Motorsports seem to be everywhere these days, thanks in part to Formula 1’s rise in popularity. In fact, I can’t open social media without seeing drivers and circuits from various motorsports popping up on my For You Page (not that I’m complaining). If you’re like me and hooked on all things F1 but want to explore other high-speed racing in motorsports, keep reading.
I’ve rounded up eight of the best motorsports events for racing fans, from unique races, destinations built around racing, and even a few options where you can get behind the wheel of a supercar. And even better, all of these options are in the United States, so they are a short flight or drive away from most major cities.
Unique Races Worth Attending
FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana
Dates: February 25-27, 2027
One of the most thrilling races in the United States is one you might not have heard of: the FAT Ice Race. The event features modern and historic cars racing on a frozen track at Big Sky’s Moonlight Basin. Even better, you can enter your own car, as long as it’s a certified head-turner, to take to the track for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Outside the actual races, the vibe of the event is mostly casual and fun, with drinks flowing, the resident DJ playing feel-good tunes, and folks chatting with one another between rounds of cars taking to the icy field.
MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States
Dates: TBA for 2027
If you think Formula 1 is daring, then you’re in for a real treat with MotoGP. Bikes can reach top speeds of over 223 miles per hour, but riders are skimming just inches above the pavement around corners, making for a truly thrilling race. Next year, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States will take place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas (official dates are not available as of publication). While activations for next year’s race haven’t been announced, in the past, fans have been able to do everything from test-riding bikes and watching stunt shows to participating in driver Q&A sessions.
Similarly to F1, there are plenty of ticket options, including general admission and guaranteed seats in the Grandstand. There are also hospitality options that include everything from lounge access and pit lane walks to paddock tours and team garage access.
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida
Dates: Spring 2027
Every spring, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes over the downtown area of the Florida beach town for the first race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 1.8-mile circuit allows drivers to reach speeds of 180 miles per hour through downtown streets. Cars will race past iconic St. Petersburg landmarks like The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, The Dalí Museum, and even onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport.
What makes this race so fun is that it feels more like a waterfront festival than a traditional race. While details of the 2027 race haven’t been announced as of publishing, some of the exciting offerings of the 2026 race included a 5k on the track and the free INDYCAR Party in the Park, where race cars are displayed, driver appearances, live music and more.
I particularly love how affordable tickets are for entry. In 2026, tickets started at just $30 for Friday general admission, and reserved seats started at $110 for single-day seats. Hopefully, the 2027 prices are similar. You can keep track of next year’s ticket info by signing up for email alerts from the race.
Motorsports Destinations To Plan a Trip Around
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Did you know that every single Corvette in the world is made in Bowling Green, Kentucky? Because of this, the city is a top motorsports destination to plan a trip around, especially for sports car enthusiasts. Start with a tour of the National Corvette Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of the iconic car. And if you time your visit right for summer or early fall, you may even have the chance to step inside the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant to watch a car come to life.
After your tour, head over to NCM Motorsports Park, where you can sit behind the wheel of a curated selection of Corvettes and Camaros and take to the track. While participating in touring laps, you’ll get to drive four laps around the track with a pro driver to give you pointers along the way.
Naples, Florida
Car enthusiasts looking for a weekend filled with incredible cars will want to block out February 4 through February 7, 2027, for one of Florida’s most prestigious automotive events: Cars on 5th. The car show transforms Naples ’ Fifth Avenue South into a showcase of more than 750 cars, from luxury and classic vehicles to one-of-a-kind custom builds. Throughout the weekend, there are plenty of exclusive events, too, including receptions with rare cars in a private jet hangar, a charity rally, and more.
Besides the once-a-year car show, Naples is also home to the Revs Institute, a beautiful car museum where you can view more than 120 historically significant vehicles. What makes this museum unique is that many of the cars are displayed without barriers, so you can get up close to see the craftsmanship and design. Some of the cars in the collection include a 1988 Arrows A10B Formula 1 car, a 1995 McLaren F1, and a 1909 Ford Model T Touring.
Charlotte, North Carolina
NASCAR fans will want to hit the open road to Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, motorsports fans can get in on the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway, home to the longest NASCAR race and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you really want a full look at the track, you can book one of the Speedway Tours, where you’ll hop in a van to ride around the track and visit the garage, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track and Winner’s Circle all while learning the history of the iconic racing venue. Inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame & Museum, you can learn about NASCAR’s history and even test your own car skills with racing simulators and a Pit Crew Challenge.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Adrenaline junkies can participate in a variety of on-track driving experiences, from a NASCAR ride-along with a pro racing instructor at the wheel to a full 40-minute driving session where you drive five back-to-back eight-minute sessions with pit stops.
When it’s time for something calmer, take a tour of the team shops to see where cars are built and worked on throughout the year. Garage Pass Shop Tours offers packages so you can visit multiple teams in the same day. Some team shop options include Joe Gibbs Racing, JR Motorsports, and Team Penske.
Feel The Thrill Behind The Wheel
Wide Open Wednesdays at Brainerd International Raceway
Dates: May 6 to September 23, 2026
If you’ve ever wanted to feel the thrill of drag racing yourself, Brainerd International Raceway gives everyone that chance each summer with its Wide Open Wednesdays. During the summer from May 6 through September 23, 2026, anyone can enter their street-legal vehicles into drag races, drifting sessions, and autocross courses. Even better, entry is only $35 per racer. If you simply want to watch others participate, spectator tickets are just $10.
Daytona International Speedway NASCAR Racing Experience
One of the most iconic racing venues in the world is the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. While it’s always fun to attend a race here, motorsports fans can also get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car with a NASCAR Racing Experience. What makes this so thrilling is that you’re in complete control since there’s no lead car or instructor riding with you, and you can pass the slower cars as you race around the track.
The driving experience ranges from five to 48 minutes of track time, the latter of which may be better for those who want the true experience of their favorite driver. This is only offered on select days throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before booking.
