Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Top Destinations for Racing Fans

by Jack Shaw
The World's Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Racing is a global sport with many varieties, which means there are many attractions for racing enthusiasts. The many experiences that went into building each racing hub created unique cultures around the event worldwide. Thus, you have dozens of museums, auto auctions, historic tracks and marquee racing events to choose from.

Whether you’re a NASCAR fan from the rural United States or a Formula 1 fan from a major European metropolis, you need to add these travel destinations to your bucket list. You’ll get to experience your favorite sport from a new perspective.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

abu dhabi - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

The first destination on the list is Abu Dhabi — a recent addition to the Formula 1 Grand Prix schedule in 2009. The Yas Marina Circuit serves as the season finale event, providing a perfect setting for dramatic finishes. Spectators can even book rooms right next to the track. The 2023 and 2024 races aren’t at risk of cancellation given the conflicts in neighboring countries, so racing fans can book a trip with confidence.

Other nearby spots include the Ferrari World Theme Park and numerous off-roading clubs. 4WD and ATV off-road desert driving are popular tourist attractions year-round because the climate remains largely the same. After exploring the dunes on guided tours, you can camp out under the sky and witness the brightest stars you’ve ever seen.

In terms of lodging, Abu Dhabi is renowned for its luxurious and convenient hotel locations with access to leisure and business activities. Since the desert surrounds the city, everything worth seeing and doing is a short drive away in the various urban districts. Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world, so you don’t have to worry about navigating downtown by yourself.

Barcelona, Spain

barcelona - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top travel destinations because of its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and classical architecture. It’s also a prime spot for racing fans, hosting the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with Formula 1 annually. The all-rounder track hosts various other races throughout the year, including winter testing sessions for new vehicles.

Racing fans will also appreciate the pleasant year-round climate and affordable ticket prices. Barcelona might be expensive in terms of food and lodging, but racing events are open to all budgets. There are also several automobile museums, including the Antic Car Club of Catalunya, Musea Moto and the Fernando Alonso Museum.

When you’re done exploring the racing events, Barcelona has plenty of other things to do. You could enjoy one of the many public beaches, sample food at local markets, go sailing or catch a performance at the Palacio del Flamenco. The hotels here have a wide variety of green certifications, demonstrating the city’s commitment to sustainability.

Daytona Beach, Florida

daytona beach  - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Your first destination in the United States should be Daytona Beach — home of the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500. It’s the most-watched racing event in the country every year. The NASCAR Cup Series always begins at Daytona in mid-February, making it one of the few sports to have its biggest event first instead of last.

Daytona hosts an endless series of racing events, including go-karts, supercross, and sportscar races. The car culture is so strong here that Daytona has earned the nickname “World Center of Racing,” but that’s not the only reason you should visit this tropical paradise on Florida’s east coast.

Daytona Beach is also a classic American beach town, featuring 23 miles of white-sand shores with warm water and calm waves. Sailing, fishing, jet skiing and other water activities are available to tourists year-round. You have numerous oceanfront hotel options to choose from that fit all budgets.

Charlotte, North Carolina

charlotte

If you travel a few hours north of Daytona, you’ll arrive in another racing hotspot near the East Coast — Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which has a variety of exhibits all racing fans can enjoy. The most popular section is the newly renovated Glory Road section displaying 19 famous cars and 40 miniature race tracks.

The Hall of Fame also features 50 interactive displays that allow visitors to drive on different tracks and experience the pit crew’s point of view. In total, you can explore four floors and about 1,000 artifacts from NASCAR’s 75-year history. Even if stock car racing isn’t your first love, you’ll quickly become a fan after exploring this place.

Charlotte has one of the biggest airports on the East Coast, so there are plenty of affordable hotels in the area. They won’t be as luxurious as the hotels in Abu Dhabi or Barcelona, but they’re in convenient locations and provide all the travel essentials. The city also has amusement parks, museums and a growing nightlife scene to entertain you.

Francorchamps, Belgium

francorchamps

Belgium’s racing history goes back more than 100 years with the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in the small town of the same name. This circuit is surrounded by dense woodlands of the Ardennes countryside, providing stunning views and thrilling action at every turn. The Eau Rouge/Raidillon and Pouhon corners are particularly intense.

The Belgian Grand Prix has been a mainstay in Formula 1 since 1925, attracting fans from across Europe. Its convenient location allows UK, French and German travelers to reach the circuit in just a few hours. Some people even cross the English Channel and enter Belgium through the port of Calais just to see the historic event.

Your best bet to find eco-friendly lodging is in the larger city of Liege about an hour away. Although there are a handful of hotels in the Spa-Francorchamps area, they’re almost always booked because of the popular skiing resorts nearby. There’s 24/7 public transport from Liege to Spa, so you don’t have to worry about missing the race.

Indianapolis, Indiana

indianapolis - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

The next stop in the United States is the midwestern city of Indianapolis, Indiana. While the Daytona 500 might be more popular overall, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has the largest venue capacity worldwide. It has a permanent seat capacity of 257,325 and can accommodate up to 400,000 people with additional infield seating.

With attendance numbers this large, the Indianapolis 500 is the greatest racing spectacle. All racing events at IMS get an intensity boost from the stadium’s larger-than-life atmosphere. It’s the primary location for the IndyCar Series, which is the largest open-wheel racing league in North America.

After experiencing the track, you should visit the Dallara IndyCar Factory and other state museums to learn more about Indianapolis’ rich history. This city isn’t the biggest tourist attraction in the Midwest — that title goes to Chicago — but it has many family-friendly hotels downtown.

Le Mans, France

le mans

All racing fans are familiar with Le Mans and the famous 24-hour Circuit de la Sarthe in northwestern France. This historic location hosted the first-ever Grand Prix in 1901, which covered 700 miles and set the standard for future events. It was the premiere racing event for much of the 20th century, giving global attention to names like Ford, Ferrari and McLaren.

The world’s greatest endurance race usually happens in early June, but Le Mans has other year-round attractions. Visitors can take simulated rides on the famous track or do amateur go-karting on numerous surrounding courses. The nearby Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also an excellent spot for racing history buffs.

Speaking of history, Le Mans is full of artifacts and historical sites going back to ancient Rome. The Cathedral of St. Julian, the Royal Abbey of Epau and Museum de Tesse are just a few examples of this area’s rich history. Although motorsports is the main attraction, don’t forget to explore the other sights in this unique part of the world.

The Circuit de la Sarthe is in the city’s southern outskirts and the seats fill up quickly on race day. Also, the French don’t appreciate tourists, so you need to plan your trip thoroughly to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes.

Los Angeles, California

los angeles - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

California is the epicenter of classic car culture in the United States. Although the state has introduced some vehicle emissions laws that restrict classic car driving, you can still find many vintage models roaming the streets on a Sunday afternoon. Los Angeles is the best place to go if you want to experience this culture firsthand.

Regarding racing events, Los Angeles hosts NASCAR’s annual Busch Light Clash at The LA Memorial Coliseum — dubbed the “greatest stadium in the world.” This exhibition event takes place in early February before the season, but drivers take it seriously and use it as a warm-up for the Daytona 500 later in the month.

Los Angeles is also home to the Petersen Automotive Museum, which has one of the world’s largest vehicle collections. Visitors can see 300 cars, trucks and bikes from the mid to late 20th century. The Petersen Vault is the main attraction, consisting of 250 rare and iconic classic vehicles that tell a concise history of the automobile.

Thanks to California’s commitment to sustainability, travelers can find many Green Key Global-certified hotels in the greater Los Angeles area. If you want to hit all the above attractions and enjoy the good weather, try to book a hotel in the western part of the city near the coast.

Macau

macau - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Macau is a small autonomous region in southern China, earning the nickname “Las Vegas of Asia” thanks to its racing and gambling attractions. The biggest event is the Macau Grand Prix at the Guia Circuit. This type of race is known as a “street circuit” because the track runs directly through the city instead of a stadium or speedway.

The Guia Circuit is notorious for its tight corners and bumpy straights, posing a great challenge for the younger drivers in Formula 3. Formula 3 is the third tier of open-wheel racing that serves as a minor league for Formula 1. Many future superstars first gained global attention here, including Charles LeClerc, Michael Schumaker and the late Ayrton Senna.

Macau has a strong European influence — especially Portuguese and Italian — so the atmosphere is quite different from other Southeast Asian countries. The most highly coveted hotel is the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel on Main Street, which is luxurious and eco-friendly. Even if your trip is a few months out, you should book a room as soon as possible.

Monaco

monaco

Monaco is an independent city-state nestled between France and Italy along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great travel destination for any occasion, but it’s especially attractive in late May when the Monaco Grand Prix comes to town. This race is arguably the most prestigious event in Formula 1, making up the “Triple Crown” of racing along with Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.

The Circuit de Monaco is another “street circuit” that goes right through the Monte Carlo neighborhood of the city. The circuit includes a long stretch along the coastline that makes for some fantastic pictures. There are no run-off areas on the track, leaving drivers almost no room for error.

Aside from the main attraction, Monaco is a tourist’s heaven. The native language is French, but the small country draws influence from many European cultures. You can enjoy the diverse cuisine, explore the scenic beaches and stay at one of the many five-star Monte Carlo hotels in ideal locations.

Monza, Italy

monza, Top Destinations for Racing Fans

If you travel about four hours northeast from Monaco, you’ll reach another European racing hotspot — Monza, Italy. Monza is home to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which is among the oldest Formula 1 circuits in the world. The track’s long straights have allowed many drivers to reach their all-time top speeds, earning it the nickname “Temple of Speed.”

Monza is also right next to Milan — one of the top tourist destinations in Europe year in and year out. The fashion capital of the world is known for its luxurious shops and restaurants, as well as the classical architecture that makes Italy so romantic. The most popular area is the Lake District, which includes four major lakes and numerous smaller lakes with waterfront rentals.

If you can’t book one of these waterfront properties, Milan is also home to hundreds of quality hotels. They all have four-star ratings or better, and are conveniently near the city’s main airport or public transportation stops. Wherever you stay, you should have no trouble getting around the Milan-Monza area quickly and affordably.

Melbourne, Australia

melbourne -

The next stop on the list is down under in Melbourne — home of the Australian Grand Prix. This event turns the Albert Park Lake area into a racing fan’s paradise for two weeks in late March and early April. It’s taken place at dozens of venues with corresponding attractions over the years, creating a strong racing culture throughout the city as a result.

The Australian Grand Prix is yet another street circuit, providing an up-close viewing experience and guaranteeing high-level racing. Just like the other street circuits in Monaco and Macau, every corner is sharp and there’s little room for error. There seems to be a dramatic finish or controversial moment in the race every year.

As a coastal city, Melbourne has many waterfront hotels and rentals with a wide range of amenities. All the top listings are located near exciting attractions, as Melbourne has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. There’s a concert, play or other unique performance seemingly every weekend.

Nürburg, Germany

nurburg - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

Germany has one of the richest automobile histories in the world and the city of Nürburg is a big reason for that. Here, you’ll find the legendary Nürburging Nordschleife — or “Green Hell” — which features 154 tight corners and more than 21 kilometers of intense racing. The German Grand Prix is a 24-hour affair just like Le Mans, pushing drivers to their limits.

There unfortunately hasn’t been a German Grand Prix in the last few years due to failed contract negotiations. Despite this setback, Nürburg hosts many other racing events, including rally car races, endurance series and motor shows. There’s always something car-related going on around the circuit.

Nürburg is in a relatively rural part of Germany, so lodging options are limited. However, it’s within a comfortable driving distance from several larger cities, including Koblenz and Frankfurt. The country is small enough for travelers to experience all the major cities in one trip, so Nürburg could be just one stop on your journey.

São Paulo, Brazil

sao paulo - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

São Paulo is the only location in South America on this list, but it’s a great representation of the continent’s racing culture. Here, you’ll find the Autódromo José Carlos Pace — better known as Interlagos — one of the oldest circuits on the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The track’s banked corners and elevation changes make it one of the most challenging races in the world.

The race-day experience at Interlagos is unmatched. Although Formula 1 doesn’t have a Brazilian driver, the locals create a carnival-like atmosphere with food stands, games and other attractions surrounding the stadium. Their efforts have been rewarded, as Interlagos has culminated in some amazing finishes over the years.

São Paulo is a massive city, so there are plenty of hotels near the business and entertainment districts with affordable rates. Just be sure to steer clear of the outskirts of the city. Fortunately for you, the area’s unique geography provides many scenic drives that will get you anywhere you need to go.

Towcester, England

towchester

The United Kingdom’s premier racing venue — the famous Silverstone Circuit, with a capacity of 150,000 — is in Towcester, England. The British Grand Prix is one of the oldest races on the Formula 1 schedule, taking place every year since 1948. The former World War II airfield provides the perfect landscape for high-speed racing and spectating without obstruction.

Silverstone also hosted the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, which shows how much prestige the track had right from the start. The best place to watch races is the Club Corner grandstand, which provides a view of the final stretch, pitlanes and podiums. If you want a spot in Club Corner, you must get your tickets as soon as possible.

For lodging, your best bet is to look for hotels in the Northampton area instead of downtown Towcester. Bookings fill up fast in the weeks preceding big racing weekends. Northampton is one of the region’s busiest shopping hubs, so you should have no problem keeping yourself busy when you’re not at Silverstone.

Suzuka, Japan

suzuka - Top Destinations for Racing Fans

The final spot on this list of travel destinations takes you to Suzuka, Japan. The Suzuka International Racing Course has a figure-eight layout with snake-like curves and a range of sharp corners. It has been the perfect scene for dramatic moments such as the Senna-Prost collision of 1989 that inflamed the greatest rivalry in F1 history.

Suzuka hosts many other annual racing events, including Group GT3 and endurance motorcycle races. The atmosphere is always family-friendly — larger events even have amusement park rides, go-karts, food stands and other attractions. This experience is everything you could want in a motorsports destination.

The Suzuka Circuit is conveniently nestled between Nagoya and Osaka, so many lodging options are available. Osaka has a greater number of Green Engage-certified hotels with four and five-star ratings, so start your search there. Either way, a high-speed bullet train will get you to Suzuka in two hours or less.

Get a Taste of the Global Motorsports Experience

Now, you have read our list of the top destinations for racing fans. Racing fans who truly love the sport need to get a taste of the global motorsports experience. One of the best things about it is how it can connect people from diverse backgrounds. Every fan can relate to the feeling of driving at high speeds, no matter where you come from. To experience another facet of the sport, consider traveling to one of these exciting stops for racing fans.

There are so many historic tracks and cities that you probably can’t visit them all in one lifetime, but these destinations are great places to begin. Start making plans for your next trip ASAP so you don’t miss out on the biggest races of the year!

Author Bio

Jack Shaw has spent the last five years writing freelance and seeing as much of the world as he can. He has a distinct love of traveling and exploring new cultures. Writings about his experiences can be found on Modded, The Travel Magazine, Duluth Pack and more.

You may also like

Skip to content