Is NASCAR Finally Fixing Fans’ Biggest Race-Weekend Lodging Problem With Airbnb?

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For years, NASCAR fans attending races at iconic tracks like Darlington Raceway and Martinsville Speedway have dealt with the same frustrating issue: finding a place to stay.

Now, NASCAR’s new partnership with Airbnb could finally offer a long-term solution.

Starting from the 2027 season, Airbnb will become the official lodging sponsor for five NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports venues, integrating rental listings directly into the track websites. The agreement includes Darlington, Martinsville, Talladega, Bristol, and North Wilkesboro, all tracks that are in smaller or rural markets where hotel availability has historically been limited.

The partnership could have a real impact for fans who have struggled with lodging for decades.

A Long-Standing NASCAR Fan Complaint

Unlike many other sports, lots of NASCAR’s most historic venues are located in small towns with limited tourism infrastructure.

Darlington Raceway in South Carolina is one of the clearest examples. Race weekends bring massive crowds into an area with few hotel rooms nearby. Fans have often been forced to book accommodations far from the track, pay inflated hotel prices, or rely on camping as one of the only practical options. Martinsville and North Wilkesboro have faced similar issues.

Fans have regularly complained online about:

• Hotel price spikes during race weekends
• Limited nearby lodging choices
• Long commutes to the racetrack
• Difficulty finding accommodations for families or large groups
• The need to reserve rooms months in advance

For many travelers, the lodging situation became one of the most stressful parts of planning a NASCAR trip.

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