5 Best American Race Tracks

The United States of America is home to a rich depth of car culture. Whether it’s the NASCAR Cup Series, F1 racing, or even Monster Trucks, you can’t tell the history of America without mentioning cars in some capacity.

With that being said, in honor of the 64th running of Daytona 500 taking place this weekend, we decided to get together and rank the 5 best American race tracks of all time.

Did your favorite make the cut? Make sure you read on to find out. 

Daytona International Speedway, Florida

Daytona is as American as apple pie, the bald eagle, and pure, unfettered capitalism itself. 

There’s so much to love about it, not least its pedigree for hosting motorcar racing over the years. 

While its oval circuit is better known to most people as the holder of the prestigious NASCAR opener, the Daytona International Speedway also hosts the Rolex 24 hour endurance race, one leg of the classic triple crown of endurance. 

It’s also the featured track in Tom Cruise’s 1980s Days of Thunder, which is more of a personal reason for affection at RVP than a significant reason to be included on this list.

But still, If you’re looking for the best American race tracks, Daytona is definitely not a bad place to start.

Circuit of Americas, Austin

The Circuit of Americas, or COTA for short, is a jack of all trades when it comes to entertainment, rather than just a straight-up race track.

In that sense, it’s similar to Daytona. It’s not just a circuit; it’s more of an American cultural icon. 

Most readers will know it as the home of Formula 1 racing in the U.S.A, but it also hosts events for the X Games, MotoGP, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, to name but a few.

Furthermore, it doubles up as a music venue in its Austin350 Amphitheater. We can’t think of much more American than the smell of asphalt and the sound of classic music.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, California

We can’t think of many race tracks that feature such an iconic and well-loved turn as Laguna Seca Raceway’s ominously named “The Corkscrew.”

It’s the pinnacle of a track that features eleven turns and enough elevation change to make your stomach turn.

Despite being a thrilling race track and a host to a range of motorsport events, from F1 to superbike racing, it’s also been host to many famous non-car events over the years.

From Grateful Dead concerts to mass with the Pope. Yeah, this track’s got some pretty rich history.

Sebring International Raceway, Florida

Yet another endurance masterpiece, Sebring has a reputation of being one of the more punishing race tracks around.

So much so, in fact, that teams often use it to prepare for the ultimate endurance test, Le Mans. 

A lot of Sebring’s mystique comes from its origins as a converted airfield. It almost doesn’t look like a race track until you see the cars rolling around.

Ultimately though, it is a race track – and a ferocious one at that. Respect the bumps, ladies and gentlemen.

Road America, Wisconsin

We round off our list with a rub of the old school. Road America is one of those race tracks you just have to experience.

Situated slap bang in the middle of nowhere, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a little unremarkable. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Packed full of old-school American charm, elevation changes, fast and sweeping turns that’ll lift you off your feet. 

Road America is a bonafide piece of American motor history.

If you’re looking for a neat gift or even just something for yourself, you can find a number of the above tracks for sale as framed art in the Rear View Prints shop. Purchasing our art is simple, and an excellent way to pay tribute to some of these legendary American race tracks.

Until next time folks, keep it locked to Rear View Prints.