Coastal Plains Raceway is the go-to drag strip for gearheads in the Jacksonville, NC area and beyond. Located just outside of town, it offers a dedicated space for drag racing events of all kinds. If you're looking for a place to test your car's limits in a controlled environment or just enjoy the thrill of high-speed competition, this is it. Expect a no-frills experience focused on the racing itself, with standard concessions available to keep you fueled up throughout the day. While specific event schedules vary, you can typically find a range of competitions from local amateur nights to more organized races. Coastal Plains Raceway is a great spot for both seasoned racers and those new to the sport. It's a place where you can see some seriously fast cars and bikes without the hype and inflated prices often associated with larger venues. If you're a resident of Onslow County or just passing through and have a passion for drag racing, it's worth checking out what's happening on the track.
Watch: Coastal Plains Raceway
Know Before You Go
- Test & tune nights
- Most strips run open 'test and tune' or 'run what ya brung' sessions for $20-40 entry. Make as many passes as time allows — perfect for street cars and bracket prep.
- Required gear
- A helmet is required once you run faster than 13.99 in the quarter-mile (or 9.99 in the eighth). Anything quicker than 11.49 typically requires a roll bar and SFI gear.
- Tech inspection
- Cars go through a basic safety check: battery hold-down, throttle return, seatbelt condition, tire condition. Faster cars need NHRA tech and current chassis cert.
- Bracket racing
- Saturday-night bracket programs pit dial-in handicap races. You declare your ET, race against a 'pro tree,' and closer to your dial without going under wins.
- Timeslip souvenir
- Most tracks print your ET, trap speed, reaction time, and 60-foot on a timeslip after each pass — a fun keepsake even if you're just there to mess around.