With Hurricane Helene approaching, Charlotte Motor Speedway is stepping up by opening its campgrounds to those evacuating from the storm.
Situated in North Carolina, the Speedway is offering this shelter free of charge for evacuees fleeing the dangerous Category 4 hurricane.
The campgrounds will remain open as long as necessary, providing a safe space amidst the hurricane’s powerful winds, currently at 140 mph.
The official announcement states:
“As we prepare for next month’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend, Charlotte Motor Speedway will begin accepting evacuees at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, offering refuge from Hurricane Helene, which threatens the Southeast with strong winds and heavy rain.”
David Jensen/Getty Images
“The speedway’s campgrounds are easily accessible, just minutes from Exit 49 (Bruton Smith Boulevard) off Interstate 85.
“We will provide accommodations for as long as possible during this severe weather event.
“Evacuees should check in at the Camping World Racing Resort office (6600 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC 28027), located at the entrance to zMAX Dragway, starting Wednesday. If arriving after hours, please park near the camping office and check in during regular hours. Evacuees will have access to restrooms on the speedway grounds. Any questions can be directed to the camping office at 704-455-4445.”
This initiative, led by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and the Smith family, continues the Speedway’s tradition of aiding those affected by natural disasters.
Hurricane Helene is the eighth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and is expected to hit near Perry, Florida, prompting evacuations in the area.
These events come just ahead of the weekend’s racing at Kansas Speedway, which features the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series.
NASCAR Kansas Speedway Schedule
Friday, September 27
1:10 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Practice
2:10 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Qualifying
3:30 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Practice
4 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Qualifying
5:30 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Reese’s 150
8:30 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Kubota Tractor 200
Saturday, September 28
11:05 AM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Practice
11:35 AM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Qualifying
1:05 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice
1:45 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying
4 PM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Kansas Lottery 300
Sunday, September 29
3 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET