Epic Texas Road Racing Events to Attend
rgbRandomizer, 2017 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Start, CC BY-SA 2.0
Texas offers thrilling motorsports experiences year-round. You can catch a NASCAR triple-header weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, test your limits at the Big Bend Open Road Race, or enjoy MotoAmerica Superbikes at Circuit of the Americas. Don’t miss USRA/USMTS-style Modified racing at Heart O’ Texas Speedway or the impressive custom vehicles at major rod & custom shows across the state. Each event delivers unique racing action and automotive culture you’ll want to experience firsthand.
NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend at Texas Motor Speedway
Three days of high-octane racing action roll into Fort Worth when NASCAR brings its national-series weekend to Texas Motor Speedway. You’ll typically see the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series across consecutive days of intense competition. Race patterns on the 1.5-mile oval often hinge on restarts, tire falloff, and pit strategy, so even a “comfortable lead” can disappear fast. Texas Motor Speedway weekends sometimes add extra attractions at the Dirt Track (including touring dirt series), giving fans more racing beyond the main grandstands. Broadcast partners and start times vary by season, so it’s best to check the current event schedule and TV listings before you go.The Challenging Big Bend Open Road Race Experience
View this post on Instagram
When adventure-seeking drivers converge on West Texas each spring and fall, they’re participating in one of the most famous open-road events in the state. The Big Bend Open Road Race (BBORR) runs on a closed, timed stretch of U.S. Highway 285 between Fort Stockton and Sanderson, turning the desert into a high-speed proving ground. Vehicle classes range from street-oriented entries to faster competition groups, and mandatory safety/tech inspections help keep the event controlled despite the speeds. You’ll experience long straightaways and demanding sections that reward stability and precision, with the added reality of remote conditions and wildlife that make West Texas racing feel one-of-a-kind.
MotoAmerica Superbikes Racing at Circuit of The Americas
Royalbroil, Superbike 11 Chris Fillmore leaning Road America 2015, CC BY-SA 4.0
The roar of engines and the rhythm of rapid-fire cornering come alive when MotoAmerica hits COTA in Austin. COTA’s main circuit is a 3.426-mile road course, built for big moments—hard braking zones, fast direction changes, and long straights that let superbikes stretch their legs. MotoAmerica weekends are especially fun for fans who like access and atmosphere, since many motorcycle events build in opportunities to get closer to the paddock and support races throughout the schedule. Dates, ticket rules, and perks (like youth admissions) change, so confirm the current year’s event details before planning your trip.
USRA and USMTS Modified Series at Heart O' Texas Speedway
View this post on Instagram
Just north of Waco, Heart O’ Texas Speedway turns into a dirt-slinging battleground when Modified racing takes center stage. The venue is widely known as a high-banked 1/4-mile clay oval, and it regularly hosts major touring nights where the racing is tight, physical, and full of slide-jobs. You’ll see experienced regional drivers plus traveling standouts chasing points, prizes, and bragging rights on a surface that can change dramatically as the night progresses. Gates, start times, and series appearances vary by date, but the experience stays consistent: loud, fast, and close enough to feel every lap.
Car Culture Celebrations: Rod & Custom Shows Across Texas
While track events deliver pure competition, Texas also offers a huge automotive culture scene through rod and custom shows. You’ll find show fields packed with meticulously restored classics, wild custom fabrication, and period-correct builds at major gatherings like Goodguys events and Austin’s long-running hot rod celebrations. Larger shows can feature everything from judged awards to swap-meets and vendor rows, while smaller community events keep it local with cruise-ins, benefit shows, and relaxed “talk shop” energy. These weekends increasingly blend cars with music, food, and family-friendly activities, turning a simple show into an all-day Texas hangout built around horsepower and craft.
