Get Ready for the Big Race with Bing Maps

Memorial Day weekend, and the unofficial beginning of summer, is right around the corner. In addition to picnics and hanging out by the pool, a lot of people will be tuning in to watch their favorite motorsports on television. NASCAR is holding its longest race, the Coca-Cola 600, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina and perhaps one of racing’s most prestigious races, the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, is being held for the 73^rd time. If you’re a race fan, Bing Maps imagery offers a unique perspective on these storied tracks.

More than Just Ovals

Most of NASCAR’s annual race schedule takes place on tracks generically described as ovals, like this at Martinsville Speedway:

Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, VA on Bing Maps

In fact, though, many of the tracks are a bit more complex. Some, like Darlington Raceway, are somewhat asymmetric. Others, like Chicagoland Speedway, are known as “tri-oval” (there are “quad-ovals”, too) because a slight kink gives the front straightaway a slightly triangular shape:

Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL on Bing Maps

A few, like Watkins Glen International, are road courses—tracks that wind through numerous left and right turns:

Watkins Glen International Raceway in Watkins Glen, NY on Bing Maps

Flying and Driving

A few race tracks are located very near airports, making it easy to attend if you happen to have your own private jet. For example, at Daytona International Speedway it looks like just a short walk from the terminal to the track:

Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL on Windows 10 Preview Maps App

Another famous raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, was actually built on the old Anniston Air Force Base, which is evident by the decommissioned runways that actually lay inside the track:

Talladega Superspeedway and Municipal Airport in Talladega, AL on Bing Maps

Multiuse Facilities

Modern race tracks represent a massive investment and even hosting a high-profile NASCAR event isn’t enough to pay the bills. As such, venue operators typically design their facilities so that other types of racing, from rallycross to GT3 to numerous other SCCA events. Often these “race tracks within a race track” can be seen snaking in the infield, like this example at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV on Windows 10 Preview Maps App

And beyond just auto racing, tracks are great venues for large events like beer festivals, extreme obstacle competitions and flea markets.

Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or a casual television viewer, be sure to check out your favorite race course on Bing Maps.

Got feedback? Leave a comment here and tell us what you think or let us know on Twitter (@BingMaps).

Mike Gilbert

Principal Lead Program

Manager Bing Maps

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