Superspeedway

A superspeedway is an oval-shaped race track that measures at least two miles in length, designed for high-speed motorsport competition.

These massive racing circuits are the giants of the motorsport world, where drivers can reach incredible speeds that would be impossible on shorter tracks. The long straightaways and wide racing surfaces give cars plenty of room to build up speed and create exciting racing action.

What makes superspeedways unique is their size and design. Unlike shorter tracks where drivers might reach speeds of 100-150 mph, superspeedways allow race cars to hit speeds well over 200 mph. The tracks are also much wider than typical racing circuits, giving drivers multiple racing lines and more opportunities to pass other cars.

Safety is a major concern at superspeedways due to the extreme speeds involved. Many of these tracks use special devices called restrictor plates or tapered spacers that limit how much power the engines can produce. This keeps speeds more manageable and creates closer, more competitive racing where large groups of cars race together in what's called "pack racing."

Fuel strategy becomes critical at superspeedways because the longer track length means cars use more fuel per lap. Racing teams must carefully calculate when to make pit stops for fuel and tires, as running out of gas during a race can be disastrous.

The most famous superspeedways include Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, both known for their intense NASCAR races. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, is another iconic superspeedway. Other examples include Michigan International Speedway and Pocono Raceway.

While the term superspeedway is most commonly used in NASCAR racing, it can apply to any oval track over two miles long, regardless of which racing series competes there.