneously, creating an unparalleled spectacle of speed and sound. The sheer intensity of seeing multiple nitro-burning machines launching side-by-side is a core reason many fans flock to this venue. TikTokInstagram

The 'zMAX 4 wide' format is not just about more cars; it's about a heightened sensory experience. The noise is amplified, the visual impact is doubled, and the competition feels even more fierce. It's a testament to the engineering and bravery of the drivers and teams involved, pushing the limits of what's possible in drag racing. TikTok

Attending an event featuring this configuration is a must for any drag racing enthusiast. It's a signature experience that sets zMAX Dragway apart and provides unforgettable moments for spectators. TikTok

NHRA at zMAX Dragway: A Premier Destination

zMAX Dragway, often referred to as 'The Bellagio of Drag Strips,' is a premier venue for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). It hosts major events like the NHRA Carolina Nationals and the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, drawing top drivers and massive crowds. The facility is known for its state-of-the-art four-lane track, which allows for unprecedented racing action. TikTokInstagram+1

Fans can expect to see the thunderous power of Top Fuel dragsters, the iconic Funny Cars, and competitive Pro Stock classes. Drivers like Brittany Force and John Force have set records here, showcasing the track's capabilities and the drivers' skill. The atmosphere during NHRA events is electric, filled with the smell of nitromethane and the roar of engines. Instagram+2

Beyond the main NHRA series, zMAX Dragway also hosts other racing disciplines and events, demonstrating its versatility. Whether you're a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer, experiencing an NHRA event at zMAX Dragway is a bucket-list item for motorsports enthusiasts. TikTok+1

Beyond the Races: Other Events and Experiences

While zMAX Dragway is primarily known for its high-octane drag racing events, it also hosts a variety of other motorsports and entertainment. Autocross events, where drivers navigate a challenging course, have been held here, showcasing different driving skills. TikTok Supercross events have also utilized the venue, demonstrating its adaptability for various racing formats. TikTok

The dragstrip also serves as a venue for enthusiast gatherings like the Streetcar Takeover, which brings together a diverse range of modified vehicles and their owners for a day of racing and car culture appreciation. TikTok These events offer a different, often more community-focused, vibe compared to the professional NHRA races. TikTok

Furthermore, zMAX Dragway has been a location for music festivals, such as the Breakaway Music Festival, featuring popular DJs and artists. This highlights the venue's capacity to host large-scale entertainment beyond just motorsports, making it a versatile entertainment hub in the Charlotte area. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2