This is the Neon Garage, the most fan-friendly aspect of the speedway that plays host to Sunday’s Kobalt 400. In Friday’s rounds of practice and qualifying, thousands of fans mingled around the huge diamond-shaped expanse that features concession stands peddling souvenirs, food, and beer. In the middle, on a black stage under hazy 80-degree conditions, a cover band played a passable version of U2’s "Where the Streets Have No Name."
The Neon Garage provides unprecedented access to race teams and drivers, unique concession areas, live entertainment, and the Winner's Circle. Some have called it "NASCAR's Disneyland."