Ranking Top 10 Lengthiest NASCAR Tracks

Founded by the American businessman and racing driver Bill France Sr. in 1948, NASCAR is the ultimate racing event.

Established as a privately-owned company in 1948, NASCAR hosts various national series and events annually. It has authority over 100 tracks in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

NASCAR measures its track from the 15 feet point from the outside wall. Additionally, every racing venue has something unique apart from road courses, high-speed intermediates, half-mile bullrings, etc.

The venue’s lengths, courses, surface, configuration, etc., all add characteristics to the tracks. It raises the excitement and enjoyment of the whole sporting event.

On the top of our list is the king of tracks “Dega” constructed in 1969 on a former Anniston Air Force Base. It is 2.66 miles (4.281 km) the lengthiest and longest racetrack on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule.

Before diving into the details, let us take a summarized look at the ten lengthiest NASCAR tracks.

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Lengthiest NASCAR Tracks

10. Texas Motor Speedway

We will kick start this list with Texas Motor Speedway. It is a quad-oval-shaped speedway which is located in Texas, United States.

It was first opened in 1996, and for a short duration of construction, it was named Texas International Raceway.

Speedway Motorsports, INC owns Texas Motor Speedway. The track is the fastest non-restrictor plate track on the NASCAR circuit.

Texas Motor Speedway has been hosting many major events annually. The Speedway’s major events are the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and IndyCar Series.

The Speedway’s track layout resembles the Charlotte and Atlanta Motor Speedway. Its 1 and 2 turns have 20 degrees banking, while 3 and 4 have 24 degrees banking.

Texas Motor Speedway is the shortest track on this list, but it has hosted 41 NASCAR Cup Series since 1997. Additionally, it has been hosting two Cup Series per year since 2005.

9. Atlanta Motor Speedway

The next track in this list with a 1.54-mile race track in Georgia, Atlanta, the famous Atlanta Motor Speedway.

It’s one of the oldest racing tracks, with 24-degree turns and 5-degree straight banking. The race lap is 224.163 mph.

This venue was first inaugurated in 1960 and later bought by Speedway Motorsports in 1990. This venue was originally a 1.5-mile oval.

Then in 1997, it underwent significant renovations, and a quad-oval was added to the front stretch. After the renovation, the track became one of the fastest on the NASCAR circuit. It is the fastest track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway holds the most significant sporting events in Georgia. The venue holds NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and Atlanta Track Club.

8. Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway is located in Sonoma, California, United States. Although it was established as Sears Point Raceway in 1968, it was renamed a few times after a corporate sponsor.

In 1981, it was renamed Golden State International Raceway, and then, just after one year, it was named back to Sears Point Raceway.

Then in 2002, it was again named Infineon Raceway after Infineon Technologies. Then after the contract with the corporate expired, it was renamed Sonoma Raceway.

Over time, the track’s layout itself was also reconstructed. Initially, 2.52-mile Sonoma Raceway is now a 1.99-mile (3.203 km) winding, hilly road course.

However, many critics argue that Sonoma Raceway used to be NASCAR’s best road course until it was messed up by installing “The Chute.” In addition, the elevation and tight corners restrict the speed.

Despite these setbacks, Raceway is among the two road courses on the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the shorter one.

In addition, it has hosted various major events, such as NASCAR Cup Series and NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

It has also hosted historic motorsports festivals, namely IndyCar Series, AMA Superbike, and FIA World Touring Car Championship.

7. NextGen California

Another top NASCAR track for 2 miles is the D-shaped oval Speedway, the Next Gen California. It is located in Fontana, California. It was initially opened in 1997 as California Speedway.

The fans also call the Speedway “The AutoClub.” The International Speedway Corporation operates Auto Club Speedway. Since 1997, the Speedway has been hosting NASCAR racing annually.

The AutoClub has 14-degree turns, 11-degree front stretch, and 3-degree backstretch banking. It also has four courses: the interior test circuit, sports car course, motorcycle course, and drag strip.

The Speedway is home to the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and ChampCar Endurance Series. It has a seating capacity of 68,000. Additionally, it has 28 skyboxes which make the total seating capacity 122,000.

Although the track was once considered one of the essential new tracks for NASCAR, it has slowly lost its touch. As a result, it now only hosts the fifth race on the schedule.

Regardless, the Auto Club has seen some impressive track records. 

6. Michigan International Speedway

On our sixth number is the Michigan International Speedway located in the Irish Hills area of Brooklyn in Southeastern Michigan. The Speedway is a D-shaped oval structure. It is one of the largest sports arenas in the state.

Michigan International is one of the premier tracks on the NASCAR circuits. It opened in 1968 and was initially named the Michigan Speedway, operated by International Speedway Corporation.

International Speedway Corporation purchased the track in 1999 and renamed it Michigan International Speedway. According to the ISC’s 2018 annual report, the Speedway’s seating capacity is between 56,0000–137,243.

Michigan is one of the oldest 2-mile (3.2 km) NASCAR Sprint Cup venues. It has hosted major events like the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the ARCA MEanards Series.

The Speedway has wide and high banking turns. The turns are 18 degrees, the start/finish is 12 degrees, and the backstretch is 5 degrees.

Michigan International is a broad and fast track that makes for a great racing event. Because of its wide tracks, it keeps the number of cautions down.

5. Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International is located in Watkins Glen, New York. It is known as the home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix worldwide.

Watkins is a popular venue among fans and drivers; therefore is the center of attraction for North American road racing. Fans of the sport have nicknamed this track “The Glen.”

The track is 2.45-mile with a twisty, challenging road course where even the most experienced drivers can lose control. Formerly, it was named the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Circuit (1956-1971). Then in 1972, the track was renamed the Watkins Glen International Raceway.

NASCAR is operating the venue, with a seating capacity of 38,900. The Raceway has gone through several changes over the years.

It has five general layouts; however, only two distinct layouts are in use. They are the Boot layout (long course) and the NASCAR layout (short course).

The Glen has hosted many notable major events in its history, including The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Similarly, it has also hosted IndyCar Series, Formula One, and IMSA WeathersTech SportsCar Championship.

The track has one of the most challenging courses among the other tracks, and it will bring out the best in the driver. Drivers must work every inch of the 2.45-mile laps of this famous permanent circuit.

In addition, it has hosted music several concerts, including the 1973 Summer Jam, featuring The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, and The Band, which was attended by 600k fans.

4. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the iconic automobile racing circuit venue for all motorsports. It is located in Speedway, Indiana, and is nicknamed “The Brickyard.”

It is one of the largest sports venues in the world and the world’s third-oldest permanent automobile race track.

Indianapolis Motor’s length is 2.5 miles, and the structure is a rectangular, oval track. It is widely known as the home of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis 500. The Speedway was first opened in 1909.

The IMS, LLC, the subsidiary of Penske Entertainment Group, operates the venue. It has the highest seating among the sports venue in the world, with a capacity of 257,327. It has 9.2-degree turns and 0-degree straights.

Besides hosting Indianapolis 500, the venue hosts many other major events like GMR Grand Prix and the NASCAR Cup Series. Likewise, it also hosts NASCAR Xfinity Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge.

There is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Hall of Fame houses on the grounds of the Speedway. Therefore, this Speedway is one of the famous attractions in Indianapolis.

3. Pocono Raceway

Third on the list is the Pocono Raceway which is also 2.5 miles long. This Raceway is located in the Pocono Mountains in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

The Igdalsky and Mattioli families operate the track. The track was opened in 1971 and was named Pocono International Raceway initially.

The Raceway is nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle.” It is NASCAR’S oldest Speedway. Pocono has a unique triangular structure. Likewise, it has a challenging road course and length.

Apart from the challenging courses, this triangle-shaped track has three different corner lengths and banking.

Turn one has 14-degree banking, turn two has 8-degree banking, and the third and final turn has 6-degree banking.

Pocono has hosted many major events over the years, including NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, IndyCar Series, and the ARCA Menards Series.

2. Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway is our second pick for the lengthiest NASCAR track. It is located in Dayton Beach, Florida.

This Speedway was opened in 1959 and has held the Daytona 500 since the track’s opening. NASCAR operates it, and it has been hosting the most prestigious races in NASCAR.

Daytona is also known for being the World Center of Racing. This Speedway has various layouts: the NASCAR Tri-oval, Sports Car Course, NASCAR Road Course, and Motorcycle Course. It has a seating capacity between 101,500–167,785.

This race track hosts more racing events than any other racing track in the United States. It has hosted major events like the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Similarly, it has also hosted IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ARCA Menards Series, AMA Daytona SportBike, and the AMA Motocross.

1. Talladega Superspeedway

The number one on our top lengthiest NASCAR tracks is the king of tracks, which is 2.66 miles (4.281 km), the Talladega Superspeedway. Nicknamed “Dega,” it is located in Talladega, Alabama.

This tri-oval Superspeedway was constructed in 1969 on a former Anniston Air Force Base. It is the longest racetrack on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. 

Dega has a 175,000 seating capacity, and NASCAR operates it. Formerly, the track was known as the Alabama International Motor Speedway. It has 4 turns, tri-oval and back straight.

This track has hosted several events like NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series.

In addition, this Superspeedway is the track for the fastest qualifying lap and the fastest 500-mile NASCAR race.

Conclusion

The lengthiest NASCAR tracks offer a unique challenge for drivers and teams. These tracks demand the highest level of skill, endurance, and strategy to navigate successfully.

The long straightaways and high-speed corners test the limits of both man and machine. The thrill of racing on these mammoth tracks is unmatched, and the best NASCAR drivers have driven in them according to Sports Brief.

As the sport continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these tracks will shape the future of NASCAR racing.

Which one do you think is the most exciting track among these top 10 lengthiest NASCAR tracks?

Drop a comment below.