Race fans gear up for NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Race fans are setting up camp at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for 10 days of NASCAR thunder.

Year after year, die-hard race fans never miss any of the action at the Speedway.

"The speed, the sound, the smell. It’s all different when you're here and you actually get to see it," fan Chris Coltman said.

Fans have set up a small town of RVs and tents.

"If you come in here in a million dollar motor home or if you have a tent, when you shut it off or unzip the tent, everybody's the same," fan Harry Wiley said.

The All-Star race will be one of the last times fans get to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. race on his home track.

His retirement announcement is still raw for many.

"I was shocked when I heard it. I’m still rooting for him, always will," fan Ted Boffelli said.

The Speedway said they'll honor Junior's career during the race.

A number 88 will be painted on the infield and there will be a special tribute video for fans.

Junior won the All-Star race as a rookie and he said the Coca-Cola 600 is the one race he'd like to win this year.

Officials said the track is even a part of Junior's childhood.

"He likes to tell stories about playing matchbox cars with his buddies in the infield as a little boy when his dad was racing here. So, I know it would mean a lot for him to get a big win here," Charlotte Motor Speedway official Scott Cooper said.

The speedway couldn't comment on ticket sales, but officials said they're ahead of pace compared to 2016.

Officials said the weather is helping drive attendance.

They’re expecting fans from all over the country and drivers from as far away as Australia to race over the next week.

They said the Junior hype is also helping.

The action on the track starts Thursday with some practice runs.

If anyone misses Junior this week, he'll be back in Charlotte in October.

Cox Media Group