ZMax DRAGSTRIP at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Client: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI)

Location: Concord, NC

25,000 seat stadium with two grandstand structures and 32,000 s.f. control tower building

THE ASSIGNMENT: SMI wanted to create the best-in-industry facility for NHRA drag racing events while establishing a new iconic image which would raise the profile and public’s awareness of the sport and its dynamic nature.

THE SOLUTION: aiDG conceived, designed, documented and oversaw the construction of this project in just nine months time. The building design incorporates monumental, curving screens of perforated stainless steel, supported on angled steel trusses, invoking the hand-crafted nature of the customized vehicles racing on the strip. 

The control building incorporates high-tech race control functions on the ground with direct views of the strip, two levels of fully catered VIP suites and a roof top terrace for outdoor event viewing. 

The main West Grandstand, with 13,000 seats, is served by concession, souvenir and restroom amenity buildings on both the ground level concourse and elevated mezzanine. The East Grandstand, with 12,000 seats, is served by ground level amenity buildings. Seventeen single-story VIP suites of various sizes, with both interior and exterior seating, are located above the main grandstand with full service catering. 

A 27-acre paved competitor pit area is provided directly behind the main grandstand allowing for full fan access to drivers and teams. The ZMax facility is the first and only existing, four-lane paved drag racing surface and has two separate pedestrian tunnels under the race surface for ease of fan circulation.